Sorry that I didn\'t answer soonier but we have been on vacation. My husband\'s pump is the Medtronic SynchroMed EL Infusion System, made by Medtronic. The pump delivers a controlled amount of medication through a catheter to the spinal column to control the pain. The pump and catheter is totally implanted. My husband just had the medication in his pump replaced and it only took a few minutes in the doctor\'s office. My husband has had excellent results with this system, I can\'t tell you how it has changed both of our lives. Since he has had the implant he has only had two attacks-but no pain- and the last attack he only missed one day from work and didn\'t have to spend the usual one to two weeks in the hospital.

Anyway, I\'m not sure of where you live, but the doctor that implanted Frank\'s pump is Dr. Jon Parks in Wichita Ks (a pain specialist). You should probably contact Medtronic directly. Medtronic Neurological 800 53rd Ave NE Minneapolis MN 55421 800 510 6735

Please keep me informed if you decide to take this route. We understand that Frank was the first person to use the pump for this disease and we would love for other people to learn about this device.

Darla Dugan darla@prod.mccall.com 800 255 2762 x 469