Continuous infusion pumps for apomorphine and levodopa 

What are continuous infusion pumps for apomorphine and levodopa? 

Continuous infusion pumps are medical devices that deliver medications continuously and precisely through a small needle or catheter inserted under the skin. In the context of Parkinson’s disease, they are used to administer apomorphine or levodopa, two medications that help control the motor symptoms of the disease. 

What is this diagnostic procedure for? 

Continuous infusion pumps for apomorphine and levodopa are used to: 

• Control the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: They help reduce tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and dyskinesias (involuntary movements). 

• Reduce motor fluctuations: They help maintain more stable levels of medication in the body, reducing the motor fluctuations (“on” and “off” periods) that can occur with oral administration of medications. 

• Improve quality of life: They can significantly improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease by providing more stable and predictable control of motor symptoms. 

Benefits of the latest technology in continuous infusion pumps 

Continuous infusion pumps offer a number of key benefits thanks to the incorporated technology: 

• Precise administration: They allow for precise and controlled administration, which helps to maintain stable levels of medications in the body. 

• Custom dosage: They can be programmed to administer different doses of medication at different times of the day, adapting to the individual needs of each patient. 

• Portability: They are portable and easy to use, allowing patients to maintain an active lifestyle. 

Alarms and safety: They are equipped with alarms and safety systems that alert the patient in case of problems, such as catheter blockage or battery depletion. 

Recommendations for the procedure 

Remember that it is important to adhere to the following recommendations to ensure the quality of the test and your comfort: 

• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Follow all instructions provided by your doctor or hospital staff carefully. 

• Learn how to use the pump: Make sure you understand how to use the infusion pump and how to troubleshoot common problems. 

• Keep the catheter clean: Keep the insertion site clean and dry to prevent infection. 

• Report any problems: Inform your doctor about any problems you experience with the infusion pump, such as catheter blockage or skin irritation. 

Are there any risks? 

Continuous infusion pump therapy is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, there are some minor risks to consider: 

• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the catheter insertion site. 

• Skin irritation: The skin around the catheter insertion site may become irritated or inflamed; subcutaneous nodules may also develop  

• Catheter obstruction: The catheter may become blocked, preventing the medication from being administered. 

• Problems with the pump: Problems such as battery depletion or device malfunction can occur with the infusion pump. 

• Side effects of the medication: Side effects related to the medication being administered may occur, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or dyskinesias (abnormal movements). 

To ensure your procedure runs smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation. 

Before the procedure, we will give you the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign. 

If your appointment is for an MRI, it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental prostheses), tattoos, or drug infusion devices such as insulin pumps. 

These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is still the unlikely possibility of an incident.