Disposable controlled-release device

WANGETAL. Disposable Controlled-Release Device for Drug Infusion... 

In controlled release drug delivery, external devices have achieved considerable success recently, and analysis indicates the need for a disposable, external infusor capable of delivering large or small volumes. 

Besides mulch films, other potential agricultural applications for biodegradable polymers include devices for the controlled release of agrochemicals (such as fertilisers, soil applied active ingredients, insect pheromones and so on), disposable articles such as plant pots, composting containers and bags, envelopes of ensilage, seed trays and so on. 

Precautions should be taken to minimize the release of hazardous chemicals to the environment. A fume hood is a safety device and not a waste disposal facility. Therefore, fume hoods should not be used to dispose of volatile hazardous materials—to do so could cause toxic materials to be released. Special ventilation and exhaust systems, scrubbers, filters, or some other control equipment for discharges to the air or chemical sewer systems may be required under some circumstances. 

The release of vapors to the atmosphere, via, for example, open evaporation or fume hood effluent, is not an acceptable disposal method. Apparatus for operations expected to release vapors should be equipped with appropriate trapping devices. Although the disposition of laboratories under the Clean Air Act is not established at this time, it is reasonable to expect that releases to the atmosphere will be controlled. 

Today s stationary infusion pumps are highly sophisticated electromechanical devices that allow the user to program the desired flow rate and infusion volume for one or more i.v. lines. They are equipped with several alarm features to indicate potentially hazardous conditions such as changes in the flow rate, air in the hne, or occlusion of the catheter. The pump mechanism is either a peristaltic compression and release of the administration line or motor-controlled piston movement. The price of these devices ranges from 2,000 to 8,000, which excludes the disposable i.v. sets. The majority of these pumps are used in a hospital setting, where they are operated and supervised during operation by the medical staff. Health-care providers also lease stationary infosion pumps to chronically ill patients for home use. A flow-rate accuracy of 3 10% makes these pumps highly desirable for administration of proteins with a narrow therapeutic-index. 

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