How to prepare and start the SO-CONNECT subcutaneous apomorphine pump

The SO-CONNECT infusion pump delivers continuous apomorphine with a modern, digital interface designed to simplify setup and operation.

In this lesson from our Administering Parkinson's Therapy with Pumps and Pens series, you’ll see how to:

• Navigate the SO-CONNECT pump interface
• Prepare, fill, and connect the apomorphine reservoir
• Prepare, insert, and secure the subcutaneous infusion site
• Start the continuous apomorphine infusion

This demonstration provides a concise, real-world overview of preparing and starting continuous subcutaneous apomorphine therapy using the SO-CONNECT pump.
 

For a closer look at advanced and device-assisted Parkinson’s treatments, explore our Parkinson’s Masterclass: Advanced Therapeutics course.

SO-CONNECT apomorphine pump: key features and dosing windows

[00:00]

The SO-CONNECT pump is another electronic pump that's used to administer apomorphine. It has a touchscreen display and is powered by a rechargeable battery. The dose is programmed in milligrams with four different time windows and the doses are secured by code. The pump has a Bluetooth interface, so stored data such as settings and infusion start and end times can be viewed via the So-UP software.

Preparing the SO-CONNECT apomorphine pump

[00:29]

First, disinfect your hands and work surface, then lay out all necessary materials including the pump, So-fill reservoir, which comes in 20, 30 or 50 mL, the vial adapter, infusion set, and 20 mL apomorphine vial. Make sure that the rechargeable battery is inserted and then push the start button underneath. Press “new infusion” on the display and check the programmed parameters. Remove the cap from the 20 mL vial containing apomorphine. Disinfect the membrane and place the adapter on the vial.

Filling the apomorphine pump reservoir

[01:28]

Now open the package with the syringe and screw the reservoir on to the adapter attached to the vial. Here we're using a 20 mL reservoir. Turn the syringe upside down and slowly withdraw the apomorphine from the vial into the syringe. Make sure that there is no air left in the reservoir at the end. If there is air, push it out with the plunger. Take the infusion set and screw it onto the reservoir. Unscrew the green plunger, then remove the flange. Turn on the pump. Place the reservoir on the pump and secure it by turning it a quarter turn.

Preparing the injection site for apomorphine infusion

[02:37]

Next, prepare the injection site. Possible injection sites are the lower abdomen, inner thigh, inner upper arm, under the shoulder blades, or in the flanks. Disinfect the injection site. Insert the needle into the subcutaneous fat and remove the grip on the back. Secure the infusion line and needle to the skin with a tape.

Starting the apomorphine pump infusion

[03:09]

Press the start button. The patient can give themselves an extra dose directly after preparing the pump by pressing “bolus” on the display. The catheter line does not have to be primed because this is a subcutaneous application, and a dry puncture protects against skin irritations. Finally, put the pump in a protective carrying bag.