N|- Véronique's Logs - Printable Version

DRUG-RELEASING IMPLANTS

Much the same as the bio-stability monitor - the drug releasing implant is implanted under local anesthesia beneath the patient's skin typically on the right side of the abdomen. This implant is a flexible catheter connected to a battery powered pump, with a diameter of 4.5cm and a depth of 3cm. The implanted device is visible to the naked eye, and it’s location can be felt. Unlike the bio-stability monitors, this does not contain any medical records or patient information; and it does not have the ability to allow medical professionals to remotely observe patients.

INSERTION

This implant is inserted via a relatively simple surgical procedure. A small incision is made at the proposed implantation site. A flexible catheter is first introduced into the incision, being located and secured in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen. This catheter is then connected to a battery-operated pump which is placed under the skin of the abdomen. From here the incision is sutured and dressed. This device can be used immediately. Complications are relatively common, and may include bleeding, infection, and death.

THEORETICAL USE

The implant techniques of this device and the subsequent route of drug absorption is currently used in the black market recreational drug scene to allow for illicit substances such as nox and potentially forms of cardimine to be absorbed relatively slowly on command by releasing a small amount of the substance into the system via the battery operated pump and catheter. Despite seemingly being designed as a subcutaneous administration device, it must be noted that unlike muscle, subcutaneous tissue lacks a rich blood supply. This will mean that the absorption of any drug delivered via this route will be slower than a direct intramuscular route. Additional factors affecting blood flow to the skin should be considered. These can include exercise, changes in environmental temperature, and medical conditions such as circulatory shock can affect drug absorption. As an attempt to speed up the absorption of the drug, yests will need to be done with the catheter in a number of different locations, and must be allowed for intramuscular and intravenous administration.

The number of deaths linked to this device to date is confidential, however it is expected to be high as the lack of care in the patients looking after the implant site and not the implant itself. The implant techniques may cause complications such as infections, and the lack of control in regulating the amount of the drug released would be cause for unintentionally overdosing on the substance. It is also up for debate as to whether the drug used in this device are safe to use with this method of administration