Considerations When Using Infusion Pumps with Hyperbaric Chambers

The need to use an infusion pump for a patient being treated in a hyperbaric chamber arises from time to time. Unfortunately, ECRI is not aware of any infusion pump model, either large-volume or syringe, that currently has FDA clearance for use with hyperbaric chambers. The market for hyperbaric-compatible infusion pumps is relatively small in comparison to the market for pumps suitable for other use cases, and pumps in general have a life expectancy of more than 10 years. Therefore, pump manufacturers likely cannot justify the regulatory burden and support costs to continue providing them. FDA considers hyperbaric chambers to be class II medical devices.

This article describes hyperbaric chambers and explores the issues associated with delivering IV medication to patients receiving therapy in these chambers.

Note: Most infusion pump instructions for use explicitly state to not use the pump in or around a hyperbaric chamber. Such use would be off-label. If such use is nonetheless required, a list of currently available infusion pump models and their technical specifications...