PUMP REFILL:

• Drain residual volume completely (verify actual amount drained to amount calculated by computer for accuracy, and to monitor system)
• check for drug leak and air leak in tubing connection setup

• enter reservoir port, not side access port.
• if unabe to locate or enter reservoir port use template for location.
• if unsure - do not refill - placing medication into access can result in medication being injected directly into catheter - and can cause overdose - this will inject directly into subarachnoid space and bypass pump reservoir. This is helpful for dye diagnostics to check integrity of line. This can not be done in usual refill situation due to the different size needle (smaller) that is required to bypass mesh over access port for entry - the larger needle in refill kit for entry into reservoir port will not be allowed to pass mesh into the access port even in error.
• at the present time refills are full serve, there is no self-serve option.
• if refill is considered to be painful by patient, use emla cream applied over pump 1 hour prior to refill. this provides topical local anesthetic. this is wiped off and cleaned prior to refill. the cream makes the refill procedure painless.

• DO NOT OVERFILL
  • ~PRESSURE CHECK WITH MANOMETER (must place manometer level with or below pump for optimum pressure check)

Medication refills are given through reservoir port, pump diagnostics (if problem occurs) are done via access port (check pump line for blockage, assess patency, "pump shunt-o-gram") under flouroscopy. Mesh over access port requires smaller gauge needle to enter than reservoir port. This size differential prevents inadvertent entry of larger needle used during refill into reservoir port from incorrectly being placed and entering access port.