Learning About Using an Elastomeric Device

An elastomeric device (such as an Eclipse ball) is a type of infusion pump that allows you to give yourself intravenous (I.V.) medicine at home. It doesn't need batteries, and it comes with the tubing attached. You can put the pump in a large pocket of a sweatshirt or bathrobe so that you are free to move around while receiving an infusion.

1. Store the elastomeric device or devices in the refrigerator, if your doctor suggests it.
2. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water (hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice) and dry with a paper towel.
3. Before you use the device, take it out of the refrigerator for the amount of time that your infusion pharmacy instructs so that it can reach room temperature. (If you forget, talk to your infusion pharmacy. It may be okay to give yourself an infusion when the liquid is cold. But it may feel a bit uncomfortable while the medicine is being infused. And it may take a bit longer to be infused than it would if the medicine was at room temperature.) Do not try to warm the device in water, direct sunlight, or a microwave.
4. Check to be sure the medicine has your name and date of birth. Check the name of the medicine and dose to be sure they both match your orders. Check the expiration or “do-not-use-after” date to be sure the medicine has not expired.
5. If any of the information is incorrect, stop and call your infusion pharmacy right away.

1. When it’s time to give yourself the medicine, follow these steps:
   1. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Wash the backs of your hands and between your fingers.
   2. Clean a flat, hard, dry work surface. You can use a disinfectant and paper towels.
   3. Note the time to start the infusion: ____ a.m./p.m.
2. Gather supplies:
   1. Alcohol pads or wipes
   2. 2 prefilled saline syringes
   3. 1 medicine-filled elastomeric device with attached tubing
   4. Medicine orders
   5. If you are missing any supplies, call your home infusion agency.
3. Wash your hands. Unwrap the supplies.
4. Take the end cap of the saline syringe and place it flat-side down on your cleaned surface. Pull back the plunger to break the seal on the syringe. Remove any air bubbles from the syringe by slowly pressing the plunger up to let the air bubbles out. Once air bubbles are removed, replace the cap on the syringe.
5. Repeat this step for the other syringe (or syringes).
6. Inspect the elastomeric device for leaks, damage, or discoloration.
7. Remove any paper tabs that may be holding the device tubing together. Keep the clamp on the device tubing closed.

1. Wash your hands.
2. Clean the end cap (the hub) by wiping an alcohol square over and around the hub for at least 15 seconds. Throw away the alcohol wipe.
3. Flush your I.V. line with saline. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Grasp the hub in one hand. Pick up the saline syringe and hold it with your other hand.
   2. Remove the cap from the saline syringe. Screw the syringe onto the hub using a “push and twist” clockwise motion. It’s like putting a key into a door lock or an ignition.
   3. Once the syringe is connected to the hub, open the clamp on your I.V. line.
   4. Slowly push 1 to 2 mL of saline at a time into the I.V. line. Stop. Then push 1 to 2 mL more. This is called “pulse flush.” Repeat this step until the saline syringe is empty. Emptying the saline into the line slowly each time helps keep your I.V. line from getting clogged. This step is called “flushing” the I.V. line.
   5. If you have trouble flushing your I.V. line, make sure the clamp on your line is open. If your clamp is open and the saline still doesn’t seem to be able to flow into the line, stop and call your home infusion nurse.
4. Once you have emptied the syringe, pull it out from the I.V. line while turning it left. Throw the syringe away with the cap on.
5. Wash your hands again.
6. With a new alcohol wipe, clean the hub again for at least 15 seconds. Hold the clean hub in one hand and don’t let it touch anything.

To start and stop the infusion, follow these steps:

• Find the end of the medicine tubing attached to the elastomeric device. Take the cap off the tubing.
• Connect the device tubing to the just-cleaned hub of your I.V. line using a “push and twist” motion. This means pushing the tube in while twisting it clockwise.
• Open the clamps on your I.V. line and device tubing so your medicine can be delivered (infused) into your I.V. line.
• You can move around while receiving an infusion. The device will slowly collapse as the medicine is given. The total time it should take for the infusion should be written in your medical orders. Ask your nurse or pharmacist if you are concerned that the time it takes for the infusion differs from the prescribed time on your orders.
• Small elastomeric devices (50 to 100 mL) take about 30 to 60 minutes to administer. Large elastomeric devices (200 to 400 mL) take 1 to 2 hours.
• When you don’t see any bulges in the inner column of the device, you will know your infusion is done. The balloon inside the device will deflate.
• Never disconnect the device before the time prescribed. If it appears there is still fluid in the device when you reach the prescribed time, keep it connected for another 5 minutes.
• Close the clamp on the device tubing to stop the infusion.
• Wash your hands.
• Disconnect the device tubing from the I.V. line by pulling it out and turning it left. Throw this tubing away.
• Clean the hub of your I.V. line with a new alcohol wipe for at least 15 seconds. Don’t let the hub touch anything.
• Attach the second saline syringe to your I.V. line using the “push and twist” method.
• Flush your I.V. line with saline slowly. Follow the “pulse flush” method of releasing 1 to 2 mL and pausing until the syringe is empty. Remove the empty saline syringe from the I.V. line and throw it away with the cap on.
• Close the clamp on your I.V. line. Wash your hands.