Medtronic introduces extended insulin infusion set in select European countries

Medtronic has introduced its Extended infusion set in select European countries which can be worn for up to seven days. 

An infusion set is tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body and typically requires a set change every few days.

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.

Bruce Buckingham, emeritus professor of paediatrics and endocrinology at Stanford, said: "It is currently recommended that insulin infusion sets be changed every three days. 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 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 insulin, reliability of infusion site performance, and reduces the risk of infusion set occlusion. The adhesive patch has an adhesive layer that extends wear time and aims to provide comfort and durability for up to seven 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 seven days.

Julie Foster, vice president of customer experience for the Medtronic Diabetes Business, said: "Our goal with this latest innovation is to make insulin pump therapy easier for people living with diabetes. 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.