Hi We are having the same issue with our Infusomats that we purchased March 2021. Due to a number of problems we didn't start using them until August 2022 but since then we have had around 25% of these newer ones affected by the front panel operating unit malfunctioning.(we had them in our ICU since 2018 with no issues) Braun said it was our lack of cleaning processes that was the cause of the ribbon cable kinking which is part of the front panel and came in to do training on the cleaning of the pump. This is not part of the e-learning they provided us with but is now included and emphasised at all training sessions as well as instructing staff not to pierce IV bags over the pumps. There are posters and information which were sent out to all areas and we have an Infusion Devices Maintenance weekly checklist. There isn't much more we can do within our acute hospital to ensure that this problem which Braun say was rectified in other hospitals by improvements in the cleaning of the pumps. We suspect that it is more than that and it could be a change in manufacture of some of the components. From the picture attached it seems likely that the cause of that is fluid ingress into the pump which was not cleaned up at the time of the incident or the pump was not reported to be checked to prevent further damage. This has cost us in excess of £20000 in 2 years. Would be good to know the extent of this problem in other hospitals?
Have you reported this to the MHRA? Although pumps should not be expected to survive fluids being spilt all over them, they should offer some protection against ingress.
I would not expect a speedy response from the MHRS if you do report it, but at least its out there if you do, and might make Bbraun look at it again.
Richard Aldridge Lead Technologist Adult Critical care unit Royal London Hospital Whitechapel Road London E1 1BB Tel 0203 59 40302
