Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike S. on January 16, 2012 at 12:08pm

I saw that a few times. When you fill reservoirs do you use insulin at room temperature?

Permalink Reply by Nasrin Cooper on January 16, 2012 at 1:11pm

Yes, room temperature

Thanks for your help

NFCooper

Permalink Reply by David C Weisberg on January 16, 2012 at 12:10pm

Air is obviously getting into the reservoir while you are using the pump. One way this could happen is if the infusion sets were not installed and were sucking air back into the pump. This cannot possibly happen if you install the infusion set under your skin. Consequently, it is apparent that the pump has developed a loss of seal around the reservoir. One way that could happen is if the infusion set is not properly being attached to the top of the reservoir when it is screwed into the pump. You would certainly notice this when you installed the new reservoir. This leaves only a defect in the piston on the pump, so that when the piston pushes against the reservoir, it is taking in outside air and pushing it into the reservoir from the bottom. If the pump is still under warrantee, you should insist upon replacement.

Permalink Reply by Scott E on January 16, 2012 at 12:10pm

Nasrin, I'd tend to suspect that either (1) there is pressure/temperature change causing the bubbles, though if you've been pumping for twelve years, you'd probably already be aware of that, or perhaps (2) after infusing insulin (either a bolus or a basal increment), I wonder if the motor "kicks back" and pulls the plunger back very slightly. Over time, I could see how these small kick-backs might draw a significant amount of air in. I've not heard of the problem, but I suppose it's possible. Try removing the reservoir and cleaning the inside of the pump gently with a Q-tip, I wonder if you'll find anything.

Do you see the air bubbles in the tubing as well, or just the reservoir?

How old is the pump you're using (I assume not 12 years!), and do you see air bub

Permalink Reply by mary on January 16, 2012 at 12:11pm

So glad you posted this. I thought I was going crazy. I've been pumping for 6 years with no problems, then, yeah, like you I've been having problems with bubbles. Started last summer, looked down, huge gap in tubing. And most frustrating of all, flushing the tubing doesn't move the bubble. Yes, I've told the reps, I make sure there are no bubbles in the reservoir before attaching the tubing. Once I got bubbles before I even got the thing attached to me. And I'm doing exactly what I've been doing since I started pumping. I've reviewed procedures and if anything I am even more cautious. I've mailed in my bad sets w/reservoir. It happens with the Mio as well as with the Quickset.
Wish I had answers.

Permalink Reply by Nasrin Cooper on January 16, 2012 at 2:15pm

I'm so relieved to learn that I am not the only one with a bubble maker reservoir problem.

I had to request a meeting with the local Minimed Rep. She confirmed that I was following the correct filling procedures. She even witnessed tiny bubbles start to form at the reservoir gasket.

I do not see any evidence of air leak or damaged piston. I will request a replacement unit since I have tried everything else.

NFCooper

Permalink Reply by Tom Goffe on February 8, 2012 at 6:02am

"She even witnessed tiny bubbles start to form at the reservoir gasket."

I'm starting to wonder if there might be a manufacturing issue, particularly with the tolerances between the reservoir wall, the gasket and the plunger? I don't know if either of you noted whether the problem comes with reservoirs having the same lot number? A couple of years ago Medtronic did a recall of some infusion sets so it might well be a possible explanation.

Permalink Reply by mary on January 16, 2012 at 4:01pm

Maybe it is the pump. I've been tempted to go back to my old one. I didn't have these problems with it. Got the Revel over a year ago.

Permalink Reply by Natalie ._c- on January 17, 2012 at 1:41pm

If you see what appears to be bubbles in the tubing that don't move when you flush it, what you are seeing may actually be a delamination of the tubing. It's made of 2 layers, and they can detach and appear to be a bubble, but it's actually not. I've had that happen, and wonder if that's what's happening to you!

Permalink Reply by lisa c on January 16, 2012 at 3:26pm

I get big gaps in tubing..air bubbles often with mios (MM). Do not realize it until I am high for no resaon and hours later check the tubing. Wish there was n alrm to say no delivery but it does not realize there is no insulin...just air.

I try to get in the habit of checking the tubing regularly with a fixed prime.

Permalink Reply by Tom Goffe on February 8, 2012 at 5:57am

If I understand the functionality of the pump correctly, the no delivery alarms are based on changes in pressure in the infusion set when the pressure gets to high.

Permalink Reply by Nasrin Cooper on January 25, 2012 at 9:09am

It was the pump!

TWO [2] days after posting this notice I had a new pump. I have not had any problems since then.

Thanks for the feedback.

NFCooper

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next ›
• Page