Infusion pump

Under an infusion pump refers to a metering pump for continuous intravenous administration of infusions. In clinical practice, the term is Infusomat ( trademark of B. Braun Melsungen AG) are often used interchangeably.

The conveyor principle of the pump is largely based on the system of Schieberperistaltik, with a uniform flow with low pulsation and variable thickness can be produced. A wave of peristalsis revolution corresponds to a step in which the compression of a defined volume hose a certain amount of infusion solution is fed to the infusion system. Therefore, the term volume -controlled or volumetric pump.

More volume control is sometimes provided by an automatic dropper at the air trap the reservoir bottle. However, since the viscosity and the drop volume varies with the infusion solution used, so is the real volume flow only imprecisely estimated. The system is so only in old equipment or for monitoring the level of the reservoir use. Current volumetric pumps can so with an accuracy of ± 5% infusion rate in the range of 1 to a maximum of 1000 ml / h realize.

Patient Safety

The Schieberperistaltik is not part of the infusion system, and thus does not come into direct contact with the infusion solution. It can be used disposable material, without the pump must be sterilized separately. Other pump systems such as diaphragm or piston pumps have prevailed primarily in portable systems. Further security features are in addition to the drop sensor, a flow barrier which prevents uncontrolled infusion in opening the door of the pump and an air sensor that shuts off the pump when the venting of access.

With the infusion using a central venous catheter, the infusion pump to prevent the suction of infusion solution by a negative central venous pressure. Infusion pumps are therefore often used in intensive care medicine.