Ambulatory Infusion Pumps (Continuous 5-FU)

Several leading cancer chemotherapy regimens — particularly for colorectal, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and stomach cancers — require continuous slow infusion of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) over 24, 48, or even 72 hours. In conventional hospital settings, patients were required to be admitted to an inpatient room for several days simply to receive continuous intravenous drip delivery.

PCRI has revolutionized this process using state-of-the-art Ambulatory Infusion Pumps. This modern technology completely negates the need for multi-day hospital admissions, allowing patients to safely receive continuous chemotherapy in the comfort and freedom of their own homes.

How the Ambulatory Infusion Works

1. Day Care Arrival & Connection: The patient visits PCRI Day Care for their initial IV medications and bolus doses.
2. Pump Setup: The continuous 5-FU medication is loaded into a compact, ultra-lightweight ambulatory pump (elastomeric or micro-electronic) and connected to the patient's Chemoport or PICC line using sterile dressings.
3. Return Home: The patient walks out carrying the quiet, discreet pump in a comfortable shoulder pouch or waist belt, free to sleep in their own bed, eat home meals, and enjoy time with family.
4. Seamless Disconnection: After the prescribed 48-hour delivery period completes, the patient returns for quick, painless disconnection and chemo-port heparin flushing.

Key Advantages for Patients

• Hospital Admission Negated: Saves significant hospitalization costs and avoids overnight room charges.
• Drastically Reduced Infection Risk: Staying at home protects vulnerable immunocompromised patients from hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients maintain their daily household routine, sleep in familiar surroundings, and experience far less anxiety.
• High Dosing Precision: Controlled flow rate ensures constant, uninterrupted therapeutic drug levels against cancer cells.
• 24/7 PCRI Medical Helpline: Direct phone access to our clinical team for questions, pump checks, or reassurance at any hour.

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