Epidural pump malfunction – manufacturer's reply

We appreciate Dr. Shah and his colleagues at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Centre for publishing their case report 1 with our CADD® -Solis ambulatory epidural pump. Dr. Shah's report is a valuable reminder that, despite advances in healthcare technology, clinicians play a critical role in ensuring the proper operation and function of infusion pumps, monitoring patient feedback regarding infusion therapy, as well as monitoring the complete infusion therapy system, including the catheter, the medication bag and bag spike, the pump tubing and the infusion pump. Dr. Shah and colleagues’ return of the CADD -Solis pump to the Smiths Medical Service and Repair department enabled our technicians to perform an evaluation of the device as per our standard operating procedures, and to attempt to replicate any reported concerns. However, without being able to also test the disposable accessories and other components of the entire infusion system used in the specific clinical event, we were unable to duplicate the reported under-delivery. Our technicians did identify a slight over-delivery. We trimmed the pump expulsor and replaced sensors as part of our normal preventive maintenance procedure.