Intrathecal drug delivery systems have become more popular recently to manage pain when less invasive treatment methods cannot replace traditional surgery. But does this work? And more importantly, how does it work? This article has all the answers you need regarding the intrathecal medication delivery method. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org. to schedule an appointment with us.
How does the Intrathecal Drug Delivery System work?
To make the intrathecal drug delivery system work, the doctor attaches the parts of the intrathecal pump to your body through a surgical procedure. The procedure is as follows:
- Your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to insert into the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord.
- An extension catheter then attaches to the catheter in the intrathecal space and goes around the torso.
- The extension catheter then attaches to the pump, a round device that is around 1 inch thick and 3 inches long. The pump is implanted under the skin of your abdomen. Your surgeon will attach the pump to deliver a measured dose of medication directly to the intrathecal space at specific times.
- Inside the pump there is a hollow, refillable reservoir that holds the medication. When the reservoir is empty, it can be refilled with an injection.
- A personal therapy manager (PTM) device helps you to get an extra dose if you need it. The doctor will program the PTM with the correct dosage amount for you to use safely on your own. This device runs on two AA batteries. So, make sure you change the batteries of the device when you use it.
What is the pump refill procedure?
According to FDA regulations, pumps need to be refilled every 6 months, but the interval varies between weekly for non-cancer pain up to every 6 months in stable, chronic pain patients. To refill a pump, different ways are used. Sometimes sterile precautions are needed to refill a pump by using a fill port with a needle and the template provided with the refill kit. The port may be located with the help of fluoroscopy, or a type of X-ray, or ultrasound. The clinician needs to empty the remaining volume from the pump and verify that the volume equals the amount that was needed, based on the information given by the device programmer.
How to prepare and what to expect during the Intrathecal Drug Delivery System procedure?
To prepare for IDD therapy, you need to first discuss with your medical team which pump is good for you and plan the surgery date. Before the procedure, you may undergo some tests, like a blood test or an EKG, to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo the operation. You are advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery. You can consult your doctor if you need to stop taking some medications before the procedure.
During the procedure, in the first step you might be given general anesthesia to make you fall asleep during the procedure. The surgeon shaves the areas on your back and belly where the device parts will be implanted. The surgeon then makes a small incision in the skin of the lower back over the spine and exposes the bone around the portion of the spinal cord where the catheter will be inserted. The surgeon inserts the catheter into the intrathecal space and places the stitches to hold it in place. The surgeon creates a tunnel around your torso to place the extension catheter under the skin. It’s like an extension cord, where an extension catheter is used to link the catheter into the intrathecal space to the pump, which will be placed under the skin of your abdomen. After forming a pocket under the abdominal skin, the surgeon places a disk-shaped pump into the pocket and attaches the extension catheter to it. The surgeon sometimes secures the pump in place by stitching it to the fascia (a layer of strong connective tissue that covers the abdominal muscles). Then the surgeon will close the incisions and bandage the areas.
After the procedure, you will be shifted to the observation room to monitor your vitality. Most patients are sent home on the same day. You may experience some swelling or pain at the surgical site, which gets better over time. Your doctor will instruct you on how to remove the bandages and shower, and things to avoid to make your wounds heal faster.
Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems are used to deliver medicine directly into your spine to relieve pain. Typically, it is recommended when other conservative treatments fail to give relief. While it is effective for pain relief, you need to discuss the medicine used in this therapy and the risks of this surgical procedure to know whether it is a good choice for you or not.
Need help with managing chronic pain? Visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!! If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Visit Doral Health & Wellness Pain Relief Department in Brooklyn, to get professional help and guidance on how to manage your problem. Call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get a consultation. If you need help learning coping methods, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Log on to www.doralhw.org. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
