Intrathecal pump is one of the most advanced pain management techniques in which a small device is implanted under the skin by minor surgery. It is done under local anesthesia. From this device fixed amount of medicine is delivered directly into the spinal fluid which minimizes the side effects often experienced with larger oral doses of the same medications.

There are two varieties of pumps, one is battery-operated which can be controlled through an external device and the other one is the fixed-dose pump where the flow rate is fixed.

The therapy is most useful in the management of cancer pain. But it can be used in other types of chronic pain associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, brain injury, and cerebral palsy. It is also used to treat spasticity or muscle rigidity.

Effectiveness Of Intrathecal Pump

The most important advantage of this pump is that the medicine is delivered directly into the spinal fluid which reduces any significant side effects. As a result, a patient experiences a reduction in pain and an improvement in activities of daily living.

Complications

A malfunction of the pump or catheter can lead to therapy failure. It is therefore important to get the procedure done by a specialist only. Also, when the medicine inside the pump is finished it needs to be refilled, which again lasts up to 80 days.