iFlow On-Q Faqs

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ON-Q
1. What is ON-Q*?
ON-Q* is a brand name of a continuous infusion pump that delivers medication (such as local anesthetic) to or around surgical wound sites and/or in close proximity to nerves for preoperative and postoperative regional anesthesia and/or pain management.
2. Is the ON-Q* continuous infusion pump also indicated for epidural use?
The ON-Q* pump may also be used for epidural applications. Refer to the Directions For Use for specific information on epidural use.
By adding the ON-Q* pump to a patient’s post-surgical pain treatment, patients will get better pain relief than with narcotics alone. When the ON-Q* pump is used with narcotics, it reduces the amount of narcotics needed to relieve pain following surgery. Key studies from various surgical specialties were submitted as clinical evidence validating these indications. Some clinical studies have also demonstrated reduced length of stay, which may result in decreased costs, increased patient satisfaction; and a quicker return to normal function.
4. How does the pump work?
The pump consists of a multi-layer membrane with a protective PVC cover. The strain of the elastomeric membrane provides positive pressure of approximately 10 PSI (500 mmHg). A flow controller regulates the flow rate. The pump is portable and may be placed in a carrying case or clipped to the patient’s clothing.
PUMPS FAQs
5. What ON-Q* pump models are available?
Currently there are four pump models:
ON-Q*: flow restricting orifice controls the flow rate. Flow rate is fixed and cannot be changed. Also available in dual and triple site configurations.
ON-Q* with ONDEMAND*: delivers a continuous infusion (basal) and also incorporates a bolus device that allows fixed boluses to be delivered on demand.
ON-Q* with Select-A-Flow*: incorporates a controller that allows the user to adjust the flow rate within a pre-determined range designated on the device. Also available in dual site configuration.
ON-Q* with Select-A-Flow* and ONDEMAND*: includes an adjustable rate controller and a bolus device.
6. What is the material in the elastomeric membranes?
The pump consists of three layers:
• The inner layer is a synthetic thermoplastic elastomer which contains the drug and does not contain natural rubber latex.
• The middle layer is composed of natural rubber latex.
• The outer protective layer is PVC.
The natural rubber layer does not come into human contact.
7. Can the ON-Q* pump be used on patients with
latex sensitivity?
The pump does not contain natural rubber latex in the fluid pathway. The PVC bag that surrounds the pump membranes prevents latex from coming into contact with the skin. Refer to Latex Sensitivity Technical Bulletin on www.myON-Q.com.
8. What is the pump shelf life?
Approximately 2.5 years. Product expiration dating
is on the product label designated by this icon.
9. What medication should be used in the ON-Q*
pump?
A local anesthetic of the physician’s choice. Drug manufacturer dosage guidelines should be followed.
Vasoconstrictors such as Epinephrine are not recommended for continuous infusion. I-Flow, LLC*
has performed stability testing on bupivacaine HCI, lidocaine HCI and ropivacaine HCI. Refer to Technical
Bulletins on Drug Stability.
10. Can other medications be added to the local
anesthetic in the ON-Q* pump?
I-Flow* has performed stability testing on bupivacaine with other medications in the pump including mixtures of bupivacaine/antibiotics, bupivacaine/ ketrolac, bupivacaine/ketrolac/morphine and bupivacaine/dexamethasone. Refer to Technical Bulletins. I-Flow does not make any specific recommendations regarding the use of these protocols with ON-Q*.
11. How is the pump filled?
Pump should be filled in the pharmacy using aseptic technique. Pumps are packaged with a 60 ml syringe for filling and larger volume models include an extension set. Electronic filling devices may also be used. Pre-fill programs are available. Consult your ON-Q* representative for further information.
12. How much medication does the device hold?
A variety of sizes are available, providing dosing flexibility. Depending on the model selected, the pump may hold from 100 ml up to 750 ml of medication. Infusion times range from 12 hours to 5 days or longer depending on the model and fill volume selected. Refer to the model specific product insert for delivery time information.
13. What happens if the pump does not fill evenly?
The pump may fill unevenly; this is normal and should not cause concern. One side of the pump may completely fill and then the other side begins to expand.
14. How can I tell if the pump is infusing?
The medication infuses at a slow rate. A change in the size of the pump will not be noticed on an hourly basis. It may take longer than 24 hours to notice a change in the appearance of the pump. Over time the outside bag will become loose and creases will form in the bag. If the patient is getting good pain relief the pump should be infusing as expected.
15. What is the accuracy of flow delivery?
Delivery accuracy is ±15% of the labeled infusion rate (± 20% for Select-A-Flow* models)
16. What is the size of the in-line filter?
The size of the filter(s) is 1.2 micron particulate and
0.02 micron air-eliminating filter.
