Intrathecal Pump Refills

It is extremely important to ensure an appropriate level of understanding and training regarding the initial placement of intrathecal catheters and intrathecal pumps; the maintenance of these devices, however, specifically the refill process, is equally important. In a perfect setting, the pump is placed without incident, the patient does well on a continuing basis, and the pump is refilled at regular intervals. Many implanting doctors spend little or no time in training to learn the refill technique. Although this procedure seems limited in technical difficulty, and lacking in excitement, it is very important for the continued desired outcome of acceptable pain relief and absence of complications, which may be serious if this relatively simple task is not done properly. Vigilance is an essential part of this simple but also essential part of intrathecal drug delivery and care. In settings where a team approach is implemented, the administrative person in charge of nurse education must be committed to proper training of nurses and physician extenders performing this procedure.