What is the Intrathecal Therapy Pump?
The Intrathecal Therapy Pump is an electronic device that uses a pumping system connected to a small catheter that is inserted into the spinal cord, where the nerves responsible for transmitting pain sensation information to the brain are located. The programmed device injects drugs that interrupt pain signals, providing effective control of this symptom.
When is it used?
The Pump is used in patients with destructive injuries to bones, joints and other crucial tissues. It is especially useful in cases of irreversible lesions caused by serious infections, cancer and other types of tumors. In addition, it is used in people suffering from spasticity and is effective for the control of chronic pain.
How does it work?
Unlike the Neurostimulator, the Intrathecal Therapy Pump acts by injecting drugs directly into the spinal cord, while the Spinal Cord Neurostimulator generates electrical impulses that alter the communication between the sensory neurons.
The Intrathecal Therapy pump injects a medication that can anesthetize or reduce pain impulses in the spinal cord. It is used for a wide variety of types of pain, including those caused by tissue injury, bone destruction and cancer-related pain. The pain specialist will determine if you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
Procedure
Through a small outpatient surgical procedure, the physician will implant the system into the patient’s body and deposit a drug into the pump that will be delivered via the catheter into the spinal cord.
This medication can last three to six months in the pump. When it runs out, the pain specialist will replace it with a new medication of similar characteristics in an outpatient procedure lasting approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
