The patient is monitored for several days. We also use the temporary trial to estimate effective medication dosages. Pain is registered in the brain, not at the point of injury. Pain can be stopped by preventing the impulses from reaching the brain. If pain is decreased by as much as 50 percent, surgery is scheduled to implant the infusion device, which is a small holding tank and pump about the size of a soup can lid.
Medication is delivered through a small tube, or catheter, that also is surgically placed.
Some dosages are reduced by as much as 300 percent. This helps minimize the side effects that often accompany other treatments. The physicians monitor pain relief and adjust the pump to deliver the optimum amount of medication. About once every six weeks the holding tank must be refilled in Dr. Kahan's office. It is a relatively painless procedure that takes about 30 minutes.