Intrathecal Pump Implant

An Intrathecal Drug Delivery Pump is an implantable system that delivers medication directly into the spinal fluid to control severe, chronic pain. By bypassing the digestive system and bloodstream, the pump provides powerful pain relief with significantly smaller medication doses than oral therapies. This therapy is designed for patients with chronic pain who have not improved with conventional treatments and need long-term, consistent relief.

Quick facts

  • Setting: Outpatient or short inpatient stay
  • Time: ~60–90 minutes
  • Anesthesia: General or regional
  • Recovery: Home same day or next day; gradual return to activity
  • Duration of relief: Long-term with medication refills as needed

Who it helps

  • Severe chronic back or leg pain unresponsive to medications or injections
  • Cancer-related pain
  • Post-laminectomy or post-surgical pain
  • Neuropathic pain conditions
  • Patients unable to tolerate systemic opioid side effects

How it works
The system includes a small pump implanted under the skin of the abdomen and a thin catheter that delivers medication directly to the intrathecal space of the spine. Because the medication is delivered where pain signals travel, only a fraction of a standard oral dose is needed. This improves pain control while reducing side effects such as sedation, nausea, or constipation.

What to expect

  • Before: Candidates undergo a trial injection or temporary pain pump trial to determine whether intrathecal therapy provides meaningful relief.
  • During: Under anesthesia, the catheter is placed in the intrathecal space, and the pump is implanted under the skin of the abdomen. The pump is filled and programmed to deliver continuous, adjustable doses.
  • After: You will be observed briefly before going home. Follow-up visits are needed to refill the pump and adjust settings for optimal pain relief.

Benefits & risks

  • Benefits:

  • Provides strong pain relief with far lower medication doses
  • Reduces whole-body side effects from oral pain medications
  • Adjustable and programmable for individualized pain control
  • Reversible therapy

  • Risks:

  • Infection or pump site complications
  • Catheter displacement or blockage
  • Pump malfunction (rare)
  • Over- or under-delivery of medication (monitored and managed through regular visits)

Is it right for me? (Checklist)

  • ✅ Severe chronic pain unresponsive to traditional treatments
  • ✅ Successful relief during intrathecal therapy trial
  • ✅ Unable to tolerate oral pain medication side effects
  • ✅ Willing to attend follow-up visits for refills and programming

Alternatives at PCET

FAQs

  • How often are refills needed? Typically every 1–3 months, depending on pump size and dosage.
  • Is the pump noticeable? It is placed discreetly under the skin in the abdomen. Most patients adjust quickly.
  • What medications are used? Common options include opioids, local anesthetics, or a combination, customized for each patient.
  • Can the pump be removed? Yes—the therapy is reversible.
  • Is it covered by insurance? Most major insurance plans, including Medicare, cover pain pumps when medically indicated.

📞 Call to Schedule

If you live with severe chronic pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments, an Intrathecal Pump Implant may offer meaningful long-term relief. Call (865) 579-0552 to schedule your appointment today.