• J W Kwan.
• Division of Pharmacy, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center,Texas Medical Center, Houston 77030.
• Am J Hosp Pharm. 1991 Oct 1; 48 (10 Suppl 1): S36-51.

AbstractSome of the newer high-technology infusion devices commercially available or under development are described. The range of infusion devices includes both controllers and pumps; pumps can be classified by mechanism of operation (peristaltic, syringe, cassette, elastomeric reservoir), frequency or type of drug delivery (continuous or intermittent infusion, bolus dosing, single- or multiple-solution delivery), or therapeutic application (such as the patient-controlled analgesia, or PCA, pump). Advances in infusion technology and computer technology have led to the development of devices with extremely sophisticated drug-delivery capabilities (multiple-rate or multiple-solution programming, operation as pump or controller, or both, and interchangeable applications and settings). Current research in infusion-device technology is focusing on implantable pumps, pumps with chronobiological applications, osmotic-pressure devices, and open- and closed-loop systems. Pharmacists need to keep abreast of the rapidly changing intravenous device marketplace to provide clinical expertise and leadership in the review and evaluation of high-technology drug delivery systems.

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