Flocare Infinity enteral feeding pumps

Consumers and health professionals are advised that Nutricia Australia, in consultation with the TGA, is undertaking a recall for product correction to update the Instructions for Use (IFU) for Flocare Infinity enteral feeding pumps to alert users to potential issues when using powdered tube feeds.

Flocare Infinity enteral feeding pumps are used to supply nutrition to patients through tubes that lead directly into the stomach or intestine.

Nutricia Australia has received overseas reports of the Flocare Infinity enteral feeding pump 'air in line' (AIL) alarm not always working when used with mixed or reconstituted powdered tube feeds. It is believed that undissolved particles can accumulate in the feeding line or form a film on the inner side of the tube around the pump sensors, which can interfere with the pump's air detection function.

If this occurs, it may result in the delivery of excess air into the patient's stomach with resulting discomfort and/or vomiting. If the AIL alarm was being used as an indicator that the reservoir was empty (i.e. feeding was completed), follow-up therapy might be delayed. This delay could place critical care and volume-sensitive patients at risk.

Failure of the AIL alarm has not been reported when ready-made liquid tube feeds have been used.

There have been no reports of this issue occurring in Australia.

Information for consumers

If you or somebody you provide care for uses a Flocare Infinity pump be alert to the issue.

If you use mixed or reconstituted powdered nutrition, Nutricia Australia recommends the following:

• The 'dose' setting should be used and programmed, rather than relying on the AIL signal alone. When the required volume or dose has been delivered, an 'end of dose' message will appear on the screen and the pump will beep, after which the carer can take action. Do not mute the audio alarm indicating 'end of dose' in these instances.
  • When programming the 'dose' setting, the AIL alarm will remain functional.
  • Ensure that the volume of nutrition in the container is greater than the volume that is actually needed (i.e. more than the set dose) to prevent excessive air bubbles in the feeding line.
• Ensure the mixed or reconstituted powdered nutrition is prepared and dissolved properly to avoid particles accumulating in the feeding set, potentially hampering pump performance and a normal feeding regimen.

Nutricia Australia recommends that, where possible, patients use ready-made liquid tube nutrition, as this is developed for the delivery specifications of the pump.

If you have any further questions or concerns, contact your health professional or Nutricia Australia on 1800 060 051 or email nccl@nutricia.com.

Information for health professionals

Nutricia Australia has written to consumers and health facilities alerting them to this issue.

If you are treating patients who use Flocare Infinity pumps, ensure they and their carers are aware of this issue and the actions they can take to reduce the risk of it occurring (see 'Information for consumers' for specific instructions).

If you have any further questions or concerns, contact Nutricia Australia on 1800 060 051 or email nccl@nutricia.com.

Reporting problems

Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to report problems with medical devices. Your report will contribute to the TGA's monitoring of these products. For more information see the TGA Incident Reporting and Investigation Scheme (IRIS).

The TGA cannot give advice about an individual's medical condition. You are strongly encouraged to talk with a health professional if you are concerned about a possible adverse event associated with a medical device.