IMPROVED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING AND ADMINISTERING INTRAVENOUS ANESTHESIA INFUSIONS

摘要

The present invention relates to a method of preparing and administering one or more drug solutions for continuous infusion. Flow rates are standardized by varying the drug concentrations according to a pre-established set of tables. The method of the present invention greatly simplifies clinical application of continuous infusion anesthesia and allows easy preparation of different volumes which can minimize drug wastage. The standardization of rate taught by the present method eases interpretation and mixing, resulting in easier application of drugs and increased patient safety. An apparatus is desirably used to assist in achieving the objectives of the present invention. The device facilitates accurate and efficient conversion to the nonstandard flow rates required for special applications such as neonatal anesthesia and others. A computerized mix controller coupled with a computer capable of performing the mixing determination with the necessary operator inputs can mix and dispense the final drug solution into a ready-to-use infusion bag. Users of the method and computer may easily convert to the selection of nonstandard flow rates required for special situations such as neonatal anesthesia where low flow rates may be required. Pre-measured amounts of anesthetic drugs may be dispensed manually or using the computerized mix controller, resulting in increased safety to patients due to the standardized drug amounts prepared by the manufacturer.