Neuromodulation Surgery
Intrathecal Pain Pump Surgery in Oklahoma City
Dr. Joseph Blythe performs pain-pump implantation for selected patients referred by their pain-management physician after the patient has undergone the appropriate evaluation and treatment selection.
An intrathecal pain pump is an implanted medication-delivery system used for highly selected patients with chronic pain who require ongoing treatment under the direction of a pain-management physician.
Intrathecal pumps are also commonly called implantable pain pumps, intrathecal drug-delivery systems or medication pumps.
Dr. Joseph Blythe performs pain-pump implantation for selected patients referred by their pain-management physician after the patient has undergone the appropriate evaluation and treatment selection.
What Is an Intrathecal Pain Pump?
An intrathecal drug-delivery system consists of an implanted medication reservoir connected to a catheter positioned in the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord.
The system delivers medication directly into the cerebrospinal fluid according to a programmed dosing regimen established and managed by the treating pain-management physician.
Who Determines Whether a Patient Needs a Pain Pump?
Pain-pump therapy requires careful patient selection. Dr. Blythe does not use pain-pump implantation as an initial treatment for undiagnosed back pain.
Candidates are referred after evaluation by a pain-management physician who has determined that intrathecal medication delivery is an appropriate component of the patient's treatment plan.
Dr. Blythe's Role
Dr. Blythe provides the surgical component of treatment for appropriately selected referrals.
The pain-management physician remains responsible for medication selection, dosing, pump programming, refills and ongoing management unless another arrangement has been specifically established.
Pain Pump Implantation
During implantation, an intrathecal catheter is positioned in the spinal canal and connected to a medication pump placed beneath the skin, commonly in the abdominal region.
Catheter position and pump location are selected according to the patient's anatomy, prior surgery and treatment requirements.
Pain Pump Revision or Replacement
Implanted systems can occasionally require additional surgery because of pump replacement, catheter malfunction, hardware problems, pocket discomfort or other device-related issues.
The appropriate treatment depends on the specific component involved and whether the existing system remains clinically useful.
Is a Pain Pump Appropriate for Ordinary Back Pain?
Usually not. Most patients with neck or back pain should first have the structural cause of their symptoms identified and treated appropriately.
Intrathecal drug delivery is reserved for selected chronic-pain situations in which a pain-management specialist believes that long-term intrathecal medication therapy is justified.
Referral From a Pain Physician
Patients seeking implantation should generally be referred by the physician who will manage the device and medication after surgery.
Referring pain physicians may send the patient's records, prior treatment history, proposed device information and relevant imaging directly to Blythe Orthopedics & Spine for surgical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an intrathecal pain pump?
- An intrathecal pain pump is an implanted device that delivers medication directly into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. It is used for highly selected patients with chronic pain under the management of a pain-management physician.
- Who is a candidate for a pain pump?
- Candidates are typically referred by a pain-management physician after appropriate evaluation and a trial demonstrating that intrathecal medication delivery is likely to provide meaningful benefit. Pain pumps are not used as an initial treatment for ordinary back pain.
- Does the pump need to be refilled?
- Yes. The medication reservoir requires periodic refilling, which is performed by the treating pain-management physician in an outpatient setting.
- Can a pain pump be removed?
- Yes. If the system is no longer providing benefit, becomes infected, malfunctions, or the patient no longer wishes to use it, surgical removal can be performed.
Medically reviewed by Joseph R. Blythe, DO
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon · Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon · Last reviewed: August 2026
Schedule a Consultation
Call the office directly or submit an appointment request online. We will follow up within one business day.