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Infant Feeding Pump

Infant Feeding Pump Overview

Basic Principles

Infant feeding pumps are specialized medical devices designed to deliver precise volumes of enteral nutrition to neonates and infants. These pumps are engineered for accuracy at very low flow rates and feature specific safety mechanisms for pediatric feeding.

Key Components

  • Pump Mechanism:
    • Rotary peristaltic system
    • Linear peristaltic mechanism
    • Volumetric chamber design
  • Control Interface:
    • Touch screen display
    • Programming buttons
    • Safety lock features
  • Safety Features:
    • Anti-free-flow protection
    • Air-in-line detection
    • Occlusion sensors

Technical Specifications and Features

Performance Parameters

  • Flow Rate Capabilities:
    • Minimum: 0.1 mL/hr
    • Maximum: 300-600 mL/hr
    • Increment steps: 0.1 mL/hr
  • Accuracy Specifications:
    • ±5% at rates ≥1 mL/hr
    • ±10% at rates <1 mL/hr
    • Volume delivery precision: ±0.1 mL
  • Power Requirements:
    • AC power: 100-240V
    • Battery life: 4-8 hours
    • Charging time: 6 hours

Advanced Features

  • Monitoring Capabilities:
    • Real-time flow monitoring
    • Pressure trending
    • Volume tracking
    • Feed history logging
  • Communication Systems:
    • Nurse call integration
    • EMR connectivity
    • Wireless monitoring options

Clinical Applications and Usage

Primary Indications

  • Patient Categories:
    • Premature infants
    • Low birth weight babies
    • Neurologically impaired infants
    • Post-surgical patients
  • Feeding Methods:
    • Continuous feeding
    • Bolus feeding
    • Intermittent feeding
    • Cyclic feeding

Special Considerations

  • Feed Types:
    • Breast milk
    • Formula
    • Specialized nutrition solutions
    • Fortified feeds
  • Delivery Routes:
    • Nasogastric tubes
    • Nasojejunal tubes
    • Gastrostomy tubes
    • Jejunostomy tubes

Programming Guidelines and Protocols

Basic Programming Steps

  • Initial Setup:
    • Patient identification
    • Feed type selection
    • Rate calculation
    • Volume limit setting
  • Feed Scheduling:
    • Continuous rate programming
    • Bolus volume setting
    • Interval timing
    • Dose limits

Advanced Programming

  • Rate Transitions:
    • Step-up protocols
    • Taper-down sequences
    • Custom feeding patterns
  • Alert Parameters:
    • Pressure limits
    • Air detection sensitivity
    • Occlusion thresholds

Safety Considerations and Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

  • Alarm Management:
    • Air-in-line detection
    • Occlusion alerts
    • Low battery warnings
    • Door open alarms
  • Flow Problems:
    • Upstream occlusions
    • Downstream blockages
    • Free-flow incidents
    • Pump set issues

Maintenance Requirements

  • Daily Checks:
    • Battery status
    • Sensor cleaning
    • Tubing inspection
  • Periodic Maintenance:
    • Accuracy testing
    • Calibration checks
    • Software updates
Further Reading


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