H. Boulahdour et al., IMPLANTABLE INSULIN PUMPS - DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF DECREASED FLOW-RATES USING RADIONUCLIDE INVESTIGATION, International journal of artificial organs, 19(12), 1996, pp. 723-729
The aim of this study was to develop a diagnostic procedure for pumpin
g unit malfunction by radionuclide imaging (RI) and to Validate the me
thod by comparing the results with those obtained using more conventio
nal methods. Fifteen radionuclide investigations were performed in 11
patients with intraperitoneal implantable insulin pumps. One mCi of 99
mTc in 1 mi isotonic sodium chloride was injected into the reservoir
The results based on catheter visualization and peritoneal accumulatio
n were compared blindly to the efficacy of alkaline rinses and laparos
copic findings. In all RI stoppage cases except one alkaline rinses fa
iled to restore flow Where laparoscopy was performed, comparisons were
concordant i.e. no outflow from the tip of the catheter. The RI image
s obtained were reproduced in vitro using a pump under normal flow con
ditions and complete proximal and distal catheter obstruction. RI is a
safe, quick non invasive method which allows the location of the site
of pump/catheter malfunction within a one step procedure and the pred
iction of the efficacy of sodium hydroxide rinses.