Our Procedure

Intrathecal pump implantation, also known as a pain pump implant, is a surgical procedure for delivering pain medication directly to the fluid surrounding your spinal cord.

This procedure is typically considered for chronic pain or cancer pain that hasn't responded well to other treatments like medications, physical therapy, or surgery. It's best suited for people with a life expectancy of at least 3 months. A trial placement is often done before permanent implantation to ensure the medication and pump are effective for your specific pain.

Intrathecal pump implantation involves two parts:

Trial placement:outpatient procedure assesses if the pump will manage your pain. Under local anesthesia and sedation, a doctor inserts a thin catheter (flexible tube) into the intrathecal space (around your spinal cord) using a needle guided by X-rays. Medication is injected through the catheter to see if it provides pain relief. If effective, a temporary pump is connected externally to the catheter for a few days, allowing you to experience continuous medication delivery and monitor pain levels.

Permanent implantation (if trial is successful):on the trial results, you might opt for a permanent implant. This is done under general anesthesia. The doctor inserts a permanent catheter into the intrathecal space and tunnels it under the skin to the abdomen or buttocks. A refillable pump containing pain medication is implanted in this pocket. The catheter connects to the pump, delivering medication in programmed doses. The pump can also be refilled through the skin using a needle in a doctor's office.

1. Catheter: This thin, flexible tube delivers medication to the intrathecal space.

2. Intrathecal pump: This implanted device stores and delivers medication according to programmed settings.

3. Needle: Used to refill the medication reservoir in the pump.

Following surgery, you'll be monitored for a few hours before going home. You might experience some soreness or discomfort at the implant sites, which can be managed with medication. You'll receive instructions on caring for the implant sites and refilling the pump (if applicable).

Intrathecal pump implantation is a long-term solution, requiring regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor the pump, refill medication (if not refillable), and adjust settings as needed.