Problems with Quick-set infusion set?

[philipluber]

My daughter (age 13) used this product without any substantial problems for almost two years. Then the company suddenly discontinued producing it earlier this year and replaced it with an “improved” product, the Quick-set-Plus infusion set. We had some terrible experiences with that “improved” replacement product. Apparently many other people had similar experiences: The Quick-set-Plus infusion set was recently the subject of a Class 1 Recall.

In the midst of our terrible experiences with the
Quick-set-Plus, I asked the company to continue making the original Quick-set available until the problems with the replacement product were ironed out. I was told that even if the company wanted to do that (which it did not), it would take several months to put the Quick-set back into production. Nevertheless, as soon as the Quick-set-Plus was recalled, the Quick-set product was once again made available to patients.

We are now having problems with the Quick-set infusion set that we never had prior to its discontinuation and sudden reappearance on the market. The set consistently fails to deliver insulin. This has resulted in my daughter needing to constantly re-inject herself with new infusion sets, and has caused her blood sugar readings to soar to alarming levels.

A Medtronic Minimed representative told me today that the newly available Quick-set product is identical in specifications and manufacturing to the original Quick-set that we used successfully for two years. Product design specialists tell me, however, that no product is static

Anyone else having problems?

[JDRF-Team-ES]

Philip,
Sounds frustrating.  I am not familiar with the Quick-set, but I would ask Medtronic to replace the whole box that the faulty sets came in.  Sometimes you can get a bad box.  It may also be time to do some research on other available sets that fit your daughter's pump.    Many sets are universal and fit a lot of different pumps.  You can go on google and search for insulin pumps and you will find a site that compares all of the pumps and will give you information about whether they use the universal infusion sets or only ones particular to that brand.

I've been on a Disetronic pump for over 5 years and I curently use the Ultraflex infusion set and have not had any infusion problems.  I like this particular set because it is so easy to connect and disconnect when I take a shower.  The thing that I have found  for me, is that it is very hard to change my routine.  Going on the pump was a big decision and once I got used to all the particular equipment, I didn't want to change anything even if it might be better or easier.  I really had to work to get over that and I have found that there are so many new things out there and some of them are really much better for my needs.  

I know that change is hard, but sometimes it is worth it and it sounds like in your case, it may be a necesity.  Not trusting your infusion set to deliver the insulin it is supposed to can be very scary.  You and your daughter should, at the very least, feel comfortable with the equipment you are using.

If you do decide to try some different sets, you may want to call the different companies that make sets that fit your daughter's pump and ask them if they will send you a few samples so that she can try them out and decide which one is best for her.  Good luck.  
ES

[JDRF Volunteer WAK]

I am the mom of a child on the pump not a doctor, but I recently spoke to my Minimed pump trainer about this problem.  The problem is in technique that they printed the instructions are wrong and were teaching people wrong on how to use the sets.   Call your pump trainer and ask them about the new correct way.  You need to hold the serter differently, or call Minimed and they will talk you threw it. I do not use it on a regular basis so I cannot give you the exact details.

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

I use the Quick Sets (not the PLUS) with a Cozmo pump because I like the serter.  I haven't had any trouble with my sets.  I use the 23" 6 mm and recently am trying the 23" 9mm.  I have read on other boards of bad batches/boxes, so DO insist on a new box.

The problem I remember reading about (but don't remember if it was on the PLUS or the QS) was that after disconnecting the sets failed to re-connect properly.  They weren't "snapping" back into position.  We should always be able to feel the mechanism lock into position and the set should feel solid.

I haven't read about a new technique with the serter and will look for that info.  With my serter, it seems that there's only one way for it to work...

Please share more info as you get it.  I'm sure there are more Quick Set users reading this than are writing here, so the info helps lotsa folks!

[TonyAlmeida]

Yeah - I had the same problems with the QuickSet Plus ..... MiniMed has gone back to the original QuickSet manufacturer and at least from my distributor, we'll have the original QuickSets around for awhile.

I had all the problems you described with the Plus infusion sets, but once I got the QuickSets again (ones manufactured after the PLUS were recalled) - everything is back to normal except I get pump bumps.  More than I used to previously.  But then again, I know my body is changing again and doesn't heal quite as fast anymore.

I found out that there are only two or three manfacturers of infusion sets - the pump makers (doesn't matter which one) all go to these companies to have infusion sets made.  (i.e. Animas's Quicksets are made by the same company who makes them for MiniMed, etc. with a few design changes so you can't interchange them easily)

One thing I do though - I NEVER let the adhesive on the infusion sets get wet in the shower.  I won't try swimming until I can find a way to seal the entire set from getting wet.  Even with the OLD Quicksets, the adhesive would fail.  And if you don't hear the "click" - you aren't connected (true with even the old sets).