Portable infusion pumps in ambulatory cancer chemotherapy.
Fifty-seven adult patients receiving chemotherapy were treated with a total of 133 infusions using portable user-worn infusion pumps, the Autosyringe AS*2F Cormed ML6-4, and two earlier versions of the latter, the Sigmamotor ML6-2 and ML6-3. Ninety-eight infusions were given on an ambulatory basis. Fourteen infusions were given through peripheral venous catheters, 115 through central venous catheters, and four intra-arterially. Of 127 evaluable infusions, 65 were completed within 5% and 87 within 10% of the planned rate; results are similar for both inpatient and outpatient infusions. The Cormed ML6-4 pump was equal to the Autosyringe AS*2F in reliability but superior to the latter in patient preference. There were no instances of dangerously rapid administration of the drug. The only serious catheter complications were a pneumothorax after insertion of a subclavian catheter in one patient and cellulitis in a leukopenic patient with a Broviac catheter. All but three patients preferred outpatient therapy to hospitalization. Outpatient therapy costs about $300 per day less than in-hospital treatment.
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents