Initial clinical experience with the SKY epidural catheter.

The new SKY epidural catheter was evaluated, based upon information collected about implant and use of 53 catheters by 51 patients. Catheters were used to treat chronic pain of a malignant (n = 25) and nonmalignant (n = 28) origin. Of 3450 treatment days, 89% occurred at home. Mean catheter use for malignant and nonmalignant conditions were 58.6 and 76.3 days/patient, respectively. Visual analogue pain scores in the first wk after implant indicated 79% of patients achieved good to excellent pain relief. Clinical impressions indicated this group achieved substantial long-term pain relief. No serious complications were observed. Two types of leakage required removing 5 catheters, prompting changes that eliminated subsequent leakages of both types. Accidental patient retraction and subcutaneous infection each required a catheter removal. No subarachnoid or epidural infections occurred. The SKY catheter proved to be safe and reliable. Therapy was cost-effective, since patients achieved substantial pain relief while treated at home.