Prevention and management of intrathecal drug delivery and spinal cord stimulation system infections

Abstract

Clinical study data and postmarket surveillance data on intrathecal drug delivery and spinal cord stimulation device infections were reviewed along with selected literature pertaining to cerebrospinal fluid shunt, implantable cardiac pacemaker, and surgical site infections. Most infections begin at the time of device implantation. Treatment typically involves antibiotic administration and device explantation. Available evidence suggests that the incidence of infection can be minimized by the use of published guidelines.