What is intrathecal trial?
Intrathecal Pain Pump Trial A pump trial involves placing a catheter within the epidural space and then connecting it to an external pump. This is NOT a surgery. No incisions are made during the trial. The catheter is placed using a small needle.
What is the IT pump trial for?
Before implanting a pump, a trial is done to determine the effectives of the intrathecal pump. If the trail pump relieves a patient’s pain by 50 percent or greater, a permanent pump is placed. Intrathecal pumps are ideal for patients who have not benefited from more conservative pain management therapies.
How does a trial pain pump work?
It uses small amounts of concentrated pain medications delivered directly to the spinal fluid. These blocks pain perception to the brain and thus helps relieve chronic pain. Conditions Commonly Treated by Intrathecal Pain Pump: Failed back surgery syndrome – continued pain despite surgery to the spine.
How do you qualify for a pain pump?
Who is a candidate?
- Conservative therapies have failed.
- You would not benefit from additional surgery.
- You are dependent on pain medication.
- You do not have psychological problems.
- You have no medical conditions that would keep you from undergoing implantation.
- You are not allergic to any of the drugs used in the pump.
What are the side effects of a pain pump?
During the trial and after the pump is installed, there can be side effects from the drug that is being infused such as nausea and vomiting, itching and problems passing urine, which can all be easily treated. Some side effects of the drug can be potentially serious, such as breathing problems and sedation.
Are pain pumps worth it?
Nope, these devices which inject chemicals directly into the spinal canal from a surgically implanted pump are fraught with enough complications that even a minor amount of benefit may not be worthwhile for anyone, friend or foe.
What medications are put in a pain pump?
What medicine goes in the pump?
- Opioids – Morphine and Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) are often used.
- Local anesthetics (i.e. Bupivacaine) – This medicine blocks pain signals in the spinal cord.
- Clonidine – This medicine can also lower blood pressure and also relieves pain.
What are drugs used in pain pump?
Conservative therapies have failed
What is a pump trial?
The trial for an implantable pain pump — aka an infusion pump — is done to tailor the treatment to you as an individual patient. From the trial, your healthcare provider will be able to answer two important questions necessary for continuing on to permanent implantation. Medic Images / Universal Images Group / Getty Images
What is a pain pump trial?
The trial for an implantable pain pump — aka an infusion pump — is done to tailor the treatment to you as an individual patient. From the trial, your healthcare provider will be able to answer two important questions necessary for continuing on to permanent implantation.
How does an intrathecal pain pump work?
– Only a small amount of medication is needed. Even a small concentration (1/300th of the same medication in pill form) can relieve your pain. – Few side effects. – Reduced addiction risk to opioids. – No need to remember when to take your medications.