Indium-111 DTPA flow study to evaluate surgically implanted drug pump delivery system.

The authors describe a radionuclide technique for evaluating intrathecal and intraventricular infusions by surgically implanted drug pump delivery systems. Sixteen patients underwent flow studies, performed by injecting 500 mu Ci of indium-111 DTPA into the pumps. Early and delayed images were obtained. These studies enabled distinction among functioning pumps, nonfunctioning pumps, and obstructed or occluded catheters. We conclude that indium-111 DTPA flow studies provide an excellent way to assess these drug pump delivery systems.