Reducing mortality with an electronically controlled infusion set

Many diseases require intravenous (IV) infusion therapy. But uncontrolled infusion rates and incorrect dosing can lead to severe complications or even death. The ECGF-IS project aims to improve the safety of IV therapies in developing countries. Its goal is to develop a low-cost, electronically controlled gravity-feed infusion system to reduce the mortality associated with over-infusion and under-infusion, especially in children. Fraunhofer researchers are developing the device in collaboration with the Uganda Industrial Research Institute. They have received the 2020 German-African Innovation Incentive Award (GAIIA) for their work on the project so far.

Precise intravenous therapies can significantly improve outcomes for patients suffering from a range of different illnesses. IV infusion is often used in intensive care medicine, cases of severe blood loss, and the treatment of dehydration and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. IV therapy is also used to treat COVID-19 patients. Gravity-feed infusion is the most common form of IV therapy. It works by delivering fluid containing minerals, nutrients and medications from an elevated IV bag to the patient through an infusion system (