Removal of the Ambit Catheter

Your anesthesia doctor has placed a pain pump to help control your pain. Your pain pump does not contain narcotics. It only contains “numbing medicine.” It should help relieve pain for about 1-2 days. The pain pump only helps the area of the surgery. Please remember that you may also take the pain pills prescribed by your surgeon if needed.

What do I need to know?

• Your pain pump started on ________at________(AM/PM) and at ________ml/hr.
• If the catheter comes out by accident, discard it. Then start taking pain pills as prescribed by your surgeon.
• Follow all the instructions the nurse or doctor gives you.

How do I remove the catheter?

• Remove the catheter on ________at ________(AM/PM) or when the pump is empty, whichever happens first.
• First, remove the clear tape that covers the catheter. Then slowly but steadily pull the catheter out. It is normal to have some tugging at the skin – continue to pull steadily.
• Do not cut the catheter for any reason. The pain pump is disposable and cannot be re-used. Please throw everything away.

When should I call the doctor?

Call your anesthesia doctor if you have any of the following:

• Insertion site is red or draining
• Ears are ringing
• Metallic taste in mouth

What if I have questions?

• Please call 859-323-5321 and ask for the Trauma Surgery provider on call.
• You may call the device maker at 1-800-444-2728.
• Visit ambitpump.com.