Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Subcutaneous Angiotensin II Infusion using Osmotic Pumps Induces Aortic Aneurysms in Mice
Published on: September 28, 2015
Repeated filling of elastomeric infuser pumps for home-based subcutaneous medications: a case series
Miguel Julião1, Maria Ana Sobral2, Daniela Runa2
1Professor Equipa Comunitária de Suporte em Cuidados Paliativos de Sintra, Portugal.
Background:
Several medical devices have been developed for continuous subcutaneous drug infusion for home palliative care (HPC), such as elastomeric infuser pumps (EIP). There is no evidence on the repeated filling of EIP for continuous subcutaneous delivery for HPC.
Aim:
A clinical case series report of terminally-ill patients cared for in HPC, with repeated filling of EIPs for home-based subcutaneous medications.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of each patient's EIP-related entries in an anonymised database regarding: 1) EIP general functioning aspects; 2) clinical aspects: symptom control and local skin complications. Overall and per-patient cost-saving was also calculated.
Findings:
A total of 10 cases were analysed (four 50-hour EIP and six 30-hour EIP). All EIPs had a mean number of refillings (standard deviation (SD), mode) of 1.6 ((0.5), 2); with 3.2 drugs on average used in each EIP ((1.4), 4). Approximate total mean (SD) usage time for both types of EIP was 87 (29) hours; and all EIP were used, on average (SD), 49 (23) hours more than its labelled duration. All EIPs showed a complete reservoir deflation between refilling. Only one patient had a minor skin complication and no symptom aggravation was observed, except for two cases with mild anxiety and agitation. Cost-saving analysis for the complete case series showed that EIP refillings saved, on average, €24 per-patient and a total of nearly €240, for both types of infuser pumps.
Conclusion:
This preliminary study suggests that refilling is safe and reduces cost. Future research on EIP refilling using controlled and systematic methodologies are warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Repetitive IV Injections
One-Compartment Open Model for IV Bolus Administration: General Considerations
The drug's presence in the body is defined by an equation representing the difference between the rates of drug entry and exit. Key parameters—elimination rate constant,...

