http://www.nursing.uiowa.edu/sites/PedsPain/Routes/Impumtt.htm
What are they?
Intrathecal and Epidural pumps have been implanted for drug infusion used in treating chronic pain, severe spasticity of spinal cord origin, and malignancies. These pumps store and release prescribed amounts of drug. Each pump is contained in a round metal housing about one inch thick and three inches in diameter, weighing about 6 ounces They are surgically implanted, usually in or near the abdomen, and can be refilled through the skin with a needle and syringe.
Indications:
1.Chronic intractable pain of malignant or non-malignant origin and that meet all of the following criteria:
...a. The patient has a life expectancy of greater then three months.
...b. The patient's history has indicated that he/she has not responded to less invasive methods of pain control (including attempts to eliminate physical and behavioral abnormalities that may cause an exaggerated reaction to pain).
...c. Systemic (oral, rectal or intravenous) analgesics cause intolerable side effects.
...d. Ineffective pain control with systemic analgesics.
...e. Maximum radiation therapy to the pain site (when applicable)
...f. The patient has a positive response to the drug in the screening phase prior to pump implantation.
...g. Good to excellent relief of pain from test dosing.
...h. Patient acceptance of treatment.
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