By using this technology, the research team of the KIMM secured performance equivalent to that of expensive MEMS sensors in terms of measurement sensitivity, accuracy, range, and bubble detection. The sensor has been developed as a customized module so that the ultrasonic bubble sensor within the drug infusion pump can be replaced. This sensor module is now being developed for mass production by being applied to new drug infusion pumps.

The conventional technology for measuring the number of drops falling into the drip chamber could not be used for analgesic drug infusion pumps that do not have drip chambers, and was relatively inaccurate (±10%) and not easily usable at low flow rates. While thermal micro-flow sensors have been developed by global companies, these sensors are mainly manufactured using expensive semiconductor processes. Additionally, there also is the economic issue associated with the fact that these sensors are all disposable due to contact between drug liquid and the sensor.


Therefore, an indirect flow rate measurement method involving the rotation of motors is currently being used for analgesic infusion pumps, and no device has yet been equipped with a real-time flow rate measurement technology.

The new technology developed by the KIMM is expected to help to prevent medical accidents resulting from excessive post-surgery administration of analgesics, which usually results from the malfunctioning of drug infusion pumps or deviations of medical consumables. It is also anticipated to enable the provision of prompt medical services by transmitting accurate information such as the data on the medication speed and dosage, and also reduce the workload of the medical staff related to drug injection management.

Senior Researcher Dong-kyu Lee of the KIMM was quoted as saying, “This is a technology for a sensor capable of simultaneously measuring extremely low flow rates and bubbles without coming into contact with the drug outside the tube and without having to apply the expensive MEMS sensor technology, simply by attaching the drug infusion tube to the sensor. It is a technology that is customized for the injection of medications.” He added, “We will make our best efforts to prevent medical accidents where overdosages of analgesics result in death during surgery or cause deaths of cancer patients, and also strive for research and development to ensure the safety of medical treatments involving drug injections and protect the safety of the public.”

Infusion Pumps Homepage