What Is a Drug Pump?

Drug Pump

Drug pumps (intrathecal drug delivery systems) deliver pain medication to the fluid-filled area surrounding the spinal cord (called the intrathecal space). Because pain medication goes directly to the area around the spine, a drug pump may offer significant pain control using a small fraction of the dose that oral medication requires.^1-3

About the Drug Delivery System

The system consists of a pump and catheter, both of which are surgically placed under the skin. The pump is a round device that stores and delivers pain medication. It is typically placed in your abdomen. The catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted into your spine and connected to the pump.

During the surgery, your doctor fills the pump with pain medication using a needle. The pump sends the medication through the catheter to the spinal area where pain receptors are located. You return to your doctor for more medicine when the pump needs to be refilled.

How It Works

The spinal cord is like a highway for pain signals that are heading to the brain. When the pump sends pain medication directly to the spine, it interrupts the pain signals before they reach the brain.

Next: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a drug pump

A drug pump (intrathecal drug delivery system) is designed to manage pain by delivering pain medication to the intrathecal space that surrounds the spinal cord. Because this treatment delivers pain medication directly to the receptors in the spinal cord, smaller doses of medication are required to gain relief from chronic pain.^1-5

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How does a drug pump work?

The spinal cord is like a highway for pain signals going to the brain. Because the pump sends medication directly to the area around the spinal cord, it interrupts pain signals before they reach the brain. Results may vary depending upon the individual.

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IS A DRUG PUMP RIGHT FOR ME?

Talk to your doctor to determine what kinds of pain treatments may work for you. The choice of treatment depends on the type of pain, how severe it is, and how you respond to your pain treatment. If your doctor thinks you are a candidate for a drug pump, you can complete a screening test so that you can experience the therapy to see if you are a candidate.

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Are pumps new?

No. Drug pumps have been used in Australia since 1992 and are implanted worldwide.

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Will drug delivery treatment completely eliminate my pain?

Drug delivery treatment does not eliminate the source of the pain, so the amount of pain relief varies from person to person. 

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Isn't it easy to become addicted to pain medication?

This is a common misperception. In fact, medical research shows the chance of an individual with cancer pain becoming addicted to pain relieving drugs is extremely small.⁶

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Will a drug pump eliminate other sources of pain?

Your pump will not provide relief from other types of pain such as headaches, stomachaches, fractures, etc.

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What is the surgery like?

The surgery to implant the system takes approximately 1 to 3 hours. The length of your hospital stay will be determined by your doctor. Typically, the surgery is performed under general anaesthesia.

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Next: Getting a Drug Pump