Patient-controlled analgesic infusion pumps. Evaluating the Deltec CADD-Prizm PCS II.

Patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) infusion devices allow patients to self-administer narcotic analgesics within the limits prescribed by the physician. They deliver solutions intravenously, subcutaneously, or epidurally and allow patient activation by means of a pendant button on a cord connected to the pump or a button directly on the pump. PCA therapy is typically used for postoperative, obstetric, terminally ill, and trauma patients. In the May 2001 issue of Health Devices, we evaluated nine PCA pumps from six suppliers. In this Update Evaluation, we present our findings on an additional pump, the Deltec CADD-Prizm PCS II. Like most of the previously evaluated pumps, this pump does not stand out as ideal but nonetheless meets most of our criteria and is rated Acceptable.