Infusion pump

An intravenous infusion pump is a device to administer medication or medication for the treatment of
high blood pressure. There are three types of pumps: the positive displacement pump, peristaltic linear
pumps, and peristalsis pumps. Infusion pumps allow for high viscous medications to be administered
through small catheters into the veins. Medication is usually administered this way through the dorsal
veins of the hand, the forearm, the arm, the dorsal veins of the foot, the inguinal region and the
antecubital fossa.

Why is an infusion pump used?

An infusion pump is primarily used to administer medications to a patient when there is no other way of
administering medication.

How does an infusion pump work?

Positive displacement pumps, for example, are very commonly used. These pumps can be divided into
two types: cassette and syringe pumps. Cassette pumps have an integrated chamber where a small valve
allows liquid to pass. When the pump starts, the valve closes, forcing liquid to move towards the patient,
without returning to the bag. Peristaltic linear pumps have evolved to be just as accurate as
displacement pumps, with the liquid medication descending through a straight channel into the patient.

Rotating peristaltic pumps provide the least accuracy. These pumps are not used to administer
medication but instead are used to administer food or for the administration of blood during surgical
procedures such as a heart operation or bypass surgery.

How does one prepare for an infusion pump?

A thorough preparation is not required to undergo treatment with an infusion pump.

Aftercare

As the procedure is simple, after infiltration, no special care is necessary, apart from carefully and
hygienically removing the route of entry to the skin.