Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-m9kch Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-05-10T20:09:44.513Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

P.154 Subcutaneous intrathecal catheter and port implants for administration of Nusinersen in patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 January 2022

A Bokeris
Affiliation:
(Halifax)*
D Mcneely
Affiliation:
(Halifax)*
c restrepo
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
J Sheriko
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Background: Until recently, no effective treatment was available for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In 2017, Health Canada approved intrathecal Nusinersen a medication that prevents degeneration of the motor neurons in the spinal cord. The administration is intrathecally most commonly via lumbar puncture (LP) to have a direct effect on the motor neurons of the spinal cord. Many older patients with SMA and concomitant spinal deformities present technical challenges to access the thecal sac. Different routes have been described for delivery of the medication whoever these techniques may require sedation, are associated with radiation exposure, and demand experience personnel. Methods: A new surgical technique has been proposed to overcome these obstacles by combining two Health Canada approved devices: 1) an intrathecal catheter designed for intrathecal baclofen pumps and 2) an implantable subcutaneous port designed for intravascular medication administration Results: We describe the technical nuances and outline the clinical outcomes of six patients with complex spine deformities who have undergone such an implant for administration of Nusinersen. Conclusions: We discuss the benefits of the procedure which includes: 1) administration in the outpatient setting without sedation, 2) avoidance of costly imaging and experienced personnel, and 3) placement of the catheter in the cervicothoracic junction.

Type
Poster Presentations
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation