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Managing and Minimizing Risk of Device Failure

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Neuraxial Therapeutics

Abstract

Intrathecal (IT) drug delivery systems are utilized in the management of patients with chronic pain in whom more conservative measures have been unsuccessful; however, these patients are at risk for sudden device failure. Risk factors for device failure differ depending on the implanted device. Device failure may lead to medication withdrawal or overdose. Patients should be educated to recognize their device’s error alarms and to report for device interrogation as soon as possible when an alarm is triggered. Practitioners must be aware of the risk factors for device failure. Withdrawal can be managed by continuation of IT therapy through an external catheter or conversion to another route of administration and device explant with or without reimplantation should be considered.

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Galica, R., Jones, B.A., Hayek, S.M. (2023). Managing and Minimizing Risk of Device Failure. In: Yaksh, T., Hayek, S. (eds) Neuraxial Therapeutics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39558-1_43

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39558-1_43

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