When a child has subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy at home, the pump makes all the difference. If it’s fiddly to set up, or noisy, or needs programming and fresh batteries, that’s one more thing to worry about, on top of everything else that comes with managing a child’s chronic condition.
The FreedomEDGE® Syringe Infusion System was built with this principal in mind: for patients receiving lower volume SCIg therapy, including children, the pump shouldn’t make it harder. This mechanical syringe driver is designed for patients on lower-volume SCIg, children included, and it is incredibly simple to use.
Smaller volume infusions need their own solution
SCIg patients don’t all need the same equipment. Children, along with adults on lower-volume regimens, are often prescribed smaller syringes and shorter infusions given more often, instead of one large dose at a time. FreedomEDGE is designed precisely for this. It takes BD® 20ml and 30ml syringes, plus HIZENTRA® 20ml prefilled syringes, which are the most relevant sizes for smaller-volume dosing.
Using a pump that already fits the syringe your child has been prescribed, rather than something that has been adapted from a system for larger volumes, means one less thing for the family and the homecare team to worry about. If a dose later outgrows 30ml, the FREEDOM60® covers larger volumes on the same principles.
As with any infusion device, whether FreedomEDGE is the right fit for a particular patient is a decision for their healthcare provider.
Simple design for easy, safe delivery
For parents managing their child’s medication delivery at home, complex instructions and hard to use devices can lead to added stress and a higher risk of potential error. The FreedomEDGE is built with simplicity and ease of use in mind. It doesn’t need batteries or complex programming, and can be set up in three simple steps:
- Load the prepared syringe into the driver.
- Close the top lid, which starts the infusion.
- Monitor progress through the window on top.
Nothing needs charging or updating between infusions, and it runs at a constant safe pressure, which automatically decreases the flow rate if there is an increase in pressure during infusion, with no need for alarms or loud noises. To check the progress of your infusion, you simply look at the progress window.
Built-in reassurance: constant, safe pressure
The FreedomEDGE maintains a constant infusion pressure of 13.5 psi, for safe delivery. Its DynEQ™ (Dynamic Equilibrium) mechanism automatically slows the flow rate if resistance increases at the infusion site, for example, if a child shifts position or a site becomes tighter than expected. This means that outside intervention isn’t required from the person running the infusion, as the device does it automatically, providing you with peace of mind.
For a parent watching their child through an infusion, knowing the device itself is designed to respond to changing conditions can ease some of the worry or stress that home therapy demands.
Designed with users in mind
The FreedomEDGE has a compact and lightweight design, with a simple mechanical operation that requires no batteries or electricity. This has been developed with a range of users in mind, including those with smaller hands and limited strength. This is an important consideration in paediatric care, where it is often the parent, carer or young patient themselves learning to manage their device.
Thanks to its compact design and the fact is requires no batteries or electricity, the FreedomEDGE is ideal for using while travelling on the go. It comes with a travel pouch and can easily be used in a range of locations. This makes travelling, holidays and general life that little bit easier when managing a chronic condition.
This means that for families new to home SCIg therapy, or those who are considering switching over, the FreedomEDGE provides them with greater flexibility and confidence. It’s simple design and ease of use ensure fewer steps to learn and less to worry about going wrong thanks to its built-in safety protections and constant-pressure system.
Built for paediatric doses
Children receiving SCIg therapy often have different requirements to adults, so it’s important that the equipment used reflects this. FreedomEDGE has been designed for lower-volume infusions and is supported by guidance for commonly prescribed immunoglobulin therapies, including Hizentra®, Cuvitru® and Gammagard Liquid®. The Instructions for Use also include specific recommendations for paediatric patients, including children weighing under 40kg.
This means clinicians don’t have to work everything out from first principles when setting up treatment. Instead, they can refer to established guidance when selecting the appropriate Precision Flow Rate Tubing™ and needle configuration for each patient’s prescribed therapy.
Another important consideration is needle length. Because children generally have less subcutaneous tissue than adults, shorter needles are often more appropriate. The HIgH-Flo Subcutaneous Safety Needle Sets™ are available in lengths from just 4mm, giving clinicians options that can be better suited to younger patients.
As with any infusion device, the most appropriate set-up should always be determined by the prescribing clinician or homecare team, based on the individual patient’s needs.
Talk to your care team
FreedomEDGE may be an appropriate option for patients on lower-volume SCIg, including children, when directed by a healthcare provider. If it sounds like it could be a good fit for your child, start with a conversation with the prescribing clinician or your homecare team.
Review the FreedomEDGE page for an overview of the device, or get in touch with the Amdel Medical team to talk through whether FreedomEDGE is right for your family.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. FreedomEDGE should only be used as directed by a qualified healthcare provider. Always refer to the instructions for use and to your homecare team’s protocol.