APO-go® POD: the EASY apomorphine infusion setup

As Parkinson’s disease progresses and symptoms become harder to manage with oral dosing alone, a continuous apomorphine infusion can help provide smoother, more consistent day-to-day motor control. The APO-go POD integrates a prefilled apomorphine cartridge with compatible Crono pumps (Crono APO-go III and Crono PAR4 20), minimizing manual preparation and setup time.

In this video from our Administering Parkinson’s Therapy with Pumps and Pens series, follow a clear, step-by-step demonstration of how to use the APO-go POD apomorphine infusion pump system for continuous therapy.

You’ll learn how to:

• Prepare the APO-go POD, CronoBell sleeve, and infusion line
• Connect the APO-go POD to compatible Crono pumps
• Select and secure a safe infusion site for apomorphine delivery
• Start and stop the APO-go POD infusion as directed
• Safely dispose of the used components afterward

Deepen your understanding of advanced and device-assisted treatments in our Parkinson’s Masterclass: Advanced Therapeutics course.
 

APO-go POD apomorphine infusion system overview

[00:00]
The APO-go POD is a version of apomorphine pod that minimizes the handling steps because patients don't need to wait until it's filled, like they do with the D-mine pump, or transfer the apomorphine from a vial to a syringe, like with the Crono APO-go and Crono PAR pumps.

APO-go pod components and compatible infusion pumps

[00:17]
The APO-go POD is compatible with Crono APO-go III or Crono PAR4 20 pumps. Besides one of these two pumps, you need the CronoBell sleeve, APO-go POD containing 100 mg apomorphine with a concentration of 5 mg/mL, an infusion line, a tray to hold all of the materials, and a waste bin. You can use the same pod for up to 48 hours as long as a new infusion line and a different infusion site are used every 24 hours. There is no need to dilute APO-go POD before use.

Preparing the APO-go POD and apomorphine infusion assembly

[01:02]
Remove the plastic cap from the pod and discard. Remove the CronoBell sleeve from its sterile packaging. Connect the infusion line to the top of the CronoBell sleeve and turn clockwise until tight. Place the pod on a flat surface and push the CronoBell sleeve firmly down onto the pod until the rubber stopper is pierced. The CronoBell sleeve with pod and infusion line is now ready to be connected to the pump.

Connecting and priming the APO-go POD

[01:49]
Slide the CronoBell sleeve with the pod inside into the collar on the pump by aligning the outer lip on the sleeve with the gap in the collar of the pump. Once inserted, turn the sleeve with the pod inside clockwise until it clicks into place. Press the on/off button. You will hear a beep and Pr will be shown on the display. If instructed by a healthcare professional, the infusion line can be primed by pressing and holding the d/P button. No more than 0.2 mL should be primed.

Preparing the infusion site for apomorphine infusion

[02:32]
Next, disinfect the infusion site, so the lower abdomen, inner thigh, upper arm, under the shoulder blades, or in the flanks. Insert the infusion line and remove the grip on the back. Secure the line with tape.

Starting the APO-go POD apomorphine infusion

[02:55]
The pump can be switched on and the infusion started by pressing the on/off button. You will hear a beep and the display will say “on.” After a few seconds, you will see the remaining time on the display. Place the pump in a carrying bag throughout the day.

Stopping the infusion and removing the APO-go POD

[03:16]
The infusion is generally stopped at bedtime by pressing the on/off button. You hear a beep and “stop” is shown on the display. Remove the infusion line from the skin. Now press the d/P and the minus button together to retract the pusher. Ensure the pusher of the pump is fully retracted and then turn and detach the CronoBell sleeve with the pod inside and the infusion line.

Post-infusion handling and disposal

[03:48]
Dispose of the CronoBell sleeve and the infusion line in a sharps bin. Store the APO-go POD at room temperature protected from the light. Any unused solution should be discarded after 48 hours and a new pod used.