Travelling to China with an intrathecal pump

Identify your device

Carry the implant identification card and ask the managing clinic for a summary with the model, current therapy and clinic contact details. Ask for the manufacturer’s instructions for your exact device and any external programmer.

Confirm care at the destination

Before booking travel, ask the managing clinic and a receiving service in China to confirm who can assess or refill the device, whether compatible supplies are available and how to handle alarms or delays. Leave programming and medication decisions to the treating teams.

Check security and customs separately

Ask the relevant checkpoint about screening for the implant and any external equipment. Show the device card and follow model-specific instructions. Check import requirements separately for medicines carried outside the pump; a device card is not customs permission.

Official sources

• Medtronic: before travel with an implanted drug pump
• Memorial Sloan Kettering: intrathecal pump patient information

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