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Infusion pumps that are small enough to be worn or carried by patients (i.e., ambulatory) including electronic-controlled mechanisms that are designed to deliver liquids to a patient through intravenous, epidural, or subcutaneous routes from internal reservoirs at pre-established accurate flow rates. Electronic ambulatory infusion pumps typically include a disposable syringe or a disposable, collapsible bag reservoir; a mechanism for propelling the infusate; an electronic flow-control mechanism; and means of displaying alarm conditions and/or user prompts. Pumps using peristaltic mechanisms successively squeeze and release the IV delivery tubing, moving the fluid into the patient catheter. Syringe pumps use a syringe as a drug reservoir, propelling the fluid by forcing the plunger, or piston, into the syringe barrel. Multitherapy electronic ambulatory infusion pumps are usually microprocessor controlled; some models can be programmed to deliver complex infusion regimens. Some pumps (known as \'smart pumps\') include software capable of detecting medication administration errors (i.e., dose error reduction systems) are also available. Many electronic, battery-powered pumps have alarms to indicate high pressure (usually signifying occlusion), near end of infusion, empty reservoir, air in line, system malfunction, unlocked reservoir, and low battery. Most pumps can detect flow errors and electronic malfunctions. Alarm conditions are typically identified on a display integral to the pump and/or by an audible signal. Electronic ambulatory pumps are used mainly by ambulatory patients in hospitals, other healthcare facilities, and at home.
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