Information for patients at home who need intravenous therapy through an Elastomeric pump

What is an Elastomeric pump, and what is it used for?

An Elastomeric pump is a disposable pump used to deliver intravenous (IV) medication slowly over time.

The pump has a hard outer shell, which contains a balloon that holds your IV medication under tension. The pump is connected to your PICC or Midline via a connection tube.

The balloon exerts pressure on the medication, causing it to flow out into your blood stream. A flow restrictor at the end of the line controls the rate at which the IV drug is administered (given to you). It is a single use pump.

The pump continuously infuses slowly over 24 hours without you having to do anything. Your Hospital at Home nurse will visit you each day to assess you and bring you a new pump.

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Things to watch out for

• There is an internal scale used to monitor the medication being infused. If the scale does not change, please check:

  • the clamp is not across the line; and

  • there are no kinks or twists in the connection tubing.

  If in doubt, contact the Hospital at Home team.

• Do not get the filter wet. Make sure it does not have any contact with detergents like soap or alcohol, as this may cause leakage.

• Do not disconnect the pump from your PICC / Midline at any time.

Living with an Elastomeric pump

We will give you a bag to carry your pump in. Keep the pump at the same level as your elbow (with your arm down). Although you can carry on as normal, please avoid any rigorous exercises or movement. This may cause your PICC / Midline to dislodge.

You can bathe, but please make sure both your pump and your PICC / Midline do not get wet.

Keep the pump at comfortable room temperature. Do not expose the pump to extreme heat or cold, as this will affect how the pump works.

What happens if my Elastomeric pump disconnects?

Firstly, do not panic. Clamp your Elastomeric pump (see diagram below), before contacting the Hospital at Home team. One of the nurses will advise you what to do.

You must follow these instructions or those of the Hospital at Home team. If you fail to do so, your Elastomeric pump may not work properly, which could affect your treatment.

Can I wash my Elastomeric pump carrying case?

Yes. The small bag is reusable, and can be hand washed in a light soapy solution. Please make sure the bag is dry before you use it.

Is the pump reusable?

No, only use the pump once. Your nurse will dispose of it for you. The Hospital at Home team will bring you a new pump every 24 hours.

Contact details

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Hospital at Home team on one of the following numbers. The team is available between 8am and 6pm. After 6pm leave a message, which we will pick up the following day.

• Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
  Telephone: 07973 674367

• Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate
  Telephone: 07771 385011

• William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
  Telephone: 07771 384940

• In an emergency, dial 999.

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