How is a pain pump trial done?

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.

How long does it take to implant a pain pump?

The pump implant procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You are under general anesthesia, so you are completely comfortable and unaware of the procedure. You go home the same day.

How do they fill a pain pump?

The pump is refilled by a needle injection in your designated refill centre. During these appointments your doctor can adjust your dose of medication to address your pain relief needs.

Are pain pumps successful?

When measured by willingness to undergo the procedure again, the success rate is 86%. Conclusions. Overall, the implantation of an intrathecal pain pump is an effective way for most people to manage their intractable pain and reduce reliance on oral medications.

What medications are used in a pain pump?

An intrathecal pump or a “pain pump” is a device that delivers small quantities of pain medication such as morphine or baclofen, directly to the spinal fluid.

Can I drive with a pain pump?

Although legal actions against driving under the influence of morphine can only be taken after a positive urine and a subsequent positive blood sample, drivers on intrathecal opiates must be aware of the possibility of a positive roadside drug test.

Can you drive if you have a pain pump?

What does the pain pump look like?

It’s about 1 inch thick and 3 inches wide, which is about the size of a hockey puck. The pump will look like a bulge under the skin of your abdomen (see Figure 1). The catheter is connected to the pump. It sends pain medication from the pump to your nerves.

When should a pain pump be removed?

The medication is housed in a receptacle and is delivered automatically. The receptacle is located inside the black bag and when the receptacle is full, it will look about the size of a softball. After about 5 days the receptacle should be depleted. On day 5 you will need to remove the tubes attached to the pain pump.

How long is recovery from pain pump surgery?

The recovery time after getting the pump implanted is usually 6–8 weeks. You may experience some initial discomfort and limits on movements.

Is a pain pump an epidural?

Intrathecal pumps are different from epidural catheters, which is what women get during childbirth. While both pumps give pain medication directly to the nerves in your spine, there are some differences. This table gives some examples of how intrathecal pumps and epidural catheters are different.

Is a spinal cord stimulator the same as a pain pump?

A stimulator sends electrical signals to disrupt the transmission of pain signals to the brain, while a pain pump is delivering actual medication to the painful area. Both systems of pain relief can be effective for different conditions and injuries.

Where is the placement of an intrathecal pain pump?

Placement of Intrathecal Pain Pump – Pump is placed under the skin of middle or lower abdominal wall. Abdominal pocket for pump is created under the skin following skin incision of 2.5 to 3 cm on either right or left side of umbilicus. Pocket is widened to accommodate pump. Distal end of catheter is connected to pump with anchoring connector.

How to code for pain pump catheter placement?

Dye study for pain pump catheter placement – help! How would you code from the following? We are going round in circles and cannot come up with anything that describes it well. Help?! History:This is a pleasant but unfortunate gentleman with a spinal cord injury and severe spasticity.

How is the placement of an intrathecal catheter determined?

Patient is considered for placement of intrathecal catheter and pain pump after successful intrathecal opioid trial. Patient is carefully selected for surgery following psychological evaluation to rule out psychological pain. Catheter insertion and placement of pump is performed surgically in outpatient surgery.

Where is the catheter inserted in the abdomen?

Two skin incisions are performed to insert pump and catheter. Pump is mostly inserted under the abdominal skin on either side of the umbilicus ( belly button ). Skin insertion for the catheter is taken over the spine between third and forth lumbar vertebrae.