# Smart Intravenous Infusion Dosing System
## 3 Problem Description  
Non-automated IV infusion systems are most commonly found in hospitals around the world. Figure 1 shows a traditional IV infusion therapy set consisting of four main elements: a pole/stand (1) on which one or more IV bottles/bags (2) of appropriate content are placed and an IV tubing set (5-8) for connection and transfer of fluid from the IV bottle/bag to the cannula (9), allowing fluid to be infused directly into the patient's vein. The IV tubing set consists of a drip chamber (5) whose role is multiple, a piggyback port (6) for connecting an additional IV bottle/bag if necessary, IV tubing (7), and a roller clamp (8) for manual adjustment of the infusion flow. The drip chamber, at one end has spikes (3) for connection to the IV bottle/bag by penetration, while on the opposite side it is connected to the IV tubing. Moreover, laterally, there is an air valve (4) to prevent the appearance of a vacuum. In addition, the drip chamber prevents the transfer of air into the patient's bloodstream, which is extremely important, because otherwise an arterial gas embolism occurs with dramatic consequences.  
Figure 1: Traditional intravenous (IV) infusion therapy set: 1—pole/stand, 2—IV bottle/bag, 3—spike, 4—air valve, 5—drip chamber, 6—piggyback port, 7—IV tubing, 8—roller clamp, and 9—cannula.  
According to [52], the most common reasons for receiving IV infusion are replacement of lost fluid and electrolytes; for chemotherapy, anesthesia, or drugs that the patient cannot receive orally; for transfusion of blood or blood plasma during or after surgery as a result of heavy bleeding; and for the intake of vitamins, minerals, and other trace elements. Numerous complications are possible, such as pulmonary edema that causes breathing problems; the appearance of air plugs, which is manifested by shortness of breath, neck pain, and dizziness; and catheter embolism when part of the cannula breaks off and enters the bloodstream. Moreover, local and systemic infections cause sepsis by penetrating the patient's bloodstream, leading to the presence of pyrogenic substances in the infusion as a result of non-sterile preparation of the drug; rupture of veins and bleeding; artery puncture; phlebitis manifested by pain along the cannula; redness; locally elevated skin temperature; and extravasation of the drug that causes pain, tingling, and swelling along the vein.  
Some IV therapies have a prescribed infusion time due to the full effect of the drug. However, the infusion rate directly depends on the pressure produced by the height of the liquid column in the IV bottle/bag, as well as on the position of the bottle/bag in relation to the cannula (see Figure 1, distance L). In addition, partial or complete closure of the IV tubing due to bending by moving the patient's arm--e.g., the patient falls asleep--as well as the deposition of various components of fluid in the vessel such as blood cells, can have negative effects on fluid flow. Nevertheless, the condition of the veins remains crucial, especially in oncology patients. Therefore, the analysis of one of the most common malignant diseases of young men--testicular cancer--whose treatment requires several months of IV infusion chemotherapy, is presented briefly.