Drug-infusion device ears approval in U.S.
Drug-infusion device ears approval in U.S.
Medtronic, based in Minneapolis, recently announced the commercial release in Europe of its AlgoMed Infusion System, a new patient-activated drug-infusion device for cancer patients who suffer from chronic pain.
The system includes a drug reservoir that is implanted under the skin of the abdomen. Attached is a patient-activated control pad that is usually implanted over the ribcage or the breast bone. A small catheter delivers pain medication to the spinal cord. A single activation delivers a maximum drug volume of 1 ml. The pump chamber then refills over a period of 60 to 90 minutes, until it reaches the maximum drug limit of 1 ml. A lockout mechanism prevents patients from overdosing.
A Medtronic representative says North America may not be far behind in seeing the pump available commercially.
"There are clinics participating in studies across the country," says Jessica Stoltenberg, spokeswoman for Medtronic. "It could be available in about 16 months, although it could be more or less."
Stoltenberg notes that the system can be refilled at home by home health care workers.
Subscribe Now for Access
You have reached your article limit for the month. We hope you found our articles both enjoyable and insightful. For information on new subscriptions, product trials, alternative billing arrangements or group and site discounts please call 800-688-2421. We look forward to having you as a long-term member of the Relias Media community.