Managing chronic pain and spasticity requires sophisticated solutions that go beyond traditional medication delivery methods.
An intrathecal pump, also known as a pain pump, is a device that is surgically implanted into the abdomen to deliver medication directly to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. They represent a breakthrough in targeted drug delivery, offering patients precise treatment while maintaining their quality of life through quick and effective pain relief.
How do intrathecal pumps work?
An intrathecal pump system consists of 2 parts: a pump and a catheter. The pump contains a reservoir that is filled with medication, the catheter connects the pump directly to the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the intrathecal space around the spinal cord. The pump itself is a small, programmable device implanted under the skin in the abdominal area. It is programmed to release specific amounts of medication at scheduled times, ensuring consistent and effective treatment.
By bypassing the digestive system and the blood-brain barrier, intrathecal pumps are able to achieve better pain relief outcomes with significantly lower medication doses when compared to oral or subcutaneous alternatives.
Once a pump is implanted its reservoir must be refilled regularly, the time between refills can vary from every few weeks to every 6 months and is based on medications, dosage, and pump size. Pump refills usually take ~30 minutes. During the procedure the skin around the pump is cleaned, a sterile needle is placed through the skin into the pump and the pump is drained before being refilled with the new compounded medication. For programmable pumps, the program is updated with a handheld computer. The next refill date is established once the fill is complete.
Are implantable pumps for me?
Intrathecal infusions are designed for the management of chronic pain. This covers individuals that are living with a variety of conditions, including:
- Spasticity, implantable pumps can be used to reduce the muscle stiffness and spasms that result from conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy.
- Neuropathic pain, targeted drug delivery can assist in treating conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome, post-herpetic neuralgia, and diabetic neuropathy.
- Chronic back pain from conditions including failed back surgery, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
The advantages of implanted pumps
Intrathecal infusions offer some distinct advantages over oral alternatives:
- Direct delivery to the CSF means lower medication doses are needed, reducing the risk of systemic side effects.
- Programmable pumps ensure that medication delivery is consistent and controlled throughout the day.
- Reduction in risk of medication interactions compared to oral medications.
- Greater control over treatment, medication, and dosage can be tailored to individual patient needs.
Our dedicated team of over 250 clinicians understand that each patient's needs are unique. Whether managing chronic pain or treating severe spasticity, we work with each patient's physician to assist with tailoring the pump dosing and programming to meet the patient's therapy goals.
What are the risks of implantable pumps?
While intrathecal infusions are generally safe and produce effective results, there are some
potential risks to be aware of:
- As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, or other complications that may occur during the implantation procedure.
- Medication-related side effects such as headaches, nausea, or drowsiness. These tend to be less severe than with oral or intravenous medication.
- Device-related complications, it is possible for the pump or catheter to malfunction or migrate, requiring adjustment surgery.
The Pentec difference in pump management
Nursing
At Pentec Health, we’ve made it our mission to deliver the highest quality of implantable pump management and refill services to patients in the setting of their choice. Our comprehensive approach includes expert clinical support from our specialized team of over 200 registered nurses who are trained through our accredited intrathecal nurse fellowship program.
Our nurses also provide a holistic approach to care, adhering to infection control procedures, providing comprehensive physical evaluations, performing 30-day wellness checks, and ongoing patient education to prevent hospitalizations.
Specialty pharmacy
As part of our expert specialty care, we operate our own state-of-the-art pharmacy for medication preparation. Staffed by full-time pharmacists and certified compounding technicians, our team is expertly trained to prepare sterile compounded medications according to patient-specific prescriptions. This enables us to help physicians in providing patients with tailored medication for their unique needs.
Our pharmacists are available to physicians and patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide dosing reviews and patient counseling, helping providers to optimize their prescribing practices and enhance patient outcomes.
Patient support services
Part of our holistic approach to care is our dedicated intake team and reimbursement specialists, who simplify the referral process and help navigate the complexities of insurance coverage, verification, and prior authorizations so that patients can begin service as quickly and stress-free as possible.
By removing the administrative burdens, we enable physicians to spend more time caring for their patients.
Hear from our patients
“Before I was a recluse because the pain would be so bad. Now, I’m not so hopeless or depressed.”
To learn how Jayme’s social life and overall well-being have improved due to intrathecal home infusion and the services provided by Pentec, click here.
Supporting your journey
If you know someone who could benefit from implantable pump management and re services, Pentec Health is ready to help. Our team of specialists can work with healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive support needed for successful treatment. We believe in empowering patients through education and care, ensuring they understand their treatment while we handle the complex details of care coordination. Our team understand healing as well as medicine, offering guidance beyond therapy to foster healthier lifestyles.
Contact us today to learn more about how implantable pumps could benefit you, your loved ones, or your patients.
