User manual
5. Principles and application of infusion pumps and linear
infusion pumps
Infusion technology plays an important role in correct treatment of patients in the AR
and IC units. This infusion technology ensures both continual and dose supply of drugs,
supporting medicines, nutrition, etc. Compared to conventional system of drug administration,
i.e. by the staff, gravitational or intravenous administrations, etc., they are capable of precise
dosing, or eventually they also automatically control emergency situations, etc.
Generally speaking, we can divide the infusion technology into two subsections. First,
we speak about the so called infusion pumps, and then there are linear infusion pumps.
Infusionpumps
Infusion peristaltic pumps, or peristaltic infusion pumps, volumetric pumps ensure
continuous supply of a substance in defined volume and over time. As opposed to the
gravitational means of infusion, also called “dropping” in slang, they have precisely defined
volume of the dose in time, and moreover, they have an alarm to notify the medical personnel
in time about possible complications, such as the leakage of the substance, or its lack, etc.
And besides, it is also possible to simply set the required occlusion pressure, via turning the
pump, without the need of lifting the storage bag above the patient.
There are several partial blocks to the infusion pumps, being the actual peristaltic
drive, further controlling logics, bubble detectors, occlusion pressure sensor, back-up power
supply. Then there are mechanical and structural elements, naturally, such as the mounting of
the intravenous set, the mounting to the bed, or eventually a stand with more technology,
remote access interface and a terminal, etc.
Peristalticdriveofthemedium
Infusion pumps in principle use the peristaltic means of drawing the media. This
method has several advantages and at the same time some disadvantages in comparison with
other types of drawing the media, such as gear pumps, centrifugal, vane and other pumps. One
of the unquestionable advantages of using the peristaltic pump is the fact that the actual pump
is only in contact with the external coating of the tubing with the drawn medium, i.e. the IV
set. This method thus guarantees the sterility of this set, as correct utilization does not allow
for contamination of the internal premises of this set. Moreover, it is not necessary to sterilize
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