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Magnetic fields and intrathecal pump malfunction.

Billy Huh¹, Carlos J Roldan²

¹Department of Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine

|May 27, 2015

Summary

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A patient experienced severe pain and opioid withdrawal due to an implantable drug-delivery system (IDDS) malfunction. The malfunction was likely caused by magnets in a laptop computer placed on the abdomen, not MRI exposure.

Area of Science:

Medical Device Technology
Pain Management
Neurology

Background:

Advancements in medical technology have increased life expectancy, leading to a rise in chronic pain patients requiring advanced management solutions.
Implantable drug-delivery systems (IDDS) are used for continuous cerebrospinal fluid administration of medications like morphine and ziconotide for severe refractory pain.

Observation:

A patient presented with increased pain and opioid withdrawal symptoms attributed to intermittent IDDS malfunction.
The patient denied exposure to magnetic fields or MRI, common causes of IDDS rotor stalling.
Pump interrogation revealed multiple motor stall events, with investigation pointing to frequent laptop use on the abdomen.

Findings:

Magnets in laptop speakers likely caused the IDDS pump motor to stall intermittently, suspending drug delivery.

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Frequent stalling led to inadequate pain management and opioid withdrawal symptoms in the patient.

No other mechanical failures of the IDDS were identified.

Implications:

This case highlights a novel cause of IDDS malfunction: exposure to magnets from everyday electronic devices like laptops.
Healthcare providers should inquire about potential environmental triggers, including laptop use, when patients report IDDS issues.
Awareness of this potential interaction is crucial for optimizing pain management and preventing adverse events in patients with IDDS.