Luer lock vs. minimed paradigm

[Kayt]

Hi everyone,

I was just kinda curious why everyone is so down on the minimed paradigm reservoir connection? Is it just because of the lack of choices in infusion sets?

When I first started pumping, I was on the MM 507c... with the luer lock. Then I switched to the MM Paradigm model. I love the Quick-set... prolly the only set I'll use. It's so easy.

And, the one and only time I've had a problem with the reservoir was actually with the luer lock. I didn't screw it together correctly, didn't realize it, and had insulin leaking out a little at a time from the luer connection.

I love the "click" of the paradigm infusion set. Never had any problems with it. I don't think I'd be comfortable going back to a luer lock, based on my own experience.

Just curious. Please don't reply if you can't be civil. I really don't want to start any wars.

Kayt

[JediSkipdogg]

There are two main reasons, and one is partially changing now.

Originally, one was greatly limited in set choices. Minimed is now finally realizing that and making additional infusion set types so people have a wider range to choose from. However, it took them quite a while to figure that out.

My second one is the Luer lock is a standard connection in the medical industry. It is used on everything from bypass machines to the standard IV. Not like it really matters, unless you want to use an IV to connect your pump to you.

[pumpracer]

Hello,

I have no problems wit my minimed paradigm 512:ridinghor

[lelggren]

My reason is because I don't like not being able to try some of the new sets out there that are only made with the luer lock. I would love to try the insets, or cleos, or things like that, but I cant because they don't work with my pump. It is my own little curiousity problem....lol :)

[notme]

I have used the MiniMed with a luer lock connection and the 715 with the proprietary connection. It hasn't made a hill of beans of difference to me as I also use the quickset and just switched from one connection to the other. When I was looking at the other pumps I liked the idea of the luer lock because I just didn't want to fall into the "trap" of being forced to use MiniMeds connection. It seemed like I was accepting what I felt was a lousy sales tactic. I constantly curse the cell phone companies with their different charger connections for just the same reason. In the end, I bit and got the paradigm. I like the pump, I like quicksets and I accepted the stupid sales tactic. It hasn't mattered to me at all. The one thing I can say, is they have improved the rounded end of the tubing that sticks out of the pump. The old 508 used to stick me in the belly all of the time.

I think a lot of people hollar about the MiniMed proprietary connection because they also just don't want to get sucked in. I still don't like the idea, but I have to say they have improved the system. Change is hard, but eventually the standard may be MiniMeds design. Who knows.

Like I said, it hasn't made a bit of difference to me.

[spike]

Hi everyone,

I was just kinda curious why everyone is so down on the minimed paradigm reservoir connection? Is it just because of the lack of choices in infusion sets?

When I first started pumping, I was on the MM 507c... with the luer lock. Then I switched to the MM Paradigm model. I love the Quick-set... prolly the only set I'll use. It's so easy.

And, the one and only time I've had a problem with the reservoir was actually with the luer lock. I didn't screw it together correctly, didn't realize it, and had insulin leaking out a little at a time from the luer connection.

I love the "click" of the paradigm infusion set. Never had any problems with it. I don't think I'd be comfortable going back to a luer lock, based on my own experience.

Just curious. Please don't reply if you can't be civil. I really don't want to start any wars.

Kayt

I know everyone on DF is waiting for me to post my response to your thread, so here I am! :)

I used the luer-lock style pumps (MM) for about 7 years. I had one leak severely bacause if cracked. Either I tightened it just a wee bit too much, or it was simply defective. The thing I didn't like the most was that the connector stuck out from the pump enough that it often jabbed me when I'd bend over. That's why I wouldn't use the 300U position, which causes it to protrude even further from the pump than the 150U position.

When my wife received her first Paradigm pump I was very, very leery of the different connector being secure enough to be safe. A quick 180 degree twist was all it took to remove the reservoir from the pump. She had no problems with the new connector either leaking or falling out of the pump, so I resigned myself that I had misjudged the design. :)

About 2 years ago, I got my own Paradigm and soon came to appreciate the design of the connector. It is secure and also doesn't jut out from the pump body, so I'm 100% happy with the improvement.

As far as the fact it is a MM design and not a standard fitting "use throughout the medical field", who really cares any more? There are more than enough choices of sets that it is irrelevant that some poor 3rd party vendor doesn't have a paradigm compatible set to sell paradigm users.

The whole issue has become irrelevant, as a purchasing decision, based on the current facts.

That's my story and I'm sticking with it. It's time for the "other side" to give up their constant harping about how "bad" it is to have a pump that uses a reservoir with a proprietary connector. I didn't even think that argument held much weight a couple years ago, but now that so many sets are available to fit the Paradigm, all I can say to the othe side is, "give it up, folks!".

There: I've had my say. <g>

[lelggren]

We knew that you wouldn't let us down spike :thumbsup:

[Dewey]

Let us not forget that there is a company called "Applied Diabetes Research," who makes ThinSet reservoirs (which allows MM Paradigm pumps to accept luer lock sets). :thumbsup:

http://www.fifty50pharmacy.com/images/adrthinset/model326areservoir250.jpg
Here's a larger pic (click on the link to view):
http://www.diabetesadvocacy.com/images/thinset%20reservoirs.jpg

They may not be widely known about, but have done something that will help MM users to try sets that may only come in luer lock format! If you google "ThinSet," you'll be able to find them.

Here's my experience:

At the time I was on the 511, I asked if they were going to come out with Polyfin Bent Needle sets for the Paradigm series of pumps. At the time, the answer was unclear, and I was starting to discover that my body didn't do well with only cannula sets. At that time, cannula sets were the Only ones available for the Paradigm series. I ultimately opted to switch pumps & companies, but about a year (or so) later, they released Bent Needle sets for the Paradigms. Of course, they now have the ThinSet Reservoirs (as well), which offers MM pumpers even more choices! ;)

[spike]

We knew that you wouldn't let us down spike :thumbsup:

LOL! I am to "please". (But sometimes my aim is off...) :)