Answer: An American company called Smiths Medical MD, Inc. manufactures the pump. It is a unique pump developed for Duodopa®.
Question: How much does the pump weigh?
Answer: The CADD-Legacy pump (blue in color) weighs about 340 g with the battery, and about 500 g with a full cassette.
Question: Are there any pumps that weigh less?
Answer: No, presently no smaller or lighter pump is available. The viscous nature of Duodopa® requires that the pump motor has a relatively high output.
Question: How do you carry the pump?
Answer: The pump can be carried with the help of a holster, vest, sports brassiere, or belt bag. The treatment clinic will help to organize a suitable means for carrying.
Question: For how long does the pump work?
Answer: The pump is serviced each year and replaced if necessary.
Question: How long do batteries last?
Answer: The batteries usually last for one to two weeks but, reportedly, this varies depending on battery quality.
Question: Can rechargeable batteries be used?
Answer: The manufacturer of the pump recommends that you do not use rechargeable batteries because they lose their charge so rapidly that there is insufficient time for the pump to warn of low battery strength. Normal (non-rechargeable) batteries discharge slowly thus giving time to replace them before they are dead. If rechargeable batteries are anyway used then these should be recharged on a regular basis, for example each evening.
Question: Is the pump sensitive to temperature?
Answer: Do not use the pump in temperatures less that 2 ºC and greater than 40 ºC. Think, therefore, to cover the pump with suitable clothing to protect it from extremes of cold and the sun’s warmth. Do not store the pump in temperatures less than –20 ºC and greater than 60 ºC.
Question: How long do cassettes last?
Answer: This depends on the needs of the individual patient. A cassette holds 100 mL (2000 mg L-dopa) and for most patients is usually enough to last for one day’s consumption.
Question: How are old cassettes handled?
Answer: Used medical cassettes should be taken to the pharmacy where they can be discarded.
Question: How do you obtain the cassettes?
Answer: You collect the cassettes yourself at the nearest pharmacy.
Question: Can the pump be used in airplanes where electronic equipment is prohibited?
Answer: Yes, the pump can be used in airplanes without interfering with other electronic equipment. A doctor’s certificate of this uncommon treatment should be carried when traveling abroad.
Question: Can the pump interfere with other nearby apparatus, e.g. cell phones and can such apparatus in turn interfere with the pump?
Answer: No, there are no examples of interference between the pump and other apparatus.
