A Patient’s Guide
to the Care
of an Infusor System
What is an Infusor System?
An Infusor System is a small, lightweight, disposable, non-electronic portable device. It contains a balloon pre-filled with your chemotherapy drug that is encased in a plastic bottle. This method of delivery is a convenient way to administer your chemotherapy to avoid long stays in hospital and to keep life as normal as possible for you. In order for you to receive chemotherapy in this way, you will need to have a central catheter placed.
A central catheter is a thin, soft, flexible tube; the tip of which resides in the big vein near the heart. It can be inserted into your arm above the bend of the elbow or on your chest wall.
A central catheter can either be a Peripheral Inserted Central Catheter (PICC), a Tunnelled Catheter or an Implantable Port and placement of this will be arranged prior to starting your treatment. Giving you treatment in this way is called ambulatory chemotherapy. This is a ‘user-friendly’ system which will require minimum input from you and can be carried conveniently in a pouch to keep it safe.
What does an Infusor System look like?
Diagram 1.
1. Winged Luer Cap protects the opening and stops the flow of medication
2. Luer Lock Connector at the end of the delivery tubing attaches the Infusor System directly to the central catheter
3. Flow Restrictor controls how fast the medication is infused
4. Delivery Tubing carries the ‘fluid medication’
5. Balloon holds the ‘fluid medication’
6. Progression Lines shows how much medication has been infused
7. Fill Port Protector Cap protects where the medication was filled
8. Plastic Housing
Going home with an Infusor System
The plastic bottle with your drug inside, (Diagram 2) will be attached by the nurse in your treating unit to your central catheter. The balloon inside the bottle deflates moving the medication into the tubing and through the central catheter. This will happen very slowly over a designated period of days. The Infusor System is supplied with a bag and a belt which you wear around your waist. Arrangements will be made for the removal of the Infusor System.
Diagram 2.
What problems can occur with an Infusor System?
The following problems may occur with an Infusor System that you need to be aware of:
1. The medication may not infuse
· Remember that an Infusor System flows very slowly, so allow time for the balloon to deflate
· The presence of gauze, acting as a cushion beneath the white Flow Restrictor, will prevent
the medication flowing effectively
· If you have a catheter with clamps, ensure they are unclamped
· If your medication is still not flowing please contact your treating unit
2. A spillage may occur
Although rare, a spillage (or a leak) can occur from either the Infusor System or the central catheter. As a precaution, you will be provided with equipment to deal with a spillage. If a spillage takes place, the volume of leakage will be very small. This may be seen as a clear fluid or a white powder substance when dry. It can appear underneath the dressing, down the arm or on the chest wall depending on the central catheter you have in place.
Key points to handling a spillage
If a spillage occurs it is important to take prompt action.
· Contact your treating unit to inform them of the spillage and to gain advice and follow the points below
· Gather the equipment that you have been provided with
· Put on gloves provided before dealing with the spillage
· Disconnect the Infusor System from the central catheter by turning the connector in an anti-clockwise direction and use the cap provided to cover the end of the Infusor System tubing
· Place the Infusor System into the burn bin provided
· Absorb any spillage immediately using the plastic backed pads
· Place all equipment used into the burn bin and seal it
· If the fluid from the Infusor System comes into contact with your skin, wash the area immediately with plenty of tap water. This should then be repeated using warm soapy water, and the area gently dried. Do not apply any moisturising cream or hand cream on the affected area. If redness or irritation lasts for longer than a few hours contact your GP or ward/clinic/patient helpline
· If the fluid comes into contact with your clothes, remove these wearing gloves and wash them separately through two cycles of a normal wash
· Return the sealed burn bin to your treating unit as soon as possible.
Key Points
Keep Infusor system out of reach of children or others who may be at risk and avoid pulling on the delivery tubing
The attachment must lie next to the skin as the heat of the body regulates the flow of infusion
Keep the Infusor System away from direct heat sources such as radiators, open fires or direct sunlight
Bath and shower as normal. Do not submerge the Infusor System and avoid it getting wet
The Infusor System can be removed from bag provided and placed on its’ side under your pillow
while you are sleeping
You should always wash your hands before and after handling the Infusor System
Return the sealed burn bin containing the completed Infusor System to your treating Unit
For any travel advice ask your Doctor prior to travelling
Should you require any further information or advice in relation to your Infusor System, please contact your treating Cancer Unit via the Helpline.
Infusional Services / BCH / 2016