You will soon be receiving infusion therapy at home. Infusion therapy is the treatment with a drug that is administered directly into a blood vessel via a drip. For this you will receive an elastomeric pump: a tool to allow the infusion fluid to enter.
In this leaflet you can read how the elastomeric pump works and how to use it.
Information on the medicine can be found in the information leaflet provided. The temperature at which the elastomeric pump should be stored can be found on the label of the elastomeric pump, which also lists the agents administered by the elastomeric pump.
Do you have questions about infusion therapy or the elastomeric pump? At the back of the leaflet you will find all contact details.
How does the elastomeric pump work? uitklapper, klik om te openen
What is an elastomeric pump?
An elastomeric pump is a portable infusion pump that administers drugs gradually and at the correct flow rate.
Components
There are different types of elastomeric pumps available in the Netherlands. The type of elastomeric pump you receive depends on the properties the pump should have (e.g. infusion time, maximum volume, etc.). For this reason, your pump also carries a name and a type designation.
All elastomeric pumps have approximately the same parts:
- A protective cap protects the end of the administration line and stops the flow of medication.
- A connection point at the end of the administration line connects the elastomeric pump directly to the connection on your body.
- An administration line to transfer the fluid from the elastomeric pumpto the body. On this line there may be a clamp or tap to squeeze the line (and stop the infusion).
- The elastic reservoir containing the infusion fl uid. This can be covered by a hard transparent plastic cover.
- In the administration line there is a constriction (visible as a small pen) which sometimes regulates the inflow of the fluid.
- There may be a filter (flat disc) in the administration line to filter out the air in the line and prevent it from entering the bloodstream.
- Volume indicators (scale) indicate the progress of the infusion (even when the pump is empty). (depending on the elastomer pump used this may or may not be visible).
2 examples of an elastomeric pump (the lower example has no filter 6 or scale 7)
How does it work?
The elastomeric pump consists of a transparent elastic reservoir containing the infusion fluid. As this reservoir is elastic, it drives the fluid in the direction of the administration line. The administration line is connected to the infusion connection on your body. As soon as the elastomeric pump is connected, the infusion fluid starts to run. The administration tube ensures the correct flow rate. This elastomeric pump (Eurocept accufuser) has a flow restrictor (at the end of the tube at the connection point), which has been calibrated to skin temperature. This part must be in contact with the skin by fixing it onto the skin with a piece of tape (If the skin is vulnerable, a singlelayer gauze may be placed under the flow restrictor). Do not fix the filter to the skin.
Use of the elastomeric pump uitklapper, klik om te openen
Instructions for use
- Carry the elastomeric pump as much as possible at room temperature.
- In winter, you should preferably carry the elastomeric pump close to your body, as the infusion fluid is sensitive to frosty cold.
- Do not expose the elastomeric pump to direct sunlight and avoid temperatures above 38°C.
What is the best way to carry the elastomeric pump?
You receive a hip pouch that ensures maximum freedom of movement. The elastomeric pump must not be exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures. If it is cold outside, carry the pump under your clothes. If you have a fully implantable delivery system (called VIT or PAC), make sure you carry the hip pouch higher up (preferably at the level of the VIT/PAC to ensure the correct flow rate).
Bringing the elastomeric pump to room temperature before use
Some medicines must be kept refrigerated until the time of administration. To ensure a pleasant administration and to achieve the correct flow rate, it is best to allow the elastomeric pump to reach room temperature first. To this end, the elastomeric pump must be taken out of the refrigerator 6 hours in advance. Once the reservoir is at room temperature, you can connect and use the elastomeric pump.
Where do you leave the elastomeric pump while sleeping?
The elastomeric pump must remain at the same level as the entry point, where the tube enters your body. You can therefore best put the elastomeric pump next to or under your pillow, or continue to carry it in the hip pouch (do put the pouch outside your blanket). The elastomeric pump must not stand on the floor or be suspended above your head.
Can you take a shower while the elastomeric pump is connected?
Yes. The housing of the elastomeric pump can withstand splashing water, but the elastomeric pump must not be submerged in water. A hook with suction cup in the shower is a good place to suspend the elastomeric pump from. If the elastomer has a filter (flat disc), it must be protected against water. The filter must not get wet and can be protected from water with a plastic bag.
Can you fly with an elastomeric pump?
Yes, you can fly with the elastomeric pump, as long as you take the stock of elastomeric pumps with you in your hand luggage (i.e. in the pressurized cabin).
Can you exercise with the elastomeric pump?
Yes, you can exercise, but the temperature of the elastomeric pump must remain around room temperature. Moreover, the elastomeric pump must not be submerged in water. Intensive exercise is not recommended.
Can you come into contact with (domestic) animals?
Yes, it is safe to come into contact with pets and other animals. However, you must prevent the animal from biting the elastomeric pump or playing with it.
When is the elastomeric pump empty?
On an elastomeric pump with a volume indicator you can see that the pump is empty when the “empty indicator” is reached. Some residual liquid may be left behind. This does no harm, the administration is set accordingly. If the elastomeric pump is empty, it does not need to be disconnected immediately. No fluid will flow back into the pump.
Is it possible that some liquid is left at the time of disconnection?
Yeah, some fluid be left in the pump. This is taken into account in the dosage to ensure that you always receive sufficient medication.
Can the administration line kink?
No, it cannot.
What should you do if the elastomeric pump is not properly connected, leaks and/or the administration site on the skin turns red?
Close the taps and/or clamps that regulate the inflow and contact home care immediately. Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Contact and questions
Home care
Do you have problems with the elastomeric pump at home? Then it is best to get in touch with home care. If necessary, home care will contact the hospital. The telephone number of your home care service will be given to you by the Healthcare Mediation Unit (Bureau Zorgbemiddeling).
UMC Utrecht Healthcare Mediation Unit
Do you have questions about your infusion therapy at home or any other questions about care and treatment after discharge? The transfer nurses of the UMC Utrecht Care Mediation Office can advise you on this and, in consultation with you and the treatment team, indicate and organize the appropriate care.
T: 088 755 73 61
E: bzu@umcutrecht.nl
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