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P A I N
M A N A G E M E N T
Pumps operate via
2 different mechanisms: They're either
battery operated,
spring-driven, cartridge-loaded
devices; or elastomeric bladders
that dispense their
PUMP IT UP Pre-filled pain pumps from a compounding
pharmacy can free up your staff and secure your access to
needed medications.
under-pressure contents through a regulator. Several recently introduced products all use
the balloon solution. Is it a superior solution? "I can see where that
would be handy," says Mr. Nash. "They're more disposable and probably less expensive." For outpatient surgery providers, sending patients
home with a single-use device they can discard once it's empty is a
definite advantage, he says.
The same goes for pumps that feature antimicrobial catheters, such
as those made from silver-coated materials. Catheter implantation is
guided by the utmost sterile technique, says Mr. Nash, but any additional assistance is welcome, especially because it'll be in the patient
and clinically unmonitored for 3 days or so. (He cites European studies that have found an uptick in catheter-related infections at the 60hour mark.)
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | F E B R U A R Y 2013
