Intrathecal baclofen--a multicentre clinical comparison of the Medtronics Programmable, Cordis Secor and Constant Infusion Infusaid drug delivery systems.

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A retrospective review was carried out of 34 consecutive traumatic spinal cord damaged patients who have had the Medtronics Programmable, Cordis Secor or Constant Infusion Infusaid intrathecal baclofen drug delivery systems inserted between July 1987 and 1992. The results indicate that whilst this treatment has many benefits there is a significant risk of complications, some potentially fatal. It should only be provided by a skilled and experienced team. The Medtronics Programmable pump is an excellent pump. It is of particular benefit where the therapeutic window is small or fine-tuning required. The Constant Infusion Infusaid is adequate if less precise control and continuous infusion is sufficient. It is of particular benefit in financially disadvantaged countries. The Cordis Secor device is helpful when unpredictable intermittent relief of spasticity is required but is otherwise limited by its complication rate.