The system consists of a pump and catheter, both of which are surgically placed under the skin. The pump is implanted in the abdominal area, just above or below the beltline. A thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, connects to the pump and is tunneled under the skin to the site where medication is to be delivered. The pump releases the medication at the set rate, and the medication flows from the pump, through the catheter, to the site of delivery in the intrathecal space.

Intrathecal drug delivery works directly on the spinal cord, which is the highway for pain signals. This therapy is thought to work by interfering with pain signals before they reach the brain. They can offer good to excellent pain relief, and improve your ability to go about daily activities.

On average, the procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours from start to finish. Typically, the implant is performed under comfortable sedation.