What is an ambulatory infusion pump?
An Ambulatory Infusion Pump (AIP) is a small battery powered pump that slowly delivers medicine like chemotherapy or antibiotics into your body. The pump gives medication over a specific time frame as set by your doctor. Getting medication through an AIP lets you carry on with most of your daily activities at home without having to stay at the hospital overnight.
How to prepare for the pump
To get your medication through the AIP you will need a central line. The type of central line that you get will depend on the type of medicine and how long you need to get the medicine. Here are the types of intravenous (IV) lines (delivering medicine directly into the blood) that can be used with the pump.
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)
- Tunneled catheter (like Bard PowerlineTM)
- Implanted port/passport
To make sure you are comfortable, it is best to wear loose clothing with larger sleeves, short sleeves or no sleeves. If you have a Tunneled catheter or implanted port, a shirt with buttons at the front will make it easier for your nurse to get to your IV and attach your medicine to the pump.
