Recent technical advances in the development of infusion pumps and catheters have made optimal pain management obtainable under the supervision of the attending physician. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) provides the patient the opportunity to participate in his own pain management program.

New programmable infusion pumps can provide continuous intravenous infusions or regular pulse doses of the prescribed medication for satisfactory pain control. With PCA pumps, optimal pain control can be attained with precise adjustments in the analgesic doses.

New sophisticated portable pumps make possible the administration of continuous infusions of pain medicals in the comfort of the patient’s own home.