Chemotherapy pumps are also known as infusion pumps. It depends on the way chemotherapy is administered. If it is administered via a PICC or a central line then a pump is attached to control the amount of drugs being administered. In case of overnight hospitalization, a pump that is attached to the drip stand that has wheels; hence the patient is able to walk along with it.

In case of outpatient chemotherapy, the patient can go home with the pump. Most of them are based on the principle of continuous pressure. However, some of them work on a battery. These pumps are small and handy; hence, the patient can carry it in a bag.

The continuous pressure pump needs to be changed after a certain period. Either you can get it done from the hospital or an authorized person would train you on the process.

Chemotherapy is administered to a specific tumor area using a catheter. It can be placed into the spinal fluid, abdominal cavity, bladder or liver for maximum concentration of the drug in the targeted area. This has fewer side effects as the drug does really reach the bloodstream.

An intrathecal catheter is used to administer drugs directly into the spinal fluid. Intracavitary catheters can administer drugs directly in the abdomen, pelvis or chest.

There are two kinds of pumps -external and internal. These are used to control the rate at which the drug is administered. External pumps remain outside of the body, some of which are portable. Portable pumps allow movement of the person while a drug is being administered. Some ports are not portable and hence restrict  the movement of the patient.

Internal pumps are surgically fitted under the skin. They contain a small reservoir that stores drugs and delivers them into the catheter. With these pumps, patients can do all the daily activities even during the infusion.

Most patients do not have a problem with direct IV. However, if drugs need to be administered repeatedly for every session, then a catheter or a port or port-a-cath for chemotherapy is useful anytime. With these equipments, it becomes convenient for the doctor to insert the drugs and it is less painful for the patient as the needle is not inserted into the vein every time.

Hepatic Arterial Infusion (HAI) Therapy is a treatment wherein the chemotherapy drugs for prostate cancer or other type of cancer are directly administered in the tumor through an implanted infusion system. This is done through a surgical procedure to install the pump and remove the tumor surgically. It is used to control recurrent cancer or in case of tumors that cannot be resected.

HAI pumps and RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation) are used in combination and have been effective. Some patients have a permanent IV or vascular access port. This device is surgically implanted in the chest wall and a tube is inserted into the vein for repeated administration of chemotherapy doses. This enhances the quality of life and most patients have fewer side effects.

This has been proved useful as patients lead a quite normal life and do their daily activities, go out, etc even when the pump continuously administers the drug. Refilling the pump is an easy outpatient process performed every two weeks. This has proved beneficial than the traditional chemotherapy.

Generally, chemotherapy pumps, catheters and ports are absolutely comfortable as long as they are properly placed and replaced whenever required. It is essential to inform the doctor in case there is pain or discomfort associated with these equipments.