Intrathecal Pump; a Battery-Operated Device that Delivers Medication into the Spinal Cord

 

Intrathecal pump is a medical device used to deliver medications (via an intrathecal catheter) directly into the space between the spinal cord and the protective sheath surrounding the spinal cord. An intrathecal pain pump implant is a way to relieve some kinds of long-term (chronic) pain or cancer pain. It sends pain medicine through a thin, flexible tube. The tube is inserted into the space around the spinal cord. Intrathecal pump allows precise and sustained release of medication to get rid of various chronic conditions namely multiple sclerosis and cancer pain. An intrathecal pump and catheters are implanted surgically to deliver medication directly into the spinal cord, which offers dramatic pain management.

Intrathecal pumps are portable, accurate, easy to use, and also consume very less power. These pumps are used in the treatment of many medical conditions, but the most common use for this product is in the treatment of severe pain associated with diseases such as multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, shingles, meningitis, encephalitis, stroke, and diabetes. It works by injecting the medication directly into the tissues. An intrathecal pump is widely used in to treat various medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, shingles, osteoarthritis, and meningitis. Medication is usually delivered by means of an injection that is attached to the skin or an implant that is placed into the bone.

Intrusion and suction techniques have been used for decades to administer medications and surgical procedures. Recent technological advances in the fields of medicine and electronics have led to the development of intrathecal pumps. Intrusion methods involve inserting catheter into the blood stream through a small incision in the patient's back or neck. Once there, the catheter is attached to an infusion pump, which is attached to a generator that delivers pulsating, current energy. When this energy is applied to the catheter via a pressure transducer installed near the site of the injection, the catheter and pump generate continuous energy, which is then transmitted to the targeted area.

Intrathecal pumps are effective for providing temporary pain relief during surgery or other procedures. The only drawback to this type of relief is that it may take several days before the medication appears to have an effect. Patients desiring long-term relief should, thus, consider using intrathecal pumps for pain relief after their surgery. These devices can also be used during times of acute pain such as those experienced after a car accident or a sporting injury. Another advantage of using intrathecal pumps after a surgical procedure is that they are completely safe and do not require administration of any anesthesia.

Intrathecal pumps are generally considered to be much safer than administering oral or topical medications, although this remains to be proven. Furthermore, they may eliminate the need for patients to undergo painful or cumbersome surgery. However, some side effects do occur from using intrathecal pumps, such as nausea, vomiting, pruritus, urinary retention, constipation, sexual dysfunction, and edema, as well as hyperalgesia and respiratory depression. Intrathecal pain pump implant is a way to relieve some kinds of long-term (chronic) pain or cancer pain.