What Is Intrathecal Drug Delivery?
Often referred to as a “pain pump,” intrathecal drug delivery is a medical device developed by Medtronic. A pain pump is small enough to be implanted in the abdomen, to delivering pain medication directly to the spinal cord. By delivering medication directly to the spinal cord, This method is up to 300 times more effective than oral medication. This treatment is typically used for patients that have experienced success with oral medication; however, they are no longer able to control their pain, solely with oral medication.
What Does Intrathecal Drug Delivery Treat?
This drug delivery system helps treat chronic pain by slowly releasing medication directly into the spinal cord over an extended period of time. Because the device works 24/7, pain relief is more consistent and effective. It can also be programmed throughout the day to meet the needs of each patient.
How Does the Procedure Work?
A patient will lay on their side and receive general anesthesia to prevent them from feeling pain and discomfort. Two incisions will be made, one on the lower back, and one on the abdomen. A spinal catheter is inserted through the lower back, and connected to the pump device located in the abdomen, that delivers medicine to the spine.
Patients will stay in the recovery room to be monitored after the procedure, and another person will be required to drive them home. There may be feelings of discomfort and limited movement, but should be gone within 24 hours. Any activities that put strain on the spine should be avoided for up to 6 weeks after the procedure.
The physician will be able to adjust medication received through the pain pump, based on the feedback of the patient on what they need.
The physician can adjust the amount of dosage received based on the needs of each patient. Every few months, the medicine will need to be replaced. The battery will need to be replaced every 5-7 years. A physician will empty the pump with a needle inserted through the skin and refill it with medication.
What are the Risks?
The minimally-invasive Intrathecal Drug Delivery procedure is considered to be low risk; however, the device can malfunction, the catheter can move out of place or become blocked, which may result in an underdose or overdose. Additionally, all surgeries have risks such as infection or blood loss.
Benefits of Intrathecal Drug Delivery
Unlike oral medication, patients experience very few side effects or none at all, because the medicine is delivered directly to the spinal cord instead of through the stomach. Another added benefit is less frequent trips to the pharmacy since it needs to be refilled every few months.
According to research conducted by Metrodonic, patients reported reduced pain after receiving the targeted drug delivery:
- 51% of patients completely eliminated other opioids at 12 months.
- 87% of patients rated their quality of life as fair to excellent.
- 90% of patients would recommend therapy to a family member or friend.
For more information about intrathecal drug delivery, visit the Medtronic website.