Today, infusion pumps are found in hospitals around the world. These basic medical equipment are used to provide food and medication directly to patients. But infusion pumps aren't always commonplace in healthcare settings. The first functional infusion pump was not invented until 1970. Early models already existed, but they were bulky, unavailable to most hospitals, and difficult to use.

Thankfully, technology has made modern infusion pumps smaller, easier to use and more effective than ever before. Here's how infusion pumps have evolved over the years and their future.

first infusion pump

Intravenous medicine dates back to 1492, but real progress in the field did not begin until the 17th century. The first IV set was invented in 1658 by Christopher Wren, a famous English architect.

After Wren's device was made, scientists began studying how to inject fluids and drugs intravenously through a needle. Unfortunately, their studies did not go as planned. Many people died as a result of these studies, and in response, the British government, the French parliament and the Vatican banned blood transfusions. This ban lasted for more than 100 years. Progress on IV medication did not resume until it was lifted.

Further innovation

The early 19th century was when progress began. Cautious scientists, learning from previous attempts, decided:

• The infusion process must be slow.
• They must understand air embolism and how to prevent complications.
• They must avoid volume overload.

This led to the creation of flow-controlled infusion pumps.

The First and Second World Wars promoted the further development of intravenous drugs. Needles were reworked, plastic tubes were used instead of rubber, vaccine vials that reduced the risk of air embolism were invented, and eventually, these vacuum vials were replaced entirely by plastic bags. Finally, in 1970, Dean Kamen invented the mobile pump, which allowed patients to move freely during treatment. Kamen's pumps can also automatically deliver fluids and medications at set intervals.

The 21st century saw other improvements in infusion pumps. Smart pumps make pumps easier to use, more effective, and safer for patients.

future

Now that you know how infusion pumps have evolved over the years, you may be wondering what infusion pumps will look like in the future. No one can say exactly what the future holds, but one project underway is the All-in-One Concept, an attempt to standardize infusion pump technology.

Scientists are working to create a set of two pumps (displacement pump and syringe) that can be used in almost any situation. This will save hospitals time, money and space and help make the infusion process faster and safer. Occasionally Sen provides state-of-the-art medical equipment, such as external infusion pumps , so medical professionals can provide patients with the quality care they need.