Smart infusion pump

Smart, computerized infusion pumps have developed to the point that they are readily available on the market from a variety of vendors, and for a variety of uses.

It is important to distinguish the different types of pumps by modality. The common modalities are (1) large volume parenteral infusions (LVPs), (2) syringe infusions, (3) epidural infusions and (4) patient-controlled analgesia infusions.

Some pumps are purpose-built exclusively to be used for only a single modality, whereas other pumps have been engineered to support multiple infusion modalities.

Klas recently (2008) reviewed several pump vendor products. The represented vendors were B. Braun, Baxter, Cardinal Health, Hospira, Sigma and Smiths Medical.

Some smart pumps have become network devices, connecting to wireless networks in hospitals and clinics using IEEE 802.11 standards for wireless local area network communications.