Medtronic plc today introduced in select European countries the Medtronic Extended infusion set — the first and only infusion set that can be worn for up to 7 days.
An infusion set is tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body and typically requires a set change every few days.
Medtronic notes this innovation doubles the length of time an infusion set can be worn so users can safely stay on insulin pump therapy with fewer interruptions and insertions while introducing enhanced convenience and comfort to their diabetes management routine.
The Medtronic Extended infusion set recently received positive feedback about the experience from more than 100 insulin pump users in Finland who had a chance to use this product as part of a patient evaluation program. The set is compatible with all MiniMed™ 600 and 700 series insulin pumps.
“It is currently recommended that insulin infusion sets be changed every three days,” said Bruce Buckingham, M.D., emeritus professor of pediatrics and endocrinology at Stanford. “The new extended wear infusion set decreased the number of times an infusion set needed to be changed by 50% and the number of infusion set failures associated with high glucose levels was low. Participants in the study commented on the new infusion set being more comfortable to wear compared to their previous infusion sets and were happy with the extended wear feature. Overall, they saw this as a meaningful improvement that reduced the overall burden of insulin pump therapy.”
The innovative design of the Medtronic Extended infusion set leverages advanced materials that help reduce insulin preservative loss and maintains insulin flow and stability. The new tubing connector improves physical and chemical stability of insulin3, reliability of infusion site performance, and reduces the risk of infusion set occlusion1. The adhesive patch has an adhesive layer that extends wear time and provides comfort2 and durability for up to 7 days. In addition to the new infusion set, the Medtronic Extended reservoir is also tested and approved to keep insulin stable and safely used for up to 7 days.
“Our goal with this latest innovation is to make insulin pump therapy easier for people living with diabetes,” said Julie Foster, vice president of customer experience for the Medtronic Diabetes Business. “The Medtronic Extended infusion set introduces increased simplicity and convenience — something we’re looking to deliver across all of our products and services to help ease burden and enhance the experience for people wherever they are in their diabetes journey.”
In the United States, the Medtronic Extended infusion set is investigational use only and not approved for sale or distribution. The set is now commercially available in select European countries, starting with Finland and Belgium. Through a phased-approach, other European countries will follow during 2021.
The Medtronic Extended infusion set was developed in partnership with ConvaTec’s Unomedical subsidiary, the world’s largest producer of infusion sets.