HAI Pump (Hepatic Arterial Infusion Pump)
Cancer/BMT/Hematology
Your doctor has recommended a chemotherapy (chemo) plan for the colon cancer that has spread to your liver. This handout will explain the pump that delivers chemo and how to care for yourself after the pump is placed.
What is an HAI pump?
A hepatic arterial infusion pump is an implanted device about the size of a hockey puck. It is designed to give chemo at a constant rate to the liver. This method allows for higher doses of chemo to the liver. Exposure of normal cells to chemo is reduced. This also helps to limit some of the side effects.
How does the HAI pump work?
The HAI pump has two chambers, an inner chamber also called the drug chamber and the sealed outer chamber that contains an inert gas. The gas is warmed by the temperature of the body. This causes the gas to expand and increase the pressure on the drug chamber. This pressure causes the medicine to flow out of the drug chamber. It then flows through a filter, out of the pump via a small tube, and to the liver. There are no batteries in the pump.
How is the HAI pump placed?
The HAI pump is placed during surgery. The implant is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made under the rib cage for placement of the pump catheter. A second incision is made on the right or left side of the abdomen for placement of the pump.
If the gall bladder is still in place, it will be removed before placement of the pump. This will prevent irritation of the gall bladder caused by the chemo.
How is the pump filled?
A doctor will insert a needle through the skin into the pump. A syringe with chemo will be attached to the needle. The chemo will then be injected in the pump.
Is the HAI pump right for you?
Your doctor will decide if an HAI pump is an option for you based on the extent of the cancer and your general health. There are guidelines that you must be willing and able to follow to be able to use the pump.
For most patients, you must be willing and able to travel to UW Hospital every 2 weeks for pump fills.
You must keep all of your scheduled doctor and lab visits.
You must be able to lie still when the pump is accessed to avoid leakage of chemo.
Watch for signs of a fever. Call your doctor if you have one. Prolonged fever can affect the flow rate of the pump.
Do not use a heating pad or hot water bottle over the pump site, or sit in a hot tub. The heat will cause the pump to flow faster.
Carry the Patient ID card at all times in case of an emergency. Carry the ID card through airport security.
Avoid contact sports that could result in a blow to the abdomen.
Avoid scuba diving. The increased pressure will affect the flow rate of the pump. You may swim or snorkel.
Contact your doctor if you are going to travel by air. The cabin pressure of the plane may affect pump flow rate.
Inform your doctor if you are visiting or moving to higher altitude. This can affect the flow rate of the pump.
How often will the HAI pump be filled?
Your surgeon will fill the pump in the operating room. The schedule listed below will be followed for refills:
24 – 48 hours before discharge from the hospital a nurse from the Oncology Clinic will come to your room to flush the pump.
Date ________________________
2 weeks later you will have an appointment in the Chemo Room of the Oncology Clinic (Atrium clinic J3/2). The nurse will empty the pump, measure the left over liquid, and refill the pump with heparinized saline.
Date ________________________
2 weeks later (4 weeks after the 1st pump fill), you will have lab work and a visit with your oncologist. The pump will be filled with chemo for the first time. If you have not fully recovered from surgery, the start of chemo may be delayed. If that is the case, your pump will be filled with heparinized saline.
Date_________________________
1 week later you will have lab work done to check for liver toxicity. This may be done at a local lab if you live far from UW Hospital.
Date_________________________
1 week later (2 weeks after the start of the chemo infusion) you will return to the Chemo Room for the pump to be emptied and refilled with heparinized saline.
Date_________________________
2 weeks off
Return to the Oncology Clinic for lab work and a visit with your doctor. You will restart the 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off chemo cycle.
Date__________________________
There may be a time when you and your doctor feel you need a break from chemo, or you want to take a vacation that would interfere with the schedule outlined above. If this happens, the pump may be filled with glycerin which will allow for pump fills up to every 3 months.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Last Updated: 02/17/2010 Copyright © 02/17/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6619 Print Health Fact For You
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