Fluke Biomedical IDA-4 Plus - Manual (Page 62)

IDA-4 Plus
Operators Manual
A-2
Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) Pumps
These are devices in which the patient is able to initiate a dose of the infusion solution for
the relief of pain. Access by the patient to the pump itself is prevented, pre-programmed
restraints are placed on the parameters of the boluses and, in addition, a basal rate delivery
of solution outside the control of the patient may be provided.
Pumps for Ambulatory Use
These are small and light enough to be carried around by the patient without unduly
interfering with everyday activities.
Anesthesia Pumps
These are syringe pumps suitable for the administration of anesthetic agents and unsuitable
for any other use.
Multi-Purpose Pumps
These can be made to perform as one of the above listed pump.
Other Devices
These include non-electrically powered devices, which do not have electrically generated
alarm signals. Some of them are charged with a syringe and then deliver their output more
or less continuously, with flow being controlled by a flow-regulating means, such as a
capillary tube. This type of pumping device may use an elastomeric membrane, which,
once expanded, provides sufficient force to drive the infusion. Applications include PCA
ands emergency situations.
The performance of non-electrically powered devices is generally inferior to those types
mentioned above, but they may have other advantages, such as simplicity and the ability to
operate in difficult environments.
Spring driven clockwork, and gas powered infusion devices are also available.
Flow Regulators
which are manually set, non-powered, devices which appear in a variety of forms and
which clamp onto, or are inserted in, the line. They usually have a rotary dial to give to
give an indication of expected flow rate. Some of these devices claim to compensate for
venous back pressure and maintain consistent flow.
The performance of non-electrically powered devices is generally inferior to those types
mentioned, but they may have other advantages, such as simplicity and the ability to
operate in difficult environments.
Infusion Devices: A More Detailed Look
The previous section introduced the infusion devices that are generally to be found on
wards, in intensive therapy units (ITUs) and theaters. In this section each device will be
described with comments about safety, performance and suitability for application.
Gravity Controllers
General
Infusion controllers rely solely on gravity to provide the infusion pressure and
consequently, the fluid container must be placed at an adequate height above the infusion
site for the desired flow to take place. A drop sensor attached to the drip chamber of the
administration set monitors the drip-rate. A variable mechanical clamp within the device,
acting on the delivery tube, controls the flow and hence the drip-rate, to achieve the set
rate.