Considering HAI Therapy
Considering HAI Therapy
What can I expect while living with the pump?
The pump is surgically implanted just below the skin in the abdomen while you are under general anesthesia. The pump is often implanted during other scheduled surgeries such as the removal of primary tumors (for example, the tumors in the colon or rectum) or removal of tumors from your liver.
After your pump is implanted, your surgeon will order a scan to make sure the pump is perfusing directly to the liver. After you recover from surgery, your doctors will initiate HAI therapy treatment and systemic chemotherapy.
Do I have to limit my activities?
Once you recover from surgery, you’ll be able to continue most of the activities you enjoyed before. You must inform your physician if you have an elevated body temperature, as this could affect the pump flow rate. Your doctor or nurse will be able to give you specific guidelines, but below are several important things to keep in mind while living with a pump:
- Avoid rough physical activity such as contact sports to protect the pump site.
- Avoid deep sea and scuba diving, as increased pressure will affect the pump’s flow rate. You can still snorkel and swim.
- Don’t place heating pads or hot water bottles directly over the pump implant site, as this causes the pump to flow slightly faster.
- Avoid saunas, long periods in hot tubs, and prolonged direct sun exposure, all of which elevate body temperature and cause your pump to flow faster.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to be exposed to significant changes in elevation for extended periods. As the pump’s flow rate will be affected at high altitude and your therapy may need to be adjusted.
Can I travel with my Intera 3000 HAI Pump?
The pump is designed to enable you to enjoy your life as freely as possible, and that includes travel. Let your doctor know before you travel to ensure you will not miss a refill appointment. It is unlikely that airport security systems will detect such a small amount of metal, but if this does occur, present your patient ID card to security personnel.
Will people notice the pump?
You’ll notice a slight bulge where the pump is implanted. It may take some time to get used to the pump, however, many people report that eventually, they forget it’s even there.
How often will I need to see my doctor?
Initially and during active treatment, you’ll need to see your doctor every two weeks to refill the pump with medication. You must return on established refill times to prevent the pump from running dry as this can lead to a blockage in the catheter. After your treatment is completed, the frequency of refill appointments can be reduced to every few months.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
It’s very important that you do not miss refill appointments, so the pump does not run dry. If you cannot keep an appointment, be sure to call your doctor or nurse for alternate arrangements as soon as possible. If the pump is not refilled on a regular basis and runs dry, it may be impossible to continue HAI therapy.
How long will I have the pump?
Your pump will remain in place for the duration of your therapy. Some people have their pump implanted for several years; you should consult your doctor about your individual treatment plan.
Is it safe to have an MRI with the pump?
The Intera 3000 HAI Pump is classified as MRI Conditional, meaning certain conditions must be met by clinicians who perform an MRI safely. Please consult your doctor before having an MRI examination.
Do I need to carry pump documentation with me?
After your surgery, your doctor or nurse will give you a Patient ID card for your Intera 3000 HAI pump that you should always carry with you:
- in case you are traveling and need to receive medical care
- to show to airport security personnel
- to show to your radiologist before an MRI
Please see Important Safety Information for the Intera 3000 HAI Pump
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