Leaking lines

From ShortGut - Wiki

A leaking line brings risks of significant blood loss, infection, and air embolism. If you experience a leaking line:

• If air may have entered the line, see precautions under Air in lines.

• Monitor for fever given the risk of infection.

• Call your doctor. Some may give antibiotics preventatively.

Lines can leak or break for a variety of reasons. Some precautions that can reduce risks include:

• Taping connections: Many people tape all junctions, with tabbed-over tape (silk tape is apparently best) so that it is easy to remove. Some people also believe that taping connections can reduce risk of contamination from stool or urine. A better alternative to actual tape is Parafilm; there is no adhesive, it conforms to the weird shapes those junctions present, it is easy to remove, it is transparent, and it sticks to itself. Your home infusion company should have no problem getting it; they'll have to order it through a lab supply company.

• Securing lines well.

• Tightening connections: Turn connections firmly until they stop. This can be tricky to judge, because overtightening can increase the risk of cracking. Some people believe that you can check for cracks in the cap when you flush, but others indicate that overtightening can also lead to breaks in the line. As with all of these tips, your home health care company can advise on specifics.

• Using lines with check valves that prevent back leaking (e.g., Baxter Y-type extension set with 2 check valves, or Med Stream Product Code MS410 8" Y Extension Set, 2 Check Valves, or MPS Acacia Extension Set, Catalog number BD-007-11 -- the last one is 9 inches long, has anti back flow valves on both parts of the Y, and also has clamps on both sides of the Y).

A friend of MaxMunakata suggested using a bedwetting mattress sensor alarm as a backup for detecting moisture. We haven't found anyone who has tried this idea -- we're looking into it.