What is a intrathecal catheter?
What is a intrathecal catheter?
Continuing Education Activity. The placement of an intrathecal catheter is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at releasing drugs directly into the subarachnoid space for the control of pain in cancer and non-cancer conditions, and for managing severe spasticity in adults and children.
Where is an intrathecal catheter placed?
The catheter is placed in the subarachnoid, or intrathecal space, above the spinal cord and secured in place with sutures (Fig. 2).
What is intrathecal used for?
If you have a diagnosis of cancer that affects your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), your doctor may recommend intrathecal chemotherapy treatment. Intrathecal chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
What is the difference between intrathecal and epidural?
Intrathecal administration is delivered directly into the CSF and into the superifical spinal cord; epidural administration diffuses through the dura into the CSF, and thus has a slower onset of action.
The difference between an epidural and intrathecal is that an epidural is a catheter that sits down next to the spinal sack that holds the cerebral spinal fluid. An intrathecal is a single injection that goes through that sack into the cerebral spinal fluid and administers medicine.
Will a spinal pump relieve my back and leg pain?
Spinal cord stimulation often works well and relieves leg pain but may not be as effective at reducing low back pain . Photo Source: 123RF.com. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has many benefits-mainly that it puts you in control of how much pain relief you need.
What are the side effects of pain pump?
Common side effects associated with the use of the Medtronic pain pump include, Urinary retention. Nausea and vomiting. Itching. Weakness. Facial flushing. Muscle twitching.
Are pain pumps safe?
Implantation of a pain pump is a relatively simple and safe procedure. However, an individual with a pain pump should be aware that there may be reactions or complications with their pain pump or catheter. Complications are rare but may include infections, development of a granuloma (tissue inflammation) or spinal damage.