Look at www.medtronics.com that make about 95% of the implanted pumps. The current model of their pump Synchromed II can hold up to 40 mls of medication... when using Infumorph (morphine) that is a 1000mg. Medtronics has determined that this medication is stable in their pumps for 6 months. Typically, the amount of opiate that is needed is 1% of what was needed when taken orally... thus most of the side effects are eliminated or better managed especially constipation and "mental fog". The battery in the pump will last 5-7 years. FDA approved last fall what Medtronics refer to as PTM ( Patient Therapy Manager) which is like the "morphine button" that is used in the hospital after surgery to manage pain.
My wife had this system implanted in June and the results have been good.. with the PTM .. when she activiates a push .. initial relief is within 5-15 minutes. 60% of her max allowable dose is done via a constant drip and she uses the PTM for breakthru.
The downside to the pump is that as your pain is managed better you will fell like becoming more active .. which will induce pain.. this is where the PTM comes in handy ... since you can help manage activity induced pain .. without having to take that much medication every day .. when you are less active.
Many docs use compounding pharmacies to produce the meds that they put in these pumps.. sometimes it is necessary many times it is not .. but the docs MAKE MORE MONEY doing this... here is a link to see what experts think of this issue
Personally, I made my wife leave one pain clinic.. that would not discuss anything but using meds compounded by a pharmacy rather than the commercially available products..
While not everyone will have the same outcomes ... my experience with my wife is TWO THUMBS UP!
Pharmacist Steve
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