Vacuum Augmented Pump for Infusion at Reduced Expense

CareFusion Engineering, 2012-13

Liaison(s): Bob Butterfield
Advisor(s): Elizabeth Orwin ’95
Students(s): Thomas Carey (TL-S), Divina Allan (TL-F), Aaron Atzil, J Emery (S), Katherine Anderson (S), Jason Bluhm, Alice Zhang (S), Michelle Seguin (F)

To reduce tubing deformation due to repeated compression by a peristaltic IV pump, the team first characterized the behavior of several PVC IV tubings of various durometers and dimensions under atmospheric and multiple vacuum conditions. Using the results of this analysis, the team designed a peristaltic pump with an integrated vacuum chamber that reduced tube deformation by applying a negative pressure to the exterior of the tubing.