Controlled Studies of a New Microprocessor-Based Portable Infusion Pump

A new microprocessor-controlled portable infusion pump, the Pancretec Provider IV 2000™ was tested in vitro and in vivo in cancer patients. The Provider is a rotary peristaltic, battery-powered pump capable of flow rates of 0.2 to 83 ml/hour with delivery volumes up to 1999 ml. Two programming modes are available: intermittent infusion and continuous infusion. Bench tests showed the flow rate accuracy to be within 96% of the desired rate. Flow rate precision was similarly excellent at +/- 2%. Clinical studies were performed in 14 ambulatory patients receiving continuous infusion antineoplastic or analgesic drugs over 5-60 days as outpatients. The majority of infusions delivered fluoropyrimidines via indwelling central venous access ports. Two of the patients received long term ( 60 days) continuous infusion of analgesics for pain control. Flow rate accuracy with the pumps was within +/- 5% in 90% of the 27 infusion courses (244 patient-days of continuous infusion therapy). A significant therapy deviation (interruption 10% of the desired course) occurred in three instances. One related to a procedural error (incomplete cartridge insertion into the pump), two were caused by fluid leakage which interrupted pump function. Defect alarms (both visual and audible) operated in both instances. A KVO flow rate of 0.1 ml/hr was also found to be adequate to maintain catheter patency in peripheral veins over a 24-hour period in two normal volunteers. We conclude that the Provider pump is an accurate, reliable and state of the art infusion system with wide clinical applicability.