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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
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A Curlin pump is an ambulatory infusion pump from the Curlin product line; the model most readers mean is the Moog Curlin 6000, which its manufacturer’s user manual describes as an "ambulatory or pole mounted infusion device designed to meet the needs of the hospital or alternate site patient." It is used by clinicians, home-infusion and hospital staff, and by trained patients and caregivers under clinician supervision. This page explains what the device is, its delivery modes, power options and the administration-set safety points the manual stresses. It gives no programming or dosing steps.
What it is
The Curlin 6000 is a programmable pump that delivers fluids through a dedicated disposable administration set. According to the manufacturer’s manual (Revision K), it operates in any position, has a rate resolution of 2 microliters, and is light enough for patients who are walking about. For the broader device class, see our guide to the ambulatory infusion pump; for how pump families differ, see types of IV pumps and what an IV infusion pump is.
The phrase "Curlin infusion pump" refers to the same product line. The manual says the pump can be carried in any of four soft-pack carryalls, mounted on a pole, placed in locked "safety shells," or set on a suitable surface.
How it is built and how it works
The pump uses a disposable administration set loaded into the pump. The set carries an integral Flow-Stop, a spring-activated, self-clamping device. A breakaway tab holds it open for gravity priming; removing the tab before loading lets it clamp the tubing automatically, which the manual says prevents inadvertent flow when the set is out of the pump. The manual also describes sets with an anti-siphon valve for additional free-flow protection; these sets cannot be gravity primed.
Delivery modes
The manual lists five therapy delivery modes:
| Mode | What the manual says it is designed for |
|---|---|
| Continuous | A constant, programmed rate of infusion |
| PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) | Therapies needing a continuous rate, patient-controlled demand boluses, or both |
| TPN with automatic ramping | A level rate of parenteral nutrition products, with optional tapering at the start, the end, or both, plus an early ramp-down feature |
| Intermittent | Programmed intervals and rates of specified amounts, optionally delivering small amounts between doses to keep the access site patent |
| Variable Program | Varying amounts, rates and times of delivery, up to twenty-four specified programs |
Indications for use
The manual states the pump can be used for intravenous, intra-arterial, epidural, subcutaneous or enteral infusions, with therapy overseen by a physician or a certified, licensed healthcare practitioner. It is intended for patients who are ambulatory. The manual requires that all patients and caregivers be instructed by a qualified clinician and demonstrate adequate proficiency.
Power options
| Power source | Manual details |
|---|---|
| Two C-cell alkaline batteries | About 30 hours at 125 mL/hour and over 85 hours at 2 mL/hour or less; battery life varies with screen use, fluid viscosity, battery age and storage temperature |
| AC adaptor | Connects to an approved three-prong wall outlet; the manual suggests using it whenever the patient is stationary, such as at night |
| Rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack (360-2030) | 5.2 V, 6000 mA-hrs; a minimum of 24 hours at 125 mL/hour in addition to the C-cell run time; about 15 hours to recharge fully; used with two fully charged C-cells installed |
Safe use and handling basics
- Use the matching administration sets. The manual warns to use only Moog Curlin Infusion administration sets, because other sets may alter accuracy and cause over- or under-infusion.
- Inspect before use. The manual says not to use any pump or set that appears damaged or tampered with, or shows any sign of improper function.
- Dropping matters. Dropping or impact while the pump door is open can cause intermittent free flow and loss of accuracy that may not be visible; the manual says volumetric testing is the only way to confirm proper function.
- Epidural sets are distinct. For epidural use the manufacturer offers sets with a 0.22 micron filter, no injection ports and yellow striping; any set used epidurally should be labelled as such, and these infusions should be managed by professionals familiar with them.
- Protection rating. The manual lists an IPX1 rating (protected against dripping water).
Common mistakes
- Treating the Curlin 6000 and the Curlin 8000 as the same device. FDA 510(k) records in openFDA list the Curlin 8000 Ambulatory Infusion System with Enterprise Solution software and Curlin 380-series administration sets under applicant Zevex, Inc. (K232793, decided 2024-05-17, and K242660, decided 2024-10-03, product code FRN). The 6000 manual referenced here is published by Moog.
- Substituting non-Curlin sets because they fit, contrary to the manual’s accuracy warning.
- Assuming a dropped pump with no visible damage is fine; see the free-flow warning above.
FAQ
What is a Curlin pump?
It is an ambulatory infusion pump line; the Curlin 6000 is described by its manual as a hospital or alternate-site pump that can be carried or pole mounted.
Is a Curlin infusion pump the same as a Curlin pump?
Yes, both phrases refer to the Curlin line of infusion pumps and their administration sets.
What delivery modes does the Curlin 6000 have?
Continuous, PCA, TPN with automatic ramping, Intermittent and Variable Program (up to 24 programs).
Sources
- Moog Curlin 6000 User Manual, Revision K (reorder 360-9009), Moog Medical Devices Group; read 2026-11-07: user manual PDF.
- openFDA 510(k) database, device name search "curlin"; queried 2026-11-07: openFDA 510(k) records.
