Medtronic announced the U.S. launch of the Medtronic Extended infusion set, the first and only infusion set labeled for up to 7-day wear.
What is an insulin pump infusion set, and why longer wear matters for people with diabetes?
An infusion set is tubing that delivers insulin from an insulin pump to the body and typically requires a set change every two to three days.
With the new Medtronic Extended infusion set, insulin pump users may be able to go up to seven days before changing their insulin pump infusion set. This can mean fewer insulin pump site changes and more freedom for users.
Launching the extended infusion sets ensures that people with diabetes have access to the most advanced insulin delivery technology.
The new infusion sets help preserve insulin for longer wear and less potency loss.
The Medtronic Extended infusion set uses advanced materials that help reduce insulin preservative loss and maintain insulin flow and stability to double the wear time of an infusion set.
The design of the Medtronic Extended infusion includes a new tubing connector that improves the physical and chemical stability of insulin, the reliability of infusion site performance, and reduces the risk of infusion set occlusion1, which occurs when insulin flow is blocked or restricted due to a kinked insulin line, insulin crystal build-up, insulin blockage at the catheter tip, or a swollen cannula.
Occlusions can lead to insulin under-delivery and can cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Stronger adhesive in the new infusion sets reduces ‘life interruptions’
The adhesive patch also has an adhesive layer that helps extend wear time and provides comfort and durability for up to 7 days.2 In addition to the new infusion set, the Medtronic Extended reservoir is the only infusion set reservoir tested and cleared to help keep insulin stable and safe to use for up to 7 days.3,4
“When patients first begin using a pump, doctors and other healthcare providers reinforce the need to change their infusion set every two to three days to limit the risk of infection and other safety concerns,” said Dr. Robert Vigersky, Chief Medical Officer, Medtronic Diabetes.
“For many people, this means scheduling life around infusion set changes, which may not be at the most convenient times ― turning around as you are headed out the door when you suddenly remember to change your infusion set, or adding a few minutes to a tired child’s bedtime routine with an infusion set change,” Vigersky says.
“With the Medtronic Extended infusion set, these life interruptions are reduced with an innovation that doubles the wear.”
Patients enjoy less disruption and comfort of new longer-wear infusion sets
In clinical studies of the Medtronic Extended infusion set, study participants observed a decrease in the number of times an infusion set needed to be changed by 50%. The number of infusion set failures associated with high glucose levels was lowered.3,4
Study participants using the Medtronic Extended infusion set commented on the new infusion set being more comfortable to wear than their previous infusion sets. They were happy with the longer wear feature in helping reduce the overall burden of insulin pump therapy.3,4
“Our goal is to make life easier for individuals living with diabetes and the Medtronic Extended infusion set helps us deliver on this with prolonged and more comfortable wear – something customers have been requesting for many years,” said Que Dallara, EVP & President, Medtronic Diabetes.
Additionally, use of the Medtronic Extended infusion set is estimated to result in annual costs savings of insulin of up to 25% due to a reduced number of infusion set and reservoir changes that result in unrecoverable insulin, as well as plastic waste reduction of up to 50%.5,6
Which insulin pumps can use this new infusion set?
With the U.S. launch of the Medtronic Extended infusion set, this innovation is now available exclusively for customers using MiniMed 600 and 700 series pumps.
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Claim and study citations
(1) Zhang G, et al. Development of the Extended Infusion Set and Its Mechanism of Action. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2022 Jul 25:19322968221112120. doi: 10.1177/19322968221112120. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35876264.
(2) Zhang G, et al. 986-P – Assessment of adhesive patches for an extended wear infusion set. 80th ADA International Conference, June 2020.
(3) Brazg R, et al, Diabetes Technol Ther. 2022; Mar 24. doi: 10.1089/dia.2021.0540.
(4) Ilany J, et al. Abstract 416 – Clinical study of a new extended wear infusion set design. 13th ATTD International Conference. February 2020.
(5) Kwa et al, The improved survival rate and cost-effectiveness of a 7-day continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion set, J Med Econ. Jan-Dec 2021;24(1):837-845.
(6) Fusselman et al. The Extended Wear Infusion Set- A Design for Plastic Waste Reduction, Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 2021, 15 (3), 397–477.
