THE TRIAL TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY
Try the Therapy First
Like test driving a car, the screening trial allows you to “test drive” targeted drug delivery before committing to long-term therapy.
- Assess if targeted drug delivery may relieve your pain during daily activities.
- Experience how it feels to receive pain medication targeted to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, in an area called the intrathecal space.
- Decide if you want to go ahead with an implant.
TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY
The first day of my screening test, I had immediate pain relief.
Caroline, Targeted Drug Delivery Patient
PAIN RELIEF
Discover how the SynchroMed™ II pump and myPTM™ Personal Therapy Manager deliver pain relief.
FIND OUT MORESPEAK WITH AN EXPERT
We’ll help you get the answers you need to determine if this therapy is right for you. Chat with a current patient (Ambassador) or nurse, or find a physician in your area.
FIND AN EXPERTWHAT TO EXPECT
Targeted drug delivery doesn’t cure the underlying disease, but it may help you better manage your chronic pain.
Before the trial:
- You may have a psychological evaluation to help determine if you are a candidate.
- Your physician may ask you to reduce or stop taking oral pain medications before the trial.
- Your physician will recommend the trial method that makes the most sense for your situation and discuss the risks of the procedure with you.
The procedure usually takes place in a hospital or surgery center.
TWO TRIAL METHODS
The general steps of each trial method may vary depending upon your physician.
Two Types of Screening Tests
Learn more about what to expect during screening for targeted drug delivery.
INJECTION METHOD
This method uses a special needle filled with pain medication. A single dose or multiple doses of a small amount of medication is injected into the intrathecal space.
CONTINUOUS INFUSION METHOD
This method takes place over a few days using a temporary system that closely resembles the therapy delivered by the implanted drug pump.
After the trial
After the trial, you and your physician will discuss your experience and decide if an implantable targeted drug delivery system is right for you.
POTENTIAL RISKS WITH THE TRIAL
Complications can occur with the trial, including bleeding, infection, spinal headaches, damage to the spinal cord, and drug side effects.
TALK TO
A PATIENT
Speak with a patient who has received targeted drug delivery to treat chronic pain.
SIGN UPA NURSE
Sign up for a free 20-minute consultation with a nurse to speak about Medtronic Pain Therapies.
REQUEST A CALL
MEDTRONIC
PAIN THERAPIES
By joining Medtronic Pain Therapies, you will receive therapy related information via email.
JOIN NOWInformation on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.