Comparison of flow rate accuracy and consistency between the on-Q, baxter, and ambu pain infusion devices

AIM: Providing analgesia via peripheral nerve catheters attached to an infusion pump is an effective pain management option in children. METHODS: Portable infusion pumps are being used with increased frequency in pediatric patients. Because these pumps are infusing potentially toxic doses of medications, the accuracy and consistency of these devices becomes very important in this patient population. This study is a comparison of the actual delivery volume of local anesthetic of three elastomeric infusion devices approved for patient use in the ambulatory setting. Three brands of disposable elastomeric infusion devices were used (Five On-Q, Five Baxter, and Five Ambu pumps). Each was filled with 200 mL of Ropivicaine 0.1% and connected to a single, end hole infusion catheter and set to infuse at 12 mL/h. The devices were run simultaneously. The fluid delivered was measured every hour with a graduated column over a tenhour period. The ambient temperature BRIEF ARTICLE Online Submissions: http://www.wjgnet.com/esps/ [email protected] doi:10.5313/wja.v3.i1.119 119 March 27, 2014|Volume 3|Issue 1| WJA|www.wjgnet.com World J Anesthesiol 2014 March 27; 3(1): 119-123 ISSN 2218-6182 (online) © 2014 BaishidengPublishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved. World Journal of Anesthesiology W J A infusion profile of the individual pump being used. LeRiger M, Bhalla T, Martin D, Bettesworth J, Tobias JD. Comparison of flow rate accuracy and consistency between the on-Q, baxter, and ambu pain infusion devices. World J Anesthesiol 2014; 3(1): 119-123 Available from: URL: http://www.wjgnet.com/2218-6182/full/v3/i1/119.htm DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5313/wja.v3.i1.119