A novel device for patient-controlled sedation: laboratory and clinical evaluation of the Baxter Intermate LV250 infusor and patient-control module.

The Baxter Intermate LV250 infusor is a large capacity, high flow mechanical infusor, designed to deliver viscous solutions and suspensions. The objective of the laboratory study was to evaluate the LV250 infusor when used with either 0.9% sodium chloride solution or an emulsion, propofol 1%. Following this, the LV250 infusor with the patient-control module was assessed in the clinical setting as to its suitability for use in patient-controlled sedation with a propofol and lignocaine mixture. Between reservoir volumes of 250 and 55 ml, the LV250 infusor was found to infuse a propofol 1% and lignocaine mixture at a lower flow compared with the sodium chloride solution, 170 ml.h-1 and 260 ml.h-1 respectively. The lower flow with the propofol mixture may be a result of its higher viscosity. All patients using the LV250 infusor for patient-controlled sedation found it easy to use and stated that they were able to achieve their desired level of sedation. All patients maintained arterial oxygen saturations above 95%. The LV250 infusor performed reliably and with little inter-device variation, and with the patient-control module could be used as an alternative to electronic devices for providing patient-controlled sedation. Compared with electronic infusors, its advantages include compactness and simplicity of design.