Development of a three-pump computer-controlled-infusion system for total intravenous anesthesia with propofol, fentanyl, and vecuronium

We developed a computer-controlled infusion pump system for total intravenous anesthesia with propofol, fentanyl, and vecuronium. Three syringe pumps for drug infusion were controlled through serial cables by one computer with a I-serial-port PCI card The application software for this system was developed to manage target infusion for the central compartment and for the effect site compartment, for both propofol and fentanyl. With this system, the infusion of vecuronium can be regulated continuously to maintain adequate muscle relaxation with feedback control of %Tl measured by a muscle relaxation monitor connected to the computer. Either the Bispectral Index(TM) or spectral edge frequency can be displayed on the screen if the monitor is connected to the computer.