Local Infusion Pain Management Pump

What is a local infusion pain management pump?

A local infusion pain management pump is a device that gives constant medicine for 2 to 5 days. You will get medicine called local anesthetic through the pump. This medicine numbs the area to decrease your pain before, during, or after surgery. The device pumps medicine through the catheter and into your body where you need it. Caregivers will place a catheter (tube) before or after you have surgery. It may be placed near your surgery site.

What does the pump system look like?

The pump system includes a round plastic container in the shape of a ball. The container is filled with medicine through a port (opening with a cap) at the top. The pump attaches to your clothing, or it may have a special carrying case. Tubing comes out of the pump. A clamp closes off the tubing if needed. A filter in the tubing gets rid of air. A device in the tubing controls the amount of medicine you get. The tubing may have an additional device on it that can give you extra medicine (called a bolus) when you need it. This is done by pressing a button on the device.

How do caregivers put the catheter into my body?

Caregivers will decide where to put the catheter to best manage your pain. They use a special needle to place the catheter. Caregivers will tape the tubing to your skin and cover it with a bandage. They may also tape the flow controller to your skin.

What are the benefits of the pump?

You may have less pain if you get medicine through the pump. You may not need to take additional pain pills, get shots, or get medicine through an IV (into a vein). There is less risk of side effects or complications from the medicine. You may be able to return to your usual activities because your pain is managed. The tubing of your pump may be antimicrobial. This means it is made to kill germs and help prevent infection.

How do I care for my pump at home?

• Make sure the clamp is open.
  
  
• Attach the pump to your clothing as directed.
  
  
• Keep the filter dry and open. Do not get soap on the filter. This can cause it to leak medicine. Do not put tape over the filter.
  
  
• Do not try to change the settings on your pump. Your pump has the right amount of medicine for you. Do not squeeze the pump, even if you think you are not getting enough medicine. If you have questions about how much medicine you are getting, call your caregiver.
  
  
• Do not tightly wrap elastic bandages near where the catheter goes into your body. Tight wraps could stop or decrease the flow of medicine.
  
  
• Do not put heat or ice packs onto your body near the flow controller.
  
  
• Do not get the pump or the catheter site wet. Ask your caregiver how to keep the area dry when you bathe.

How do I remove the catheter?

Your caregiver will tell you if you can remove the catheter at home. Remove it as soon as possible after the pump is empty. The catheter may get harder to remove as time passes. Follow these steps to remove the catheter:

• Make sure the pump is empty. As you get the medicine, the pump will get smaller and wrinkled. When the pump is empty, the outer part will become flat. You will be able to feel a hard tube in the center of the pump.
  
  
• Uncover the area. Remove the bandage over the catheter. Loosen the medical tape that holds the tubing to your skin.
  
  
• Remove the catheter. Hold the catheter where it goes into your skin. Pull the catheter out slowly and gently. If the catheter is hard to pull out or stretches, stop pulling. Do not pull harder or cut the catheter. If it does not come out easily, call your caregiver and follow his directions for removing it. You may need to see your caregiver to get help removing the catheter.
  
  
• Look for a black mark at the end of the catheter. If you do not see a black mark, or it looks like the catheter is broken, call your caregiver. Keep the catheter to show him.
  
  
• If you see a black mark after the catheter has come out, throw it away as directed by your caregiver. Cover the area with a new bandage.

What are some problems that may happen, and risks of using the pump?

The pump may not work correctly, and you may not get the right amount of medicine. If there is a leak in the pump system, the medicine can cause skin damage. Before you get a pump, tell caregivers about any allergies you have, such as allergies to medicines or to silver. If you are allergic to silver, you may react to the tubing. Numbness (loss of feeling) is normal in the area where the pump goes into your skin. If you cannot feel a body area, it is easier to injure it. Do not put hot or cold items on that area. Protect it from getting hurt.

Where can I find more information about the pump?

Contact the following:

• US Food and Drug Administration
  10903 New Hampshire Avenue
  Silver Spring , MD 20993
  Phone: 1- 888 - 463-6332
  Web Address: http://www.fda.gov
  

When should I call my caregiver?

Call your caregiver if:

• You have questions about how to use the pump.
  
  
• The tubing is twisted.
  
  
• Your pain gets worse even with the medicine.
  
  
• The place where the catheter goes into your body is red or warm. Blood or pus may come out. The area may also be swollen.
  
  
• You have a metal taste in your mouth.
  
  
• You give yourself a bolus and the button does not pop up after 30 minutes.
  
  
• Caregivers have told you to remove the catheter, but it will not come out easily.
  
  
• You see that there is no black mark on the end of the catheter after you remove it.

When should I seek immediate help?

Close the clamp on the tubing immediately, and get help or call 911 if:

• There is a large bruise around the area where the catheter goes into your body. The area is painful.
  
  
• You feel dizzy or your eyesight is blurry.
  
  
• You have ringing or buzzing in your ears.
  
  
• Your mouth, fingers, or toes are numb or tingling.
  
  
• You become more tired than usual, or you are confused.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.