{"id":3586,"date":"2024-01-17T19:16:38","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T18:16:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fajdalomklinika.hu\/?page_id=3586"},"modified":"2026-03-31T10:12:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T09:12:29","slug":"intrathecal-pump-implant","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fajdalomklinika.hu\/en\/treatments\/intrathecal-pump-implant\/","title":{"rendered":"Intrathecal Pump Implant"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is Intrathecal Catheter Implantation?<\/strong><\/h1>\n

An intrathecal catheter is a thin, flexible tube placed into the spinal canal, specifically into the fluid-filled space surrounding the spinal cord (intrathecal space). Through this catheter, pain medication or other drugs can be delivered directly into the central nervous system.<\/p>\n

For pain medication to be effective, it must reach an adequate level in the blood and then in the central nervous system. Medications can be given through the skin (e.g., patches), orally, intravenously, or directly into the central nervous system. Delivering medication directly into the intrathecal space allows for much smaller doses with greater effectiveness, while minimizing exposure to the rest of the body. This results in fewer side effects and better pain control.<\/p>\n

An intrathecal catheter and pump (ITP) deliver medication directly to the spinal cord, requiring up to 300 times less medication compared to oral administration. The catheter is a very thin (about 1 mm), soft tube placed near the spinal cord, similar to spinal anesthesia. It is positioned under the skin and connected to a drug delivery pump, which can be either implanted or external. The pump typically needs to be refilled about once a month.<\/p>\n

When is This Treatment Used?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Intrathecal catheter use is recommended when conventional pain management is ineffective or causes significant side effects.<\/p>\n

Common Indications Include<\/strong><\/h3>\n