title: Initial clinical experience with the SKY epidural catheter.
abstract: The new SKY epidural catheter was evaluated, based upon information collected about implant and use of 53 catheters by 51 patients. Catheters were used to treat chronic pain of a malignant (n = 25) and nonmalignant (n = 28) origin. Of 3450 treatment days, 89% occurred at home. Mean catheter use for malignant and nonmalignant conditions were 58.6 and 76.3 days/patient, respectively. Visual analogue pain scores in the first wk after implant indicated 79% of patients achieved good to excellent pain relief. Clinical impressions indicated this group achieved substantial long-term pain relief. No serious complications were observed. Two types of leakage required removing 5 catheters, prompting changes that eliminated subsequent leakages of both types. Accidental patient retraction and subcutaneous infection each required a catheter removal. No subarachnoid or epidural infections occurred. The SKY catheter proved to be safe and reliable. Therapy was cost-effective, since patients achieved substantial pain relief while treated at home.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Yue
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: St Marie
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Henrickson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics