Electronically Controlled Gravity-feed (ECGF) Infusion Set

The ECGF device is designed to accurately administer fluids and other therapeutics intravenously by controlling the rate of fluid flow based on feedback from a drop sensor. An actuator is used to control the flow of fluid. The device uses both a mains and solar battery. The device automates the regulation of fluid and drug delivery and removes the need for manual regulation, as is the current standard in Uganda. To set the desired flow rate, the user uses the device keypad to type in the desired flow rate.

A detailed description of the device is explained in this video.

Provided by the manufacturer.

Battery life is approximately 8 hours.

5 prototype devices were built and pre-clinically tested in 2017. After the initial testing, clinicians were trained to install and operate the ECGF device where the time required for clinicians to regulate and monitor fluids was studied. During the clinical trial, 79 nurses, doctors, and biomedical technicians from 3 health facilities were trained on the ECGF device. Both user experience data, such as ease of set up, usability, functionality, safety, and ergonomics, as well as analytical data was collected. The analytical data focused on flow rate accuracy. In the first human pilot consisting of 12 adults, the device achieved a flow rate accuracy (ie. percentage error margin between the prescribed and actual dosages) of +/- 7%. A clinical safety trial for children aged 5-8 was conducted and found that the most notable improvements by the ECGF device were in children suffering from malaria, dehydration, severe diarrhea, and pneumonia. A final clinical trial for children aged up to 4 years was completed in early February 2019 and the analysis is being finalized. The clinical trials had 160 participating children.

Test results can be found here.

The device features several safety systems such as alarms for rate of infusion (rapid or slow), total volume, and faulty sensors.

A safety trial was conducted with adults and children. The team is improving the ECGF design to further improve the flow rate regulation.