Stationary and Portable Infusion Pumps

There are various ways to classify today s infusion devices based upon their functionality, driving mechanism, size, or ability to be disconnected periodically from the infusion apparatus. In order to simplify the classification, we have chosen to differentiate only between stationary and portable devices. Stationary devices are used for patients who remain in bed during the treatment, either at home or in a hospital environment. In general, these devices are large, programmable systems that remain near the bedside and require close supervision by medical personnel. Portable infusion pumps, on the other hand, are used by patients who can freely move during then-therapy. They include implantable and externally worn pumps, which range from somewhat bulky forms to small and concealable devices as shown in Fig.l. 

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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