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A Cost-effective and Reliable Method to Predict Mechanical Stress in Single-use and Standard Pumps
Published on: August 5, 2015
Regional anaesthesia elastomeric pump performance after a single use and subsequent refill: a laboratory study.
1Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
Anaesthesia
|July 24, 2009
Summary
Refilling elastomeric pumps for regional anesthesia is cost-effective. These devices maintain satisfactory flow rates after a single refill, offering a viable alternative to costly single-use pumps.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Ambulatory local anesthetic delivery systems often have limited infusion durations.
- Replacing pumps incurs significant costs ($300-500) for consumables.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the flow delivery performance of refilled elastomeric infusion pumps.
- To determine if refilled pumps maintain satisfactory performance for regional anesthesia.
Main Methods:
- 31 elastomeric pumps with specific flow capabilities were used clinically, refilled, and tested in a laboratory setting.
- Flow delivery was assessed for the second infusion cycle.
Main Results:
- Initial over-infusion (<10 ml/h) was observed in the first hour of the second infusion.
- All pumps stabilized, with performance within 150% of predicted rates by the second hour.
- Subsequent performance remained within safe limits and manufacturer specifications for primary infusion.
Conclusions:
- Refilled elastomeric regional anesthesia pumps demonstrate satisfactory performance after a single reuse.
- This approach offers a cost-effective solution for prolonging nerve blockade compared to single-use pumps.
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