Understanding Pain Management and the Zimmer® Ambulatory Pump
What methods of pain management are available?
| Following surgery, you do have options when it comes to pain management. The usual course of action is to administer a pain killer or narcotic either orally or through an I.V. While these can help to lessen pain, narcotics can come with side effects. These can range from mild sleepiness and itching to feeling disoriented, nauseous and dizzy. In more extreme cases, narcotic use can result in serious cardiac related issues. This is due to the fact that narcotics treat acute post-operative pain systemically (i.e. they affect the entire body). However, now there is an alternative way to address post-operative pain. A pain management method that may make orthopaedic surgery virtually pain-free without the need for systemic narcotics. It’s the Zimmer ® Ambulatory Pump. |
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What is the Zimmer Ambulatory Pump?
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The Zimmer Ambulatory Pump utilizes a catheter implanted at the site of the surgical incision at the end of the procedure. The catheter is attached to the pump which automatically directs medication to the source of pain, not the rest of the body. The Zimmer Ambulatory Pump is designed to deliver an even distribution of the medication for up to 72 hours to help stop the constant dulling pain associated with surgery, and eliminate the need for other types of pain killers or narcotics. |
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What are the benefits of the Zimmer Ambulatory Pump?
- The biggest benefit to the Zimmer Ambulatory Pump is effective pain management. A recent study showed that patients facing surgery were more fearful of post-operative pain than they were of complications during surgery including the possibility of death. So we understand pain is a big issue for patients. The first few days following orthopaedic surgery are usually the most painful. But with the Zimmer Ambulatory Pump, you can address the pain and potentially reduce the need for systemic narcotics.
- With the Zimmer Ambulatory Pump, pain medication is localized directly to the surgical site. Because the medication is concentrated only on that part of your body it can be more effective. And, you are not left feeling “drugged”, disoriented or suffering from other side effects of narcotic pain medications.
- Another benefit is that Zimmer’s pump is ambulatory, or portable, which means you can move, walk, sleep – whatever your physician has approved – while the pump is in place. This allows patients to potentially start rehabilitation earlier, leave the hospital sooner and get back to their normal lives faster.
- Pain management can be simple to use for patients. The Zimmer Ambulatory Pump is secured in a small black bag that easily attaches to clothing or a sling. It is completely pre-programmed by your doctor, so you don’t have to do a thing. You will continue to receive pain medication for up to 72 hours at a constant level.
What happens when the Zimmer Ambulatory Pump is empty?
The removal of the Zimmer Ambulatory Pump does not require any further surgery. Because the catheter is so small, removal is expected to be painless and can be done quickly right in your doctor’s office. Then the entire unit is simply thrown away.
How can I receive a Zimmer Ambulatory Pump following surgery?
Pain management is only one part of orthopaedic surgery. Your primary care physician, along with your surgeon, will ultimately make the decision of what type of pain management will work best for your individual case. However, you also have a say in your care. If you are fearful of the pain associated with orthopaedic surgery as many people are, or if you do not want to suffer the potential side-effects of narcotics following surgery, we suggest you ask your doctors about the Zimmer Ambulatory Pump for acute post-operative pain management.
