Abstract
Portable infusion devices are designed for the controlled delivery of a drug solution into the body over an extended period of time. Two categories of pumps are described. Non-electric pumps, which include balloon-powered, vapour-pressure, and spring-powered pumps; and electric pumps, which include peristaltic, piston-and-valve, and syringe pumps. The drug may be delivered to a variety of sites (e.g., subcutaneous or intramuscular) through various channels. Current clinical applications include iron chelation, analgesics in terminal cancer, post-operative pain, Heparin administration, insulin for diabetes, cancer chemotherapy, and various hormone administrations. Infusion can be continuous or pulsatile depending on the application. It is predicted that there will be more widespread adoption of current techniques and that smaller and more intelligent pumps, which may include closed loop control, will be developed.
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