EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Graseby 3300...

My attitude is that I'm not here to influence the manufacturing/design process nor to dictate to the clincal users who should know better. I replace faulty parts, ensure the device is functioning to manufacturers specified tolerances, make certain the configuration's correct, safety test it and return it to the fray. Of course feedback is given to both manufacturer and users but on a product as old as this I doubt the MHRA, manufacturer or users are interested in change. Lockboxes and covers are an on-going problem I think, whatever the pump.

That’s my attitude too, Richard. Bravo, once again!

Exactly, as engineers part of the chain within Medical Health Care we should be highlighting existing problems to the relevant authorities for:

1. A legal responsibility
2. Moral Grounds
3. In hope to bring our work load down

Dani

We've had exactly the same problem, which lead to a clinical incident in our trust.

Reported to MHRA and guess what - yep - no action; report logged.

Whilst these are out there, and we have done our duty and reported it to the powers that be, it still feels like an incident waiting to happen. Without spending loads of dosh - which we don't have, I can't see a way out of this without Graseby and MHRA coming forward with a solution.

The problem being of course is that the 3300 is now at or near to the end of its product life and a second modification which will address the design deficiency will probably not be economically viable from the manufacturers point of view.

Might be an interesting debating point in a coroner's court though! Hopefully not one that requires my presence.

Brian

That`s my attitude, Geoff.
What`s wrong with the 3300 ?
A few ripped off covers keeps us bods in a job.
inshalal.

Welcome to the forum, grimm reaper! Those of us who know who you are (... how are you, Mate?) also know that you like nothing better than a good wind-up. You should feel right at home here! May I suggest that, when you have a spare evening or two, you have a browse through some of the past contributions to this forum. I know you will have strong views about some of the positions taken by these "modern biomeds"!

The actual problem is that the covers DON'T get ripped off...its very easy to open the cover without damaging it at all...

Hence you can get into the syringe (the pump stops automatically facilitating the removal...very clever!!) take it out, give a bolus, steal the syringe...whatever you like if you are so inclined.

At least if they broke it someone would know it had happened...now a smart thief could replace the syringe, close the cover...and no-one is the wiser!!

The old covers broke if forced and the pump alarmed if the cover was opened during operation...this is at least some sort of safeguarding...now there is nothing!!!

Dani.
Just call me a "modern biomed".

Dani, you are indeed a “modern biomed” (not only that, but a Manager as well)!

Theres no hope for me then!!

Dani,

Not quite true as far as I'm aware - the pump operation is suspended - the alarms that protect against tampering are still active. The clinician override (required to deliver a bolus within the lockout period) can be locked out by configuration but if it is not then 2 keyresses are required to give another bolus.

The pump would have to be stopped and restarted to deliver each additional bolus at intervals less than the lockout period (assuming continuous infusion and loading dose are not enabled).

Thus if the syringe is removed during pump suspension an alarm will be issued. To stop the infusion in order to prevent an alarm then 2 keypresses are required. This is tampering in my book. Opening the cover to do this is slightly irrelevant at this stage.

Face it - tampering is basically unavoidable. Whether this is theft of the pump, opening locked covers and overriding pump function or stealing syringes of opiates. It's a clinical issue that involves management of pumps not maintenance of pumps.

The majority that open the syringe would either steal it, really be desperate and in pain or be staff that haven't got a key and need to get in to change it out of desperation. Either way tampering should be discouraged by disciplinary measures, adequate supervison and policy.

I would rather have an "old-fashioned Biomed" that doesn't put forward an argument that is misleading. Read the manual.