Testing the Surefuser: A Disposable Subcutaneous Infusion Pump

Abstract

Objective: To assess the accuracy of a new mechanical infusion pump, Nipro Surefuser Setting: Daw House, a hospice unit located at Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, South Australia. Method: Three Surefuser infusion devices were assessed on the bench top over a three‐day period. A flowcontrol tubing was chosen that would deliver 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride in 72 hours at a rate of0.7 mLI h. Devices were fitted with extension tubing and a 25‐gauge butterfly needle. One Surefuser device was attached to a healthy volunteer for a three‐day trial. The infused volume was indirectly measured every 12 hours throughout the trials and the ambient temperature was also recorded. Results: Mean flow rates for the three Surefuser devices assessed on the benchtop were 0.63 mL/h, 0.71 mL/h and 0. 7 4 mL/h. Temperatures for these trials ranged between 18.3°C and 28.6°C. The mean flow rate of the Surefuser device attached to the volunteer was 0.88 mL/h. Conclusions: The manufacturer claims that the Surefuser is accurate within ±10%, at a constant temperature of 32°C. The average rates as measured on the benchtop support this claim. It is unclear what the effect of temperature was on the infusion rate, although it appeared to make only a minor difference. The Surefuser is simple to operate and convenient to work with. The accuracy is acceptable in palliative care and future studies should be trialed in a clinical setting. The major drawback is the cost — a single, disposable unit costs approximately $53.00.