Pain pump: specialists & information

A pain pump can be used to inject painkillers either directly into the vein or near the spinal cord. A pain pump is a palm-sized device that is connected to a tube. There are implantable and external pain pumps.

Here you will find further information as well as selected pain pump specialists and centers.

Recommended specialists

Article overview

Analgesics pump - Further information

What is a pain pump?

A pain pump is a device that continuously delivers pain medication directly to the site of pain.

The procedure is part of neuromodulation therapy. Neuromodulators are substances that influence the nervous system. The body produces these substances itself. However, externally administered substances, such as medication or drugs, are also neuromodulators.

With a pain pump, the patient can influence the dose of pain medication themselves at any time. For example, they can reduce the dose to reduce the severity of the undesirable side effects.

A distinction is made between implantable and external pain pumps.

How does a pain pump work?

A pain pump continuously delivers a quantity of pain medication preset by the doctor into the vein or directly to the spinal cord. There, the medication intervenes directly in the pain transmission.

With some pumps, the patient has the option of calling up an extra dose. To avoid an overdose, the pump is then blocked for further applications for a certain period of time.

Intrathecal pain pump

With the intrathecal pain pump, a catheter is inserted into the spinal cord. The pain pump is usually implanted under the skin in the upper abdominal cavity below the costal arch. With an implanted pump, the painkiller reservoir must be refilled by a doctor approximately every two months.

However, external devices can also be connected to the catheter.

Venous pain pump

With a venous pain pump, the thin tube is inserted into the subcutaneous fatty tissue via a small needle. It can also be placed in a port in order to obtain venous access. The pain pump is then connected externally.

Schmerzpumpe
With the help of a pain pump, pain is permanently suppressed. The patient can partially change the dose themselves © catalyseur7 | AdobeStock

When are pain pumps used?

Pain pumps are used

are used. External devices are generally used after operations.

For chronic pain patients and tumor pain, doctors usually implant pain pumps under the skin.

The implantation of a pain pump must be considered in each individual case. It is particularly suitable for patients who suffer from severe side effects of painkillers, such as

  • gastrointestinal problems or
  • liver and kidney problems.

An implanted pain pump achieves good and rapid effectiveness of pain therapy in patients suffering from cancer-related pain. Cancer patients can thus lead a largely pain-free and self-determined life.

It isimportant

  • close supervision by a pain therapist and
  • independent handling of the pump by the patient.

For whom are pain pumps not suitable?

Patients with the following conditions are not suitable for pain therapy with a pain pump:

Implantation of a pain pump

A pain pump is implanted in two steps.

First, a catheter is advanced to the spinal cord and an external pain pump is connected. In the so-called test phase, the doctor and patient can try out whether and at what dose a reduction in pain can be achieved. This also determines whether the patient can tolerate the pain medication.

If the test phase is successful, the pain pump is implanted permanently.

Risks and side effects of implanting a pain pump

The following side effects and risks can occur when a pain pump is implanted:

  • Surgical complications (e.g. infection),
  • Accumulation of blood or fluid at the pump implantation site,
  • cerebrospinal fluid leakage and injuries to the spinal cord,
  • Slippage or blockage of the catheter,
  • formation of connective tissue at the tip of the catheter.

The following side effects may occur due to the administration of painkillers:

References

  • S2k-Leitlinie "Schmerzen" der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurologie: https://www.awmf.org/uploads/tx_szleitlinien/030-114l_S2k_Diagnose-nicht-interventionelle-Therapie-neuropathischer-Schmerzen_2019-09.pdf
  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neuromodulation e.V. zur Neurostimulation: http://www.dgnm-online.de/patienteninfos/informationen-neurostimulation.php
  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neuromodulation e.V. zur intrathekalen Pharmakotherapie: http://www.dgnm-online.de/patienteninfos/informationen-pharmakotherapie.php
  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie (DGN): www.dgnm-online.de/patienteninfos/informationen.php
  • https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Neuromodulator
  • ttps://www.medical-tribune.de/medizin-und-forschung/artikel/schmerzen-wem-nutzen-pumpe-schrittmacher-und-pflaster/
  • http://www.krebsinformationsdienst.de/leben/schmerzen/schmerzen-verabreichung.php
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