A portable infusion system for the ambulant child.

A portable infusion system has been developed that can maintain a continuous intravenous or nasogastric infusion in a child for prolonged periods of time. Three children have received infusions of several months' duration over a period of two years. They were able to remain ambulant and the system has been maintained by parents at home. A minature peristaltic rotary pump is carried on the back, which infused fluid from an IV solution pack via an indwelling silicone rubber catheter. During IV infusion two bacterial filters are used in series. The first removes the particles normally present in commercial IV solutions, enabling the second to reduce the risk of infection and air embolism. Nasogastric infusion is simpler to maintain and the silicone rubber tubes are well tolerated for long periods. The pump unit is small, inexpensive, and requires minimal maintenance; the pump chambers and catheters are readily sterilized. Modified systems are in use, (e.g. for nasojejunal feeding of preterm infants) and the unit could provide compact alimentation for the ambulant patient after massive gut resection.