Infusion pumps and controllers employ a variety of electromechanical mechanisms to regulate
fluid flow to the patient. These include peristaltic or diaphragm pumps, syringe devices,
and variable pinch clamp mechanisms that control gravity-driven flow. Usually, the tubing
sets used by these devices are dedicated and not interchangeable. Infusion pumps with a wide
range of rates (1–999 cc/hour) have been available for decades. Modern infusion devices
have a wide range of programmable infusion rates and extensive alarm capabilities. Features
include proper set placement detection, pressure limits, proximal and distal occlusion alarms,
end of infusion alarm, and programmable keep-vein-open (KVO) rates. Additional safety
features to prevent unrestricted free flow of IV fluid to the patient are incorporated as well.
In order to avoid medication errors, systems that will associate pharmacy requisitions, the
infusion device, and patient identification are being developed. Additional intelligence in
such systems will identify patient sensitivities, incompatibilities between infused medications,
and violation of nominal drug concentrations and infusion rates.