Pain Pumps
Our Services
Intrathecal Pain Pump Impant | Tulsa, OK
At Memorial Pain Clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Leslie Chan, MD offers intrathecal pain pump therapy as an advanced treatment option for patients living with severe, chronic pain that has not responded adequately to other treatments. If oral medications, injections, or other therapies have fallen short, a pain pump may provide the targeted, long-term relief you’ve been looking for.
The medical team at Memorial Pain provides comprehensive evaluations to identify the cause of your discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan focused on lasting relief. Schedule an appointment online or by calling our office at 918-200-9944 today.
What is a Pain Pump?
A pain pump (also called an intrathecal drug delivery system or spinal drug delivery system) is a small, implantable device that delivers medication directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Because the medication is delivered directly to the source of pain rather than traveling through the bloodstream, a pain pump can provide effective relief at a fraction of the dose of oral medication. This makes it a powerful option for patients who require high doses of pain medication or who experience intolerable side effects from oral drugs.
How Does a Pain Pump Work?
The device consists of a small pump and reservoir surgically implanted under the skin of the abdomen, connected to a thin, flexible catheter that delivers medication into the intrathecal space around the spinal cord. The pump is programmed to release precise amounts of medication on a controlled schedule.
The dosage and delivery settings can be adjusted non-invasively using an external programmer, allowing for flexible, personalized pain management over time. The reservoir is refilled periodically in the clinic via a simple skin injection.
What Conditions are Treated With a Pain Pump?
Pain pump therapy may be appropriate for patients with chronic, severe pain caused by conditions such as:
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Cancer-related pain
- Chronic neuropathic pain
- Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury
- Severe osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease
Your provider will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether intrathecal drug delivery is an appropriate solution for your condition.
What Medications are Used in a Pain Pump?
The most commonly used medication in intrathecal pain pumps is morphine, which is FDA-approved for this purpose. Other medications such as ziconotide, hydromorphone, baclofen (for spasticity), and certain combinations may also be used depending on the patient’s diagnosis and needs.
The Pain Pump Trial
Before a permanent pain pump is implanted, most patients undergo a trial period to confirm that the therapy will be effective. During the trial, medication is delivered into the intrathecal space temporarily to evaluate your response. If you experience meaningful pain relief during the trial, you may be a good candidate for permanent implantation. Dr. Chan will review your trial results with you and discuss next steps.
What to Expect During the Implant Procedure
Pain pump implantation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure typically performed under sedation or general anesthesia. During the procedure, a small pump is implanted beneath the skin of the abdomen, while a thin catheter is carefully placed near the spinal cord to deliver medication directly to the source of pain. The procedure is completed through small incisions and is usually performed on an outpatient or short-stay basis.
Most patients are able to return home within a day or two after the procedure. While recovery times vary, many patients can resume light daily activities within a few weeks. Your provider will closely monitor your recovery and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed to help maximize pain relief.
Pain Pump Recovery
Recovery from pain pump implantation is generally well tolerated, though some soreness, swelling, or mild discomfort around the incision sites is normal during the first several days. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, bending, and twisting movements during the initial healing period to help prevent complications and allow the device to settle properly.
The team at Memorial Pain Clinic will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including guidance on incision care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. During follow-up visits, your provider can monitor your progress, refill the medication pump when necessary, and adjust pump settings to better manage your pain over time.
Benefits of Pain Pump Therapy
For the right patient, intrathecal drug delivery offers several advantages over oral medication, including:
- Significantly lower medication doses required for effective relief
- Reduced systemic side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, and cognitive fog
- Continuous, consistent delivery of pain relief
- Adjustable dosing without additional procedures
- Improved quality of life and daily function
How Long Does a Pain Pump Last?
The pump’s battery life typically ranges from 5 to 7 years, depending on the dosage settings and medication used. When the battery nears the end of its life, the device can be replaced with a minor outpatient procedure. In most cases, the catheter does not need to be replaced at the same time.
How Much Does a Pain Pump Cost?
The cost of pain pump therapy varies depending on your insurance plan and the specifics of your treatment. Most major insurance plans cover intrathecal drug delivery systems when medical necessity criteria are met.
Memorial Pain Clinic accepts most insurances, including BCBS, Community Care, and Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) claims. Call our office at (918) 200-9944 to verify your coverage and learn more about your options.
Is a Pain Pump Right for You?
Pain pump therapy is typically considered after conservative and less invasive treatments have been tried without adequate success. If you have been living with chronic, severe pain and are looking for a more effective long-term solution, a consultation with Dr. Chan can help you determine whether this therapy is the right next step.
Contact Memorial Pain Clinic Today
Don’t let chronic pain control your life. Memorial Pain Clinic provides advanced, individualized chronic pain treatment in Tulsa, OK designed to help patients achieve meaningful, long-term relief. Dr. Leslie Chan, MD, is board-certified in pain management and experienced in a wide range of interventional pain procedures, including implantable pain pump therapy.
To learn whether a pain pump may be right for you, contact Memorial Pain Clinic online or by phone at (918) 200-9944 to schedule a consultation today.