Drug infusion pumps are medical devices that deliver fluids or drugs through intravenous means. The drugs or fluids are delivered to the patent on a regular basis using electronic devices that interact with the pump.
Typically, these devices are used in cases where a medication cannot be delivered using an oral route. For example, if a patient has a reaction to or is not responding to oral treatment.
Common uses of infusion pumps include:
- Administering antibiotics;
- Providing critical nutrients to high-risk patients;
- Providing pain relief drugs; and
- Administering drugs used to relax muscles or prevent contractions.
Drug infusion may also be referred to as infusion therapy.
What Types of Conditions Is it Used For?
One common use for infusion therapy is for chemotherapy, which is a standard therapy for many different types of cancer. Although chemotherapy can be administered orally, it often must be administered using an IV.
In certain patients, the chemotherapy drug is injected into their spine or a specific body part. Infusion therapy allows for the delivery of chemotherapy medication straight into the patient’s bloodstream.
Infusion therapy allows a patient to receive anti-nausea medications or other medication without the need for more needles. Infusion therapy is used for many other types of treatment in addition to chemotherapy, including to treat:
- Autoimmune disorders;
- Congestive heart failure;
- Dehydration;
- Immune deficits;
- Infections that are unresponsive to oral antibiotics; and
- Pain.
Infusion therapy may also provide effective medications for conditions such as:
- Crohn’s disease;
- Ulcerative colitis;
- Lupus;
- Psoriasis;
- Psoriatic arthritis; and
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
It can also be used to provide medications for a broad assortment of conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Blood clotting elements for hemophilia;
- Immunoglobulin replacement therapy for hypergammaglobulinemia;
- A mix of drugs for migraine;
- Corticosteroids and other medicines for multiple sclerosis;
- Platelet-rich plasma for osteoarthritis;
- Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis;
- Insulin for type 1 diabetes;
- Hypercoagulation conditions that can cause blood clots; and
- Powerful infections such as:
- cellulitis;
- pneumonia; and
- sepsis.
What Is a Pain Pump?
Internal pain pumps are instruments used to deliver pain medication directly into a patient’s spinal cord in small amounts over a long period of time. Also referred to as intrathecal drug delivery, a pain pump involves implanting a small pump beneath the skin of the patient’s abdomen.
The pain pump then delivers the pain medication through a catheter to an area directly near the patient’s spinal cord. This method is similar to the way in which pain medication is administered using an epidural during childbirth.
A pain pump is often used for a patient who has chronic pain due to serious conditions, including:
- Cerebral palsy;
- Brain or spinal cord injuries;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Stroke;
- Cancer or a cancer treatment pain; or
- Back pain.
In general, a patient will only need about 1/300th of the amount of pain medication with a pain pump than by oral administration. The pain pump is approximately the size of a hockey puck.
One example of this type of pain pump is the Flowonix pain pump. This type of pain pump delivers medication directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.
The medication is implanted under the skin using the medication pump. Using this pump, the therapy can be managed using lower doses of medication than if they were taken by mouth.
What Are Some Common Internal Pain Pump Concerns?
There are various concerns that are associated with internal pain pumps. Medication that is delivered using the surgically implanted pain pump goes directly into the fluid surrounding the patient’s spinal cord.
Delivering the medication this way can interrupt the irregular signals that travel through the nerves and spinal column to the brain. Intrathecal pumps may also be referred to as implanted intrathecal drugs delivery systems, or IDDSs.
Having a pain pump is generally considered safe. There are, however, risk of side effects and rare complications, including:
- Infection;
- A cerebrospinal fluid leak; or
- Mechanical issues with the pump or shifting of the pump after strenuous exercise;
- This may require repositioning or replacement of the pump.
Are There Any Health Risks Associated with Pain Pumps?
In addition to the issues noted above, there are other health risks associated with the use of pain pumps. As previously noted, these pumps are surgically implanted.
Any surgery comes with risks of complications, such as infection or bleeding. There are also other side effects of pain pumps that have to do with the prescription pain medication being administered, which may include:
- Respiratory problems;
- Muscle spasms;
- Nausea, dizziness, or vomiting;
- Depression and anxiety; or
- Reactions with the heart or other systems in the body.
A pain pump may be left in a patient’s body for years. Because of this, health reactions may occur shortly after the pump is implanted or years after.
What About Medication Errors?
Medication errors may be another issue that arises related to the use of pain pumps. Medication errors fall into the category of medical malpractice law.
These types of errors may result in severe injury or death. Medication errors may occur while specifying, prescribing, or administering medications.
Issues related to medication errors may arise if:
- The wrong drug is administered;
- The wrong dose is prescribed;
- A harmful interaction occurs with another medication; or
- Miscellaneous other mishaps, errors, or issues related to medication.
Typically, the mistake is made by a nurse or physician who is administering the medication. Medication mistakes occur in many settings, including:
- Hospitals;
- Outpatient facilities;
- Nursing homes;
- Clinics; and
- Surgical centers.
In some instances, something as simple as sloppy handwriting on a prescription may result in the wrong medication or the wrong dosage being dispensed. It is also important for patients using pain medication to be aware that the types of drugs are often contraindicated, or should not be used in conjunction with, certain other medications.
Are There Any Legal Issues Associated with Pain Pumps?
An injury from a pain pump will often involve legal issues including medical malpractice and defective product claims. Many pain pump injury cases lead to legal claims that result in monetary damages awards or pain pump lawsuit settlements.
Some pain pump injury claims may be filed as class action lawsuits if many individuals have been affected by the same injury or issue. Pain pumps and the associated injuries have been the subject of many legal claims.
Typically, the case results in a damages award to compensate a plaintiff for the losses that were caused by the injury. These types of lawsuits may involve multiple legal theories, such as:
- Negligence; and
- Products defects, such as:
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with a Pain Pump Injury?
Pain pump injuries may be very serious and typically involve complex legal issues. If you have been injured by a pain pump, it is important to consult with a defective products lawyer.
It is important to have legal representation during these types of claims because of the multiple issues involved, the need for medical experts, and the likelihood of negotiation with the defendant, defendants, or insurance companies. In many cases, settlement amounts will be offered and it is important to have a lawyer who can advise you whether the amount is reasonable and fair.
If your claim is not settled and goes to court, your attorney will be present to represent you at all appearances.
