First Implantable Infusion Pump for Chemotherapy 

Published in FromWithin, Oak Leaf newsletter, June 1998.

© Brent M. Wogahn, M.D.

On April 2, 1998 the first implantable infusion pump for chemotherapy was placed in Eau Claire. It was placed in the hepatic artery of a 59-year-old patient with liver metastases from colon cancer. The administration of chemo-therapy directly into the hepatic artery has been shown to have a higher response rate with lower systemic side effects than systemic infusion.

Prior to the advent of the Infusaid^tm Pump, a standard Portacath^tm was placed into the hepatic artery, but this had the drawback of requiring daily visits to the oncologist for infusion chemotherapy.

This patient has the Strato/Infusaid^tm Pump (Model 400) implanted. This pump has a 50ml reservoir which can be filled with multiple chemotherapy agents. During periods of nonuse, it can be filled with heparinized saline. A patient will only have to have the pump refilled by the oncologist every 2-3 weeks, depending on the chemotherapeutic agents used. In between visits, patients can continue their routine daily activities with minimal restrictions related to the pump. Our patient is now two months post operative from the pump insertion, and is extremely happy with this new system.

The Infusaid^tm pump is a cylindrical device measuring 9 cm. in diameter and 2.5 cm. in thickness; it has an empty weight of 225 grams. It is powered by a reusable supply of Freon gas. The pump itself has to be calibrated to body temperature, altitude, and rate of infusion desired. Any changes in body temperature or altitude can alter the rate of infusion. Our patient's pump was calibrated to administer 2 cc/day.

Placement of an Infusaid^tm pump requires detailed evaluation of the blood supply to the liver; if other abdominal organs are inadvertently infused with chemotherapeutic agents, necrosis can occur. The evaluation in our patient consisted of a CT scan to document the liver metastases; an arteriogram to evaluate the anatomy of the hepatic artery; a nuclear hepatic scan; and an intraoperative hepatic artery Fluorescein infusion scan to demonstrate the areas of anatomy perfused by the hepatic artery.

Surgical resection of hepatic colon cancer metastases is the preferred treatment of choice. But in the unresectable patient the Infusaid^tm pump offers an excellent alternative for treatment. Our patient is thrilled with his pump and is free to enjoy more time with his grandchildren.

For more information contact Evergreen Surgical.

Published in FromWithin, Oak Leaf newsletter, June 1998.