Our Caregiver device eliminates the “pump” from infusion pumps to create an ultra low-power, low-cost device to accurately control IV medication delivery to patients in resource-poor settings
Big Idea: eliminating the “pump” from infusion pumps to create an ultra low-power, low-cost device to accurately control IV medication delivery to patients in resource-poor settings
Project Launched: February, 2011
Team: Chris Stivers, Kevin Chi, Paul Csonka
The Challenge
The Infusion Pump Project: How to deliver tightly regulated fluids/medications to a patient over a long period of time in resource-poor settings?
- An infusion pump is an apparatus designed to deliver measured amounts of a drug or IV solution through injection over time. Many medical care facilities do not have power backup systems, so when the electricity goes out, the infusion pumps become useless, and herein lies the opportunity for a novel system. Here is what is needed: a low-cost device that can operate without a continuous source of external electricity that will provide similar capabilities in long-term but constant delivery of fluids/medication for patients in resource poor settings. The challenges of this project include high functionality, low-cost, ease of use, safety and durability.
The Insight
Overworked nurses in resource-poor settings need a low-power, affordable means for delivering life-saving IV medication and fluids
The Product
We have developed the Caregiver drip controller device to provide consistent, accurate medication delivery, easing the burden on overworked nurses and significantly improving patient safety. This product is designed for maximum battery life – up to several days on a single charge – and not only works with the less expensive, locally available tubing sets, but is also available at a price that is affordable for resource-constrained health centers. At the same time, Caregiver has been designed to meet stringent regulatory standards to guarantee safe, accurate delivery for every patient. With the Caregiver device, we hope to improve the quality of healthcare in treatment facilities throughout the developing world. This project has been supported, in part, by a global health innovation grant from the NIH, known as C-IDEA.
Contact: Chris Stivers, chris@caregivermedical.com