Loss of effectiveness with an implanted drug delivery system for intrathecal pain therapy due to corrosion

Introduction Intrathecal drug delivery is an established invasive treatment option. Most common complication is catheter malfunction, which can lead to overdose or withdrawal. Case Presentation A 61‐year‐old female patient underwent an elective replacement of an intrathecal drug delivery pump. The patient complained about a loss of effectiveness over the past 2 years. Intraoperatively, a white mass corresponding to morphine precipitation in the pump pocket was found, which appeared to be due to corrosion at the pump‐catheter connection site. Conclusions Recommendations on how to deal with the decreasing effectiveness of intrathecal drug delivery and on intraoperative catheter handling are provided.