The Mallinckrodt Pressure Infusion Chamber aims to put pressure on a bag of blood or IV fluid in order to facilitate intravenous injection with higher flow rates than those obtained by simple gravity. Pressure is automatically maintained on the bag as the fluid empties. The user controls the flow rate with the dial clamp located on the infusion tubing. The maximum flow rate is a function of the viscosity of the fluid, the characteristics of the infusion set and the applied pressure.
The Mallinckrodt Pressure Infusion Chamber is designed for rapid injections of blood, blood products or other fluids, in cases of trauma or surgical procedures where precise flow is not required. Usual flow rates for such uses can be up to 700ml per minute, varying depending on the infusion tubing and catheter used. This is a much higher flow rate than regular infusions. The Mallinckrodt Pressure Infusion Chamber is contraindicated for the injection of strong drugs (which must be injected in precise doses).
The Mallinckrodt Pressure Perfusion Chamber is generally used in the Operating Room, Intensive Care or in the Emergency Department, but not when transporting a patient. In these cutting-edge services, patients are closely monitored, the use of devices without monitoring means is therefore not contraindicated.
