About Drug Pumps

Cancer Pain

The Medtronic targeted drug delivery system is surgically placed in the abdomen. The system releases medicine directly into the intrathecal space to help manage uncontrolled cancer pain and improve quality of life.

What Is It?

A drug pump (intrathecal drug delivery system) sends pain medication directly to the fluid around the spinal cord, providing pain relief with a small fraction of the medication needed if taken orally.^1,2

Our Drug Pump System For Cancer Pain

One of the components of the targeted drug delivery system is a drug pump.

More: SynchroMed^® II Drug Pump

The personal therapy manager (myPTM^®) is an optional feature that allows you to self-administer an extra dose of pain medication within physician-set limits.

More: myPTM Personal Therapy Manager

Benefits and Risks

Medtronic drug pumps can control cancer pain and increase comfort.¹ The Medtronic drug pump is not for everyone. In addition to surgical risk, device problems can occur and may require medical treatment and/or corrective surgery.

Questions and Answers

Get answers to frequently asked questions about drug pumps.

Why Medtronic Is the Right Choice

Your doctor has your choice of companies that offer drug delivery therapy for chronic cancer pain. Learn the reasons to choose Medtronic drug delivery therapy.

Personal Stories

Read about the experiences of people who received drug delivery therapy for chronic cancer pain. You'll learn first-hand what life has been like for these particular patients, both before and after receiving drug delivery therapy.

Information regarding Medtronic Neuromodulation's agreement with the FDA.

facts.synchromed.com

References

Smith TJ, Staats PS, Deer T, et al. Randomized clinical trial of an implantable drug delivery system compared with comprehensive medical management for refractory cancer pain: impact on pain, drug-related toxicity, and survival. J Clin Oncol. 2002;20:4040-4049.

Ruan X. Drug-related side effects of long-term intrathecal morphine therapy. Pain Physician. 2007;10:357-366.

Next: What Is It?

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.