Effect of infusion line connection and infusion line characteristics on start-up fluid delivery from syringe infusion pumps used for microinfusion

• Published in: Pediatric anesthesia 2024-11
• Main Authors: Weiss, Markus, Wendel-Garcia, Pedro David, Cannizzaro, Vincenzo, Kleine-Brueggeney, Maren
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1155-5645; 1460-9592; 1460-9592
• DOI: 10.1111/pan.15031

Connecting an infusion line to a closed stopcock results in pressurization of fluid within the syringe infusion pump assembly leading to flow irregularities when opening the stopcock and activating the pump. It was the purpose of this study to assess the extent of pressurization under different conditions and its impact on start-up fluid delivery. Intraluminal pressures and start-up fluid delivery at 1 mL/h flow rate were assessed with connection of the infusion line 1 min (delayed connection) or immediately after purging (immediate connection) using two different infusion lines made from polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE). Delayed connection resulted in an increase of intraluminal pressures from zero to 5.1 [4.5 to 5.7] mmHg with the PVC line and from zero to 47.1 [44.8 to 49.3] mmHg with the PE line (mean difference 42.0 [95% CI 39.3-44.7] mmHg; p