| abstract |
A portable infusion pump for infusing solutions from IV bags. The pump includes a housing having a compartment for removably receiving the bag in a solution-dispensing position. A push plate is mounted on the upper end of a flexible bladder having an outer wall which encloses a pressure chamber. The fluid is moved from a reservoir by a peristaltic pump into the pressure chamber so that the bladder is expanded to move the pressure plate toward the IV bag for dispensing the solution through IV tubing to the patient. The bladder has a predetermined configuration so that the differential volume required to fully dispense the solution from the IV bag is less than about 75% of the volume which is swept by movement of the push plate through its full stroke length. The IV tubing is connected to the IV bag by a filling spike having an annular groove which registers with a lock structure on the end of a lid. The lid is manually opened for insertion and removal of the bag to and from the housing compartment. |