Accurate continuous drug delivery at low infusion rate with a novel microvolumetric infusion pump (MVIP): pump design, evaluation and comparison to the current standard.

Abstract

Infusion devices for continuous and precise drug administration are indispensable tools in anaesthesia and critical care medicine. Problems such as start-up delays, non-continuous flow and susceptibility to hydrostatic pressure changes at low infusion rates resulting in accidental bolus release or prolonged flow interruption are inherent to current infusion technology. In order to improve precise drug delivery, an innovative technical concept has been realised in a novel microvolumetric infusion pump (MVIP) device. The MVIP principle includes repeated filling and emptying of a non-compliant microsyringe without the use of valves. The performance of the MVIP prototype has been evaluated and compared with standard syringe infusion pump assemblies. The novel MVIP concept has thereby proven to eliminate most problems during infusion start-up, steady state flow and vertical pump displacement, and has the potential of revolutionising infusion technology and setting a new dimension in patient safety.