Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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To screen all of our patients being treated with intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy for catheter patency. ⋯ These results suggest that catheters need to be routinely screened for patency. Routine maintenance and screening can minimize or more quickly detect nonpatent systems and ensure proper functioning of the ITB system.
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The study evaluated systemic opioid utilization before and after initiation of intrathecal drug therapy in patients with chronic, noncancer pain, as well as the effect of opioid elimination on payer costs. ⋯ A meaningful proportion of patients discontinue or decrease systemic opioid use following initiation of intrathecal drug delivery. Standard of care should include opioid dose tapering prior to intrathecal drug delivery to maximize the probability of systemic opioid discontinuation.