Intrathecal Pump Print>
What is it?
An intrathecal pump is a device surgically implanted into the abdomen or back that delivers pain medication through a catheter directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord (the intrathecal space).
Before an intrathecal pump is implanted, a trial is done to see if you respond well to this method of pain medication delivery. During this trial, a temporary catheter is placed in the intrathecal space. Pain medications are then delivered through the catheter. You are monitored overnight in a hospital setting and you give feedback on your pain control and any side effects. If you do well with the trial, you are a candidate for implantation. If you choose to proceed, implantation will be scheduled at a subsequent visit, not during the same hospitalization as your trial.
What are the expected results?
Pain medications delivered into the spinal canal have a much stronger effect than pain medicines taken by mouth. Therefore, much smaller doses can be given with an intrathecal pump, providing strong pain relief while potentially reducing or eliminating side effects. After implantation, it may take a few months to find the dose and combination of medication that is right for you.
How long will it take?
It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the implantation surgery. You are then monitored overnight in the hospital and discharged the next day.
What to expect the day of your procedure
You will be instructed to arrive at the hospital at least two hours before your procedure is scheduled. Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to your procedure. Please take your regularly scheduled blood pressure, heart, asthma, long-acting narcotic and nerve pain medications with sips of water as you normally would. If you have diabetes, take half of your normal dosage and bring your insulin with you. Be sure to discontinue aspirin products and any other blood thinners as instructed.
After you arrive, you will be asked to sign-in and complete any paperwork as needed. You will then be taken to the preoperative area. At this time, a nurse will ask you some medical questions and have you sign your consent forms. It is imperative that you, the patient, inform the assistant of any changes in your history and/or physical, such as a recent flu or any health problems that might affect your procedure. Inform the staff of any allergies, especially to Betadine or Iodine.
You will be asked to change into a gown. An assistant will take your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation. An IV will be ordered by your physician. You may be given an IV antibiotic.
The anesthesiologist, physician, and nurse will talk to you before your procedure. You will then be positioned and the injection site will be cleaned. The procedure will be performed under monitored anesthesia care, meaning an anesthesiologist will have you under anesthesia for the procedure. The pain management physician will perform the procedure. Afterwards, the cleaning solution will be washed off and bandages will be applied as needed.
You will be transported to the recovery room area where you will be monitored anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. You will then be taken to your room and kept overnight. Before you leave the next day, someone will take out your IV and help you get dressed if needed. Lastly, you will be given discharge instructions for your care at home.
