Patient-controlled analgesic infusion pumps. Making a painless purchase.

Patient-controlled analgesic infusion pumps give patients the ability to self-administer pain-relieving medication as needed within the limits set by a physician. The most significant risk associated with these pumps is the possibility of oversedation, potentially leading to life-threatening narcotic-induced respiratory depression. We examine nine pumps, basing our ratings on safety and ease of use.