flow, we can increase the rate or set a higher bolus amount with a
shorter lockout interval," he adds. "Or, if we have a frail patient who
doesn't need much medication, we can dial the settings down and
extend the duration of the pump. Instead of 2 or 3 days, they might be
able to get to 5 or 6 days, if they use it judiciously."
And since the local anesthetic is contained in an IV bag that's
attached to the electronic pump and inserted into a fanny pack, there
are no preset limitations on the amount of anesthetic solution provid-
ed. "We can provide 100 ccs or a 1-liter bag, or anything in between,"
he says.
Electronic pumps can also claim a higher accuracy rate in terms of
flows, says Dr. Cohen. "If you set a pump for 4 ccs an hour, they say
you'll be getting 4 or very close to it, as opposed to the tolerances on
elastomeric pumps, which are wider. Instead of 4, you might be getting
3 or 6, or anywhere in between. You want tight tolerances on medical
devices."
Electronic pumps have a smaller carbon footprint, which appeals to
Dr. Cohen. "The IV bag will end up in a landfill, but the actual pump
can be reprocessed and reused," he says. "With elastomeric pumps,
you get one use and you're done. If you can use a pump multiple
times, it seems likely to be more environmentally friendly."
His patients take a cardboard UPS mailer home with them, says Dr.
Cohen. "And they're told they'll be responsible for a fairly significant
fee if the pump doesn't get returned," he says. "But the vendor doesn't
want their money. They just want the pump, and close to 100% are
returned."
3. Ease of use
But keep in mind there's an important tradeoff when it comes to
choosing between simpler and more complex pumps.
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