Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

A Modified Method for Intrathecal Catheterization in Rats
Published on: February 14, 2025
Cervical catheter placement for intrathecal baclofen test dose: is it safe?
Samiul Muquit1, Ismail Ughratdar, Harshal Ingale
1Department of Neurosurgery, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK. samiulm@aol.com
Introduction:
Intrathecal baclofen testing is usually performed via a catheter inserted at the lumbar spine. However, in patients with scoliosis, the distorted anatomy and bone fusion from corrective spinal surgery obviates access at the lumbar spine.
Patients And Methods:
We report a method for inserting the intrathecal catheter via a posterior cervical approach and discuss our outcome. We describe our experience in 20 patients in whom intrathecal baclofen test catheter was inserted at the lower cervical spine. Data was collected prospectively.
Discussion:
The procedure was successful in all 20 patients. There were no complications as a result of surgery or from baclofen test dose administration via a cervical catheter. Of the 20 patients, 15 went on to have baclofen pump implantation via a cervical catheter. In one patient, subsequent pump implantation procedure was unsuccessful due to presence of extradural scar tissue. In the remaining four patients pump implantation was declined due impending corrective spinal surgery or social reasons.
Conclusion:
Our experience shows that low cervical catheter insertion for administration of a test dose of intrathecal baclofen and feasible and safe to perform via the method described.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
One of the advantages of...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management

