Introduction to Elastomeric Infusion Pumps
Elastomeric infusion pumps, also known as ambulatory infusion pumps, are portable medical devices used to deliver fluids, nutritions, and medications in a controlled manner over an extended period of time. These pumps are powered by the pressure created when an elastomeric chamber filled with the liquid payload is compressed. As the chamber relaxes and expands back to its original shape, it pushes the fluid through the tubing and catheter to the intended site. Elastomeric pumps provide patients with greater mobility and independence, allowing medications or fluids to be administered continuously without being confined to an intravenous pole setup.
How Elastomeric Pumps Work
Elastomeric pumps consist of two main components - an elastomeric chamber made of rubber or silicone and a one-way valve system. The chamber is filled with the precise amount of medication or fluid needed and then manually compressed. When released, the elastic potential energy stored in the compressed chamber is converted into kinetic energy that pumps the fluid through the tubing and catheter. This pumping action recurs many times as the chamber expands and relaxes back to its original shape, sustaining a steady flow of fluid over the duration set for that pump. The one-way valves ensure the fluid flows in only one direction from the chamber to the patient. Most elastomeric pumps can infuse continuously for 24-72 hours on a single fill.
Advantages of Elastomeric Infusion Pumps
Compared to electronic infusion pumps, elastomeric pumps offer some distinct advantages that have made them popular for home health care and continuous subcutaneous infusions.
- Portability - Being small and lightweight, elastomeric pumps can be easily worn discreetly under clothing while leading an active lifestyle. This mobility gives patients independence.
- Simple to use - No electronic components or programming means there is very little risk of malfunction. Filling and securing the pump is straightforward with simple visual instructions.
- Cost-effective - Elastomeric pumps have a much lower upfront cost than electronic pumps and do not require expensive maintenance or custom programming.
- Reliability - The mechanical pumping action is not dependent on batteries or power sources. As long as the chamber is compressed, infusion will continue making them reliable for continuous use.
- Lower risk of infection - With fewer connections and a closed mechanical system, there is lower risk of contamination compared to electronic pumps with multiple entry ports.
Applications of Elastomeric Infusion Pumps
Given their advantages, elastomeric pumps are well-suited and commonly used in several medical applications:
Pain Management - For continuous infusion of analgesics like morphine or fentanyl, elastomeric pumps provide reliable pain relief while allowing independent living. They are preferred for chronic pain treatment at home.
Antibiotic Therapy - Long-term antibiotics for various infections can be administered conveniently via elastomeric pumps on an outpatient basis, avoiding hospital stays.
Subcutaneous Fluid Therapy - Isotonic fluids, vitamins, chemotherapy drugs etc. are routinely delivered subcutaneously using these pumps in home health care.
Enteral Nutrition - For patients requiring supplemental feeding or hydration through a gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube, elastomeric pumps ensure a continuous, regulated supply.
drawbacks of Elastomeric Pumps
While effective, elastomeric pumps do have some limitations compared to electronic pumps:
- Fixed Flow Rate - Since the flow is dependent on the elastic chamber property, the rate cannot be adjusted without changing the pump itself. This inflexibility may not suit patients with changing medication needs.
- Shelf life - The mechanical pumping mechanism has a finite lifespan before the elastic property degrades, typically 3-6 months. Pumps must be replaced regularly.
- No Programming - Lack of programming removes the advantage of variable customizable settings but also means alarms and maintenance tracking are not possible.
- Interference Sensitivity - External pressure or occlusion in the line may temporarily interrupt smooth infusion. Electronic pumps can detect blockages.
- Batch Administration - Since the full load of medication is administered in one pump, skipping a replacement changes the delivery schedule significantly until the next is started.
- Larger Volume Necessary - Adequate dead space volume must be allowed for in electronic pumps whereas elastomeric pumps require filling the entire reservoir.
While elastomeric infusion pumps have certain limitations, their mechanical simplicity, portability, reliability and low cost make them extremely useful medical devices. For continuous subcutaneous therapies, pain management and even parenteral nutrition provided in the home setting, elastomeric pumps provide effective treatment in a convenient way and improve patients' quality of life. Their role continues to be important especially in cost-conscious healthcare systems globally.
Get more insights on this topic :
