PM03 INFECTION REDUCTION STRATEGIES FOR SPINAL CORD STIMULATION AND INTRATHECAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) and Intrathecal Drug Delivery (IDD) Systems have proven efficacy in relieving pain in properly selected patients. One of the devastating complications that can occur with these systems is an infection. An infection usually leads to loss of the device at great expense, increased pain for the patient, loss of the benefit of the device to the patient, and significant expenses for treating the infection. The last 3 years of implant procedures, of a single surgeon at a single institution, both SCS and IDD devices is reviewed. Over 1000 procedures, with breakdown of co morbidities and infection rates for each procedure are identified. Strategies for reduction of infection in implant procedures are discussed.