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This information explains what an infusion device is and how it works to give you chemotherapy. If you have any questions about your infusion device or information on this page, please speak to the team looking after you.
What does an infusion device do?
If you have been prescribed a chemotherapy drug called 5-Fluorouracil (5Fu), you will take it directly into your vein via an infusion device. The infusion device will be attached to an intravenous line situated in your vein. This could be:
- a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in your arm, or
- an implantable port (also known as a port-a-cath) inserted under your skin, usually on your chest.
Once in place, the infusion device will allow the chemotherapy to be administered as a continuous infusion over a specific number of days.
Once the infusion device is connected to your PICC or port, the nurse will check that the tubing isn’t kinked or blocked. You will have a bag for the infusion device so that you can carry it easily over the period of the infusion.
When the infusion device is first connected to your PICC or port, the balloon containing the treatment will be full (see Pic 1 below). The balloon will gradually shrink over the days that the pump is attached to your PICC or port (see Pic 2 and Pic 3).
You should be able to see the balloon change shape when you check the pump in the morning and in the evening to make sure the medication is being administered.
- When you go to bed, place the device at the height of a bedside table. This will help to make sure that the medication flows without interruption. Placing the device above your head level or on the floor can interrupt the flow.
- Avoid the infusion device becoming tangled in clothing or bedsheets. This may put pressure on the tubing attached to your PICC or port.
- Keep the infusion device away from pets and children.
- Keep the infusion device dry when washing or showering.
- Keep the infusion device connected at all times.
You will have an appointment at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre to have the infusion device disconnected. Or, if appropriate, we may refer you to your district nursing team.
A nurse will remove the infusion device from your PICC or port and then flush your line with saline.
Please note:
- Do not cut through the line attached to the infusion device.
- Do not disconnect the infusion device from your PICC or port.
There is leakage from the infusion device or the tubing
- When you check the device to make sure the balloon is deflating, also check that the connection to the PICC or port is not loose.
- Check the infusion device for any cracks in the outer layer.
- Call the chemotherapy advice line on 020 3447 3893.
The balloon does not seem to be reducing in size
- If there are any clamps on your PICC or port, check that the clamps have been opened when the infusion device was attached.
- Check the tubing that connects the infusion device with the PICC or port for any bends, kinks or folds that may prevent the medication from infusing.
- Call the chemotherapy advice line on 020 3447 3893.
There is swelling or pain at the PICC or port insertion site
- Call the chemotherapy advice line on 020 3447 3893.
The chemotherapy advice line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Page last updated: 25 July 2024
Review due: 31 July 2025