Computer-Controlled Infusion Pump for Epidurals

A new computer-controlled infusion pump can be used for administering epidural injections in childbirth procedures as well as for the treatment of pain in the lower back and lower extremities.

When administering epidural injections, it is critical for users to recognize the risks associated with the introduction of potentially neurotoxic substances into the subarachnoid space, from which 40% of spinal fluid is produced. If local anesthesia is injected into this space, instead of the epidural space, the patient may face a lifetime of agony due to adhesive arachnoiditis.

The computer-controlled infusion pump utilizes pressure feedback data to monitor and regulate the delivery to patients of local anesthesia, medications, and other fluids. The pump allows controlled infusion, perfusion, suffusion, and aspiration, with real time displays of pressures, fluid densities, and flow rates. Pressure sensing technology identifies the epidural space for doctors, thereby reducing the risks of paralysis and other complications that can occur when they attempt to locate the epidural space using tactile senses.

The CompuFlo computer controlled infusion pump is manufactured by Milestone Scientific (Livingstone, NJ, USA). The company previously developed a microprocessor-controlled drive unit used in conjunction with a pen-like dental anesthetic delivery system called The Wand, used for controlled delivery of anesthesia to one tooth at a time.

"Clinical studies using Milestone's CompuFlo computer-controlled infusion pump in the administration of epidural anesthesia have provided highly encouraging results,” noted Thomas Ronca, president and CEO of the company. "We believe that, because of the risks associated with current epidural injection techniques, CompuFlo has the potential to become a 'standard of care' within the anesthesiology profession.”



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