User's Manual

Pump implantation
64
Performing the surgical procedure
Pre-operative evaluation
The Pump implant depth should not exceed 5 cm (2 inches) beneath the surface
of the skin. If the Pump is implanted too deeply in the subcutaneous tissue it may
be difficult to access the refill port.
Formation of the pump pocket
Pump implantation can be performed either under local or general anesthesia.
After satisfactory anesthesia, a pre-selected abdominal site is prepped and draped
in the customary surgical method.
A transverse or longitudinal incision is made and deepened through the skin and
subcutaneous tissue. Care should be taken in choosing the location of the incision
so the suture line is next to but not over the Pump inlet fill port or the Catheter
side port. A subcutaneous blunt dissection is performed to create a pocket large
enough to accommodate the Pump. Meticulous hemostasis should be established
with electrocautery.
The Pump is secured to the fascia of the abdominal musculature using the three
suture tabs provided. Securing the Pump with all three suture tabs is recom-
mended, as it will prevent migration, rotation or inversion in the pocket and pos-
sible dislodgment of the Catheter.
Figure 11 indicates a possible Pump placement and corresponding incision sites.