Market Update: Infusion Pumps

State of the Infusion Pump Market for EMS: Recalls and Discontinuations

The market for infusion systems in prehospital transport is undergoing significant changes, driven by recent product recalls and the discontinuation of previous market-leading devices. These shifts create new opportunities and challenges for EMS providers as they seek reliable, advanced, cost-effective solutions to meet their infusion needs. Read below for market trends, updates on recalled and discontinued devices, and the future outlook.

Current Market Trends

• Transport-Friendly: There’s a growing trend in the adoption of portable, durable, and lightweight IV pumps by EMS providers. The market demands that new devices are durable and user-friendly, essential qualities for active use in the field.
• Technological Advancements: The future of infusion pumps includes adaptation to the healthcare infrastructure’s demands for wireless connectivity, geo-tracking, remote monitoring, cloud data storage, and real-time data transmission to hospitals. This ensures seamless patient care from home or field to the hospital.
• Customizable drug library:Being able to pre-program your drug library is a must. Making sure your protocols, doses, and systems are uniform across all pumps in your fleet is essential.
• Improved Battery Life: Newer infusion pumps must boast longer battery life, ensuring they can be relied upon during extended emergency operations.

1. Discontinuation of Medsystem III IV Pumps

As of April 1, BD has ceased manufacturing sets or service parts for the Medsystem III IV Pumps, which were previously widely used in the EMS transport infusion market but became End-of-life (EOL) as of October 2017. The Medsystem III has been a workhorse for many EMS providers, but without the ability to secure new OEM sets, this unit is urgently being replaced by emergency medical providers. Certain EMS providers have stockpiled units and parts, but this is only a temporary solution.

If you are still using this device, we recommend contacting your MME sales rep as soon as possible in order to begin the transition process to an OEM-supported infusion pump system.

2. Final Notice Class 1 Recall of Nimbus Ambulatory Infusion Pumps

The Nimbus ambulatory infusion pump, manufactured by InfuTronix, LLC, have been subject to a Final Notice Class 1 Recall, with a “No Longer Supported” date set for June 20, 2024. This recall, due to multiple critical device failures, has had a ripple effect for emergency medical providers. While the Nimbus 1 and Nimbus 2 pumps were not as widely used in the EMS market, with their primary end-users being hospitals, oncology centers, and clinics, this change will affect the emergency transport medical providers who use the Nimbus. At MME, we’ve seen this recall force many EMS services to seek out immediate replacement solutions.
Link to FDA Recall Notice: InfuTronix LLC Recalls Nimbus and Nimbus II Infusion Pump Systems

Impact on the EMS Infusion Pump Market

The recall of Nimbus pumps and the discontinuation of Medsystem III sets, as well as new demands for durability and accuracy, are reshaping the EMS infusion pump market. These recent changes highlight the need for reliable, advanced, and portable infusion pumps that meet the specific needs of EMS providers.

New Challenges:

• Transition and Training: EMS providers need to transition to new devices smoothly, which involves training personnel on the operation and maintenance of a new model of pumps.
• Cost Management: The financial strain of replacing discontinued or recalled devices can be significant. EMS organizations must manage these costs while ensuring uninterrupted patient care. Solutions such as renting, buying recertified, or trade-in options are all viable ways to lessen the expense of new equipment investment.
• Inventory and Supply Chain: Ensuring a steady supply of new devices and parts is crucial for maintaining operational readiness.

Moving Forward: Strategies for EMS Providers

To navigate the evolving infusion pump market effectively, EMS providers should consider the following strategies:

• Evaluate and Upgrade Equipment: Conduct a thorough assessment of current infusion pump inventories and identify devices nearing the end of support, fully sunset, or recalled. Perform a cost analysis of upgrading to EMS-specific models like the Sapphire Infusion Pump.
• Plan for Training: Ensure your equipment provider for a new IV system will help train your personnel on your new device. Research manufacturer-provided training resources and consider hands-on training sessions to build confidence and competence.
• Leverage Financial Assistance Programs: Explore funding opportunities, grants, and financial assistance programs to offset the costs of upgrading equipment.
• Set a Maintenance Program: Implement a robust maintenance program, including on-site service if needed, to ensure your investment’s long life and reliability. Annual service contracts help ensure your patients get the best care, and greatly reduces the risk of costly equipment repairs down the road.
• Vendor Partnerships: Build strong relationships with equipment vendors, like MME, to gain access to the latest technologies, training resources,and maintenance support.

In response to these market demands and recalls, the Sapphire Infusion System has emerged as the most-requested replacement. Manufactured by Eitan Medical, the Sapphire Infusion Pump offers a compact multi-therapy solution, designed to be portable, lightweight, and easy to use in the field. Low cost-of-ownership, a reliable supply chain, and 2.5% flow accuracy have led to the Sapphire Infusion pump being the go-to choice for EMS services in 2024.

The current state of the IV infusion pump market for EMS is marked by significant changes, including recalls and discontinuations challenging many EMS providers to adapt swiftly. By proactively addressing these challenges and leaning in to the benefits of newer device technology, you can continue to deliver exceptional care to patients while still being cost-effective.

At Master Medical Equipment, we’re committed to supporting you through these industry shakeups, offering high-quality equipment, comprehensive training, equipment rentals, and ongoing maintenance services. Our mission is to ensure optimal patient outcomes and the maximal lifespan of your medical equipment investment, even in the most demanding environments.

-Published June 7, 2024
Josh Kasper
Master Medical Equipment