The trial Targeted drug delivery
Try the therapy first
Like test driving a car, the screening trial allows you to “test drive” targeted drug delivery before committing to long-term therapy.
- Assess if targeted drug delivery may relieve your pain during daily activities.
- Experience how it feels to receive pain medication targeted to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, in an area called the intrathecal space.
- Decide if you want to go ahead with an implant.
The first day of my screening test, I had immediate pain relief.
Caroline, Targeted Drug Delivery Patient
Every patient experience is unique. Not everyone who receives Medtronic Targeted Drug Delivery therapy will experience the same results.
What to expect
Targeted drug delivery doesn’t cure the underlying disease, but it may help you better manage your chronic pain.
Before the trial:
- You may have a psychological evaluation to help determine if you are a candidate.
- Your physician may ask you to reduce or stop taking oral pain medications before the trial.
- Your physician will recommend the trial method that makes the most sense for your situation and discuss the risks of the procedure with you.
The procedure usually takes place in a hospital or surgery center.
Two trial methods
The general steps of each trial method may vary depending upon your physician.
Injection method
This method uses a special needle filled with pain medication. A single dose or multiple doses of a small amount of medication is injected into the intrathecal space.
Continuous infusion method
This method takes place over a few days using a temporary system that closely resembles the therapy delivered by the implanted drug pump.
After the trial
After the trial, you and your physician will discuss your experience and decide if an implantable targeted drug delivery system is right for you.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.