Open AccessThe State of Implantable Pain Therapies in the United States
Author(s) -
Gilbert J. Fanciullo,
Robert J. Rose,
Peter G. Lunt,
Patricia Kate Whalen,
Edgar L. Ross
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
anesthesia and analgesia/anesthesia and analgesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.404
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1526-7598
pISSN - 0003-2999
DOI - 10.1097/00000539-199906000-00021
Subject(s) - medicine , spinal cord stimulator , hydromorphone , anesthesia , implant , bupivacaine , pain medicine , opioid , anesthesiology , physical therapy , spinal cord stimulation , surgery , spinal cord , receptor , psychiatry
The purpose of this questionnaire survey was to provide an overview of anesthesiology pain fellowship programs in the United States with regard to implantation of spinal cord stimulators (SCS) and opioid infusion devices. Of the 95 programs solicited, 80% responded to questions pertaining to the prevalence of use and technical considerations of implantation. Of the responding programs, 87% report implanting SCS, and 84% report implanting neuraxial infusion pumps. All programs perform a stimulation or infusion trial before implantation, although the duration varied from a trial in the operating room at the time of implantation to 25 days. Of the programs, 83% implant cylindrical leads, and 17% implant flat leads via laminectomy for their nonrevision SCS implants. Morphine, bupivacaine, hydromorphone, and baclofen are the most commonly used drugs and are used in implanted pumps by >50% of respondents. The question of industry-sponsored pain fellow education in implantable techniques is addressed.