The Panomat® P-10 micro-volumetric infusion pump is suitable for continous drug administration at minimal flow rates

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of the Panomat® P-10 micro-volumetric infusion pump for its use in drug administration at minimal flow rates (μL·hr-1; e.g., intrathecal application). Methods: Fluid delivery at steady state conditions, and after vertical displacement of the syringe pump by -50 cm was determined gravimetrically. The Panomat® P-10 infusion pump was evaluated at 4, 10, 20, 50 and 100 μL·hr-1, and compared to a conventional syringe pump assembly at 100, 200, 500 and 1000 μL·hr-1. Measurements were repeated twice with two different devices of each syringe pump system, and with two syringes. Data are reported as mean ± SD. Results: Steady state fluid delivery of the Panomat® P-10 infusion pump revealed less than 5% deviation to set flow rate at 10, 20, 50 and 100 μL·hr-1, and 12% deviation at 4 μL·hr-1. Mean zero-drug delivery time (ZDDT) after lowering the pump by 50 cm at 4 μL·hr-1 flow rate was 38.4 ± 7.3 min. At 100 μL·hr-1 and with original infusion line ZDDT was almost 20 times shorter when compared to the conventional syringe pump assembly (1.5 ± 0.5 min vs 28.5 ± 5.0 min). Conclusion: The tested Panomat® P-10 micro-volumetric pump shows an acceptable flow accuracy as well as a low susceptibility to vertical displacement, and is therefore suitable for continuous drug administration at minimal flow rates. The technology used in this pump carries potential implications for a new generation of syringe pumps.