Subarachnoid Infusion Pump Placement

When alternative techniques to treat your pain have not been effective, or are limited by unacceptable side effects, a fully implanted spinal infusion system can be placed. This is preceded by a trial process, which will help to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the implant.

The trial will be done during a hospital admission. During this time, an epidural catheter will be inserted under local anesthesia, and various medications will be injected in order to evaluate the response of your pain to these medications. This will be done over several days. The epidural catheter is external, and will be pulled out prior to your discharge home.

The risks of placing the epidural catheter are minimal, and would include but are not limited to bleeding or infection in the epidural space, spinal headache, or allergic reaction to any of the injected medicines.

If you have a favorable response to the epidural medications, a spinal implant may be scheduled pending approval by your insurance carrier. This will be done under general anesthesia and requires an overnight hospital stay. Usually, your doctor as well as a spine surgeon will be involved in the implant procedure. Detailed video and printed material describing this treatment option are available. Please feel free to request any further information you need.

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