A tunneled epidural catheter is a very thin, flexible tube that is implanted into your spine (specifically, your epidural space) and tunneled under your skin. Through it, you can receive ongoing doses of medication that stops nerves in your spinal cord from sensing pain.

Tunneled epidural catheters are most often used in patients rehabilitating from cancer or in those with prolonged pain after major chest surgery.

How is a tunneled epidural catheter implanted?

First, you’ ll be given an intravenous medication to relax you as well as an intravenous antibiotic. Then, you’ll lie on your stomach on an x-ray table.