Infusion pumps. It's a riveting subject, I know. But really, there are so many different types to choose from that it gets a bit confusing. So if you need to know more about the them, you're in the right place.
Okay, you've got your ambulatory, syringe, enteral, pole-mounted, and multi-channel infusion pumps. But what does each one do? What are the major differences? Well, here's scoop:
Ambulatory:
This is a small pump designed to be mobile. This gives patients the freedom to go about their business if they need infusion therapy on a regular basis. And because this type is so convenient and runs on a battery, emergency personnel use them as well. A well known ambulatory pump is an insulin pump.
Syringe:
Syringe pumps are designed to deliver small amounts of the particular substance. The medication slowly drips through a syringe. Pain medication, like morphine, is a good example of what syringe pumps are used for.
Enteral:
This is basically your basic feeding pump. The patient would have a shunt in place so the feeding pump could be inserted to deliver nourishment.
Pole-Mounted:
This infusion pump is what you typically see in a hospital setting (you know, the bags are attached to the top of the pole). These lack the mobility of the ambulatory infusion pump but have more features that medical personnel need. Pole-mounted pumps can be used in a home care setting but again, there will be a lack of mobility with this model.
Multi-Channel:
If a patient needs several medications like occasional antibiotic and an anti-nausea medication, a multi-channel pump would be used. This type of pump allow you to manage more than one substance at the same time.
Well, there you have it … a basic guide to infusion pumps that'll come in handy the next time you may need to purchase one.