Fluke Biomedical IDA-4 Plus - Manual (Page 61)

A-1
Appendix A
Infusion Devices Delivery Methods
This Appendix gives an overview
of and discusses different types of
Infusion Devices and Delivery Methods
Infusion Devices: An Overview
Infusion devices may be grouped into two types, gravity controllers and infusion pumps.
Gravity Controllers
are powered devices which control the flow of the infusion to the desired rate by
constricting the infusion line. There is no pumping action, i.e. they rely solely on the height
of the fluid bag above the patient.
Regulators are a simple manual form of this device which do not rely on electronics and
are generally single use.
This type includes:
Drip-Rate Controllers
These are devices in which the desired flow is set in drops per minute. The electronic
mechanism then counts the drops as they fall through a drop chamber and constricts the
infusion line to achieve the desired flow.
Volumetric Controllers
These are devices resembling the above, but in which the desired flow rate is set in
milliliters per hour. The device calculates the conversion from drops per minute to
milliliters per hour.
Infusion Pumps
Infusion pumps are powered devices to provide the desired flow rate by a positive pumping
action.
This type includes:
Drip-Rate Pumps
These are devices in which the desired flow rate is set in drops per minute. The electronic
mechanism then counts the drops as they fall through the drop chamber and the appropriate
volume is infused into the patient, usually by a linear peristaltic pumping action.
Volumetric Pumps
These are devices in which the desired flow rate is set in milliliters per hour. A variety of
pumping means incorporating a known volume displacement are used ( for example, a
specified cassette mechanism). A drop sensor may be present for the purpose of indicating
an empty infusion bag, or for the detection of inaccuracies in delivered volume.
Syringe Pumps (‘Syringe Drivers’)
These are devices in which a syringe or cartridge containing the solution to be infused is
secured in the pump and a plunger is driven forwards at a predetermined rate to achieve the
desired infusion rate.