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Intrathecal Pump Implant
An intrathecal pump implant, also known as a spinal drug delivery system, is a medical device that delivers medication directly into the intrathecal space around the spinal cord. This method of drug delivery is used to manage severe chronic pain or spasticity when other treatments have been ineffective.
This is a device put inside your body to relieve long-lasting pain. It sends medicine into an area around your spinal cord. We call this the “intrathecal space.” The medicine blocks pain signals. It can work even when other treatments don’t.
Here’s how an intrathecal pump implant typically works:
Implantation: The device consists of a small pump that is surgically implanted under the skin in the abdomen or buttock area. The pump is connected to a catheter, which is inserted into the intrathecal space around the spinal cord. The catheter is carefully threaded through the spinal canal to ensure precise delivery of medication.
Medication: The pump is filled with medication, typically an opioid pain medication such as morphine or a muscle relaxant medication such as baclofen. These medications are delivered in very small doses directly to the spinal cord, where they can provide targeted pain relief or muscle relaxation with fewer side effects compared to oral medications.
Programming: The pump is programmed by a healthcare provider to deliver the medication at a specific rate and dosage tailored to the individual patient’s needs. The programming can be adjusted as needed to optimize pain relief or spasticity management.
Refills: The pump has a reservoir that needs to be refilled periodically, usually every few weeks to months, depending on the medication and dosage. Refills are performed by a healthcare provider using a specialized needle and syringe to access the pump reservoir through the skin.
Often used for conditions such as:
- Chronic pain syndromes, including failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and neuropathic pain.
- Severe spasticity associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.
Intrathecal pump therapy can offer several advantages over oral medications, including:
- More effective pain relief or spasticity management with lower doses of medication.
- Fewer side effects, as the medication is delivered directly to the spinal cord and bypasses the digestive system.
- Improved quality of life and functional ability for patients with severe chronic pain or spasticity.
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