17. Are there any factors that affect flow rate?
ON-Q* is calibrated for the flow restrictor to be in contact with the patient’s skin. Care should be taken to ensure that this portion of the tubing is secured to the patient’s skin and that it is not near any cold therapy devices. If the restrictor is away from the body, the medication will infuse at a slower than expected flow rate. Also, do not tape over the filter vent. Underfilling or overfilling will also affect the flow rate. ON-Q* with ONDEMAND* and Select-A-Flow* features are calibrated to room temperature and should be worn outside the clothing.
18. Is ON-Q* compatible with MRI?
ON-Q* products, excluding the E-Clip accessory and the carrying case, are deemed MR safe or MR conditional up to a 3- Tesla magnetic field. I-Flow recommends removing the E-Clip and the carrying case, if present, from the pump prior to MR testing. Refer to Technical Bulletin on MRI compatibility with ON-Q* at www.myON-Q.com.
19. Can patients shower with the ON-Q* pump?
Physician’s instructions should be followed. Precautions should be taken to protect the catheter site and pump from water.
20. Can the ON-Q* pump be refilled?
No. The device is for single use and is disposable.
21. Is there 24 hour product support?
Yes. A Product Support Hotline staffed by Clinicians is available 24/7. Contact 800.444.2728.
22. Is there reimbursement for ON-Q* products?
There are CPT codes for Continuous Nerve Blocks, which include the following:
64446 Continuous Sciatic 64448 Continuous Femoral 64416 Continuous Brachial Plexus
64449 Continuous Lumbar Plexus I-Flow* has materials and programs to assist with reimbursement. Please ask your rep for more information about our Reimbursement Hotline for any questions on coding and billing policies.
23. Where can I find more information on the ON-Q*
catheters?
For complete product information, always refer to the product literature that comes with the device.
24. Where can I find updates on ON-Q* products?
For technical bulletins and a list of supporting studies visit www.myON-Q.com.
ON-Q* pump with ONDEMAND* bolus button
1. What are the features of the ONDEMAND* device?
ONDEMAND* is a bolus device that allows patients the option of giving an extra 5 ml of medication in addition to the continuous basal rate.
2. How does temperature affect the ONDEMAND*
bolus device?
The restrictors are inside the ONDEMAND* device. The ONDEMAND* device should not be in skin contact, as it is calibrated to room temperature. The bolus should be worn outside the patient’s clothing and may be clipped to the carrying case for convenient access.
3. Does the ONDEMAND* device have a
lockout feature?
Depending on the model, the ONDEMAND* bolus button has either a 30 minute or 60 minute refill. Pressing the bolus button prior to the end of the refill time will result in a partial bolus dose. Medication dosing should be based on the Total Maximum Flow (bolus + basal) determined by your physician.
ON-Q* pump with Select-A-Flow* controller
1. What flow rate ranges are available with the
Select-A-Flow* controller?
Currently there are two flow rate ranges available: 1-7 ml/hr in 1 ml increments and 2-14 ml/hr in 2 ml increments. The flow rate is adjusted by turning the rate changing key on the device. There are dual site Select-A-Flow* configurations also available with 1-7 ml/hr per site. Medication dosing should be based on maximum flow rate.
2. What happens if the flow rate is dialed
between settings such as 2-3 ml/hr?
Dial must be aligned with number and the ml/hr ▼ to ensure accurate flow rate. The tactile feel will allow the user to ensure the selected flow rate is set.
CAUTION: Flow rate will be
unpredictable if it is dialed between rate settings.
3. How does temperature affect
the Select-A-Flow* controller?
Temperature will affect the solution viscosity resulting in a faster or slower flow rate. The Select-A-Flow* controller should be worn outside the clothing and kept at room temperature.
4. What about tamper resistance with the
Select-A-Flow* controller?
To discourage tampering, the rate-changing key may be removed from the dial and put in a place for safe keeping. The plastic cover over the dial may be secured with a standard tie wrap.
There are inherent risks in all medical devices. Please refer to the product labeling for Indications, Cautions, Warnings and Contraindications. Failure to follow the product labeling could directly impact patient safety. Physician is responsible for prescribing and administering medications per instructions provided by the drug manufacturer. Refer to www.myON-Q.com for product safety Technical Bulletins.
For more information call 800.448.3569/949.206.2700 or visit myON-Q.com
A KIMBERLY-CLARK HEALTH CARE COMPANY
20202 Windrow Drive Lake Forest, California 92630 USA
Rx only.
Registered Trademark or Trademark of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
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© 2012 KCWW. All rights reserved.
MK-00312 04/2012
Better Recovery.
Better Outcomes.
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