Learn About
Intrathecal Pump Implant
Overview
Intrathecal Pump Implant
The Intrathecal Pump Implant, also known as the Morphine Spinal Pump, is a treatment option for patients suffering from severe chronic pain who failed other forms of treatment. It is especially beneficial for patients who are unable to tolerate the effects of oral narcotics (pills) and/or no longer receive pain relief from their medication. The intrathecal space is an area in the spine where spinal fluid flows around the spinal cord, the spinal cord being the “power line” that sends pain signals from the body to the brain. When narcotics are introduced into the intrathecal space, the medication goes directly to the site where pain signals travel. The pump, which is about the size of a hockey puck, is surgically implanted into the abdomen. By connecting a catheter from the pump to the precise location in the spine where the pain is, medication (usually morphine) is pumped directly into the spinal fluid.
The medication, which is delivered around the clock, has a much stronger effect than if taken by mouth. Thus, less medication is required and better pain relief is achieved with fewer side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, and constipation. The amount of medication delivered is adjusted in response to changes in level of pain. By placing a radiofrequency transmitter wand over the skin on top of the pump site, the pump is re-programmed to deliver a new dose. Refilling the pump is a simple procedure done in the doctor’s office. A small needle attached to a tube is placed into the pump through the skin. The medication is injected through the needle into the pump. Depending on the amount of medication used, the pump is refilled every one to three months.
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Procedure Details
Will you be asleep for the procedure? Depending on circumstances, the doctor may elect to put you to sleep, use spinal anesthesia, or just use numbing medicine. You will be adequately sedated and comfortable. How long will the procedure take? Normally, the intrathecal pump implant will take one hour or longer.
Procedure Overview
The intrathecal pump is a two-stage process.
Stage 1 – The Trial: The first stage or trial is an outpatient procedure. The doctor injects morphine into the intrathecal space to determine how effective the medication is in relieving your pain and how well you tolerate it. After several hours of monitoring you are discharged to home, providing there are no significant side effects. Depending on your condition, the doctor may decide to admit you to the hospital for two to three days to do a more intense trial. A temporary catheter is inserted and a continuous flow of morphine is started and increased until you experience significant pain relief or significant side effects. If either trial is successful in relieving your pain, then a permanent pump is implanted.
Stage 2 – The Implant: The intrathecal pump implant is performed in the operating room under strict sterile conditions. When brought to the operating room, you will be connected to monitoring equipment (EKG monitor, blood pressure cuff, and a blood-oxygen monitoring device). The doctor or nurse will start an intravenous line and give some medicine to help you relax. You may also receive an antibiotic. The procedure is performed with you lying on your side. With the assistance of s special X-ray machine called a fluoroscope, the doctor will insert the intrathecal catheter through a small incision in your back. The doctor will then create a pocket under the skin in the right or left abdomen and insert the programmable pump. The catheter is maneuvered from the back, underneath the skin to the abdomen where it is connected to the pump.
Both incisions are then closed with sutures. The pump is filled with medication and immediately programmed. You will be monitored in the recovery area for about one hour and then transferred to a room for overnight observation. If there are no signs of problems, you will be discharged the following day.