The common factor that unites us within PINNT is our need for artificial nutrition. Our members are either receiving it, caring/supporting someone either professionally or personally, working within the field that supplies or manufactures the products, supplies or services we receive.

There are currently 5 portable parenteral nutrition pumps on the market.

CME McKinley Bodyguard 323

Eden Medical Micrel Rythmic PN

Smiths Medical CADD Prizm VIP

Hospira Gemstar

Fresenius Kabi Ambix Activ.

Nutrition centres will have personal criteria for selecting suitable pumps for their patients. Some centres have invited patients to a meeting where the pumps they feel best suit their patients' clinical needs are demonstrated, and the patient/families can select the one they think will best suit their lifestyle.

Not everyone will be part of the decision making, but PINNT advocates that their members should be able to voice their opinions and preferences to their centres in order to ensure that the pump they use fits both their clinical and personal needs. PINNT recognises that one pump will not suit all patients.

The reported (link shown below) details all aspects of the provision of portable PN pumps, along with some history of the provision of PN as a home therapy. You may find pages 18 - 20 a quick reference to some of the aspects of each pump that you are keen to find out.

Please bear in mind that each individual will have personal criteria for acceptability and we hope that this information enables you to feel more informed and hopefully aid the decision making process.
Should you wish to try an alternative pump we suggest you speak directly to your nutrition team/centre who will be able to work with you.

Get a Buyers' guide to Portable parenteral nutrition pumps from the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering. http://www.bath.ac.uk/bime/evalcentre/

Get the .pdf here.