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Indium-111 DTPA flow study to evaluate surgically implanted drug pump delivery system
A S Rosenson1, A Ali, E W Fordham
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois 60612.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Radionuclide flow studies using indium-111 DTPA effectively assess surgically implanted drug pumps. This technique distinguishes functioning pumps from nonfunctioning ones and identifies catheter obstructions in intrathecal and intraventricular infusions.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiopharmacology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Surgically implanted drug pumps are used for intrathecal and intraventricular infusions.
- Assessing the functionality of these pump systems and associated catheters is crucial for effective drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate a radionuclide technique for assessing the performance of intrathecal and intraventricular drug pump delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- A radionuclide flow study was performed on sixteen patients with implanted drug pumps.
- 500 mu Ci of indium-111 diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was injected into the drug pumps.
- Early and delayed imaging was conducted to evaluate the flow dynamics.
Main Results:
- The indium-111 DTPA flow studies successfully differentiated between functioning and nonfunctioning drug pumps.
- The technique also identified obstructions or occlusions within the catheters.
- Imaging provided clear visualization of flow patterns.
Conclusions:
- Indium-111 DTPA radionuclide flow studies are an excellent method for evaluating the integrity and function of intrathecal and intraventricular drug pump delivery systems.
- This technique aids in diagnosing pump malfunctions and catheter issues, optimizing patient treatment.