Decreased flow accuracy from volumetric infusion pumps

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Engineering
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Accurate fluid delivery is critical in clinical settings.
• Infusion pumps are essential medical devices requiring precise flow rates.
• External factors can impact infusion pump performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro flow rate accuracy of three infusion pumps.
• To assess the impact of back-pressure, solution viscosity, and infusion rates on pump accuracy.
• To compare the performance of Abbott 4P, IVAC 560, and Travenol 6200 infusion pumps.

Main Methods:

• A factorial study design was employed.
• Three infusion pumps (Abbott 4P, IVAC 560, Travenol 6200) were tested.
• Variable back-pressures (100-300 mm Hg), solution viscosities (5%, 25% dextrose in water), and infusion rates (5-20 ml/h) were applied.
• Flow rate accuracy was measured using a standard gravimetric technique.

Main Results:

• IVAC 560 (0.5 +/- 2.2%) and Travenol 6200 (-0.5 +/- 4.7%) showed acceptable flow accuracy across tested conditions.
• Abbott 4P exhibited significant decreases in flow accuracy with increasing back-pressure (-9.4 +/- 6.4%).
• Back-pressure significantly affected Abbott 4P accuracy (r = .81), while all factors affected Travenol 6200 (r = .55).
• No tested factor significantly influenced IVAC 560 accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The IVAC 560 and Travenol 6200 demonstrate reliable flow accuracy within the studied clinical parameters.
• The Abbott 4P's flow accuracy is compromised by increasing back-pressure, necessitating careful consideration in high-pressure clinical scenarios.
• Clinical engineers should consider device-specific performance characteristics when selecting infusion pumps for varying patient conditions.