Large-Volume Infusion Pumps: Features and Functions

Large-volume pumps (LVPs) are used to accurately deliver liquids through IV or epidural routes for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes, normally with rates from 0.1 to 999 mL/hr or higher. They are used in hospitals, in alternative care settings (e.g., homes, long-term care facilities, physicians' offices, outpatient infusion centers), and, occasionally, in emergency medical service vehicles.

In general, infusion pumps are used when the solution to be administered must be delivered with greater accuracy than can be provided through a manually adjusted gravity administration set. Because of their accuracy, infusion pumps have proven to be useful in applications such as continuous epidural anesthesia, administration of IV cardiovascular drugs, chemotherapy, and pediatric applications, as well as for home IV therapy. Blood infusions can also be performed with most pumps, although...