A comparative clinical study on the accuracy and efficacy of Accumate(R) 1100, an infusion pump for patient-controlled analgesia

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The accuracy and efficacy of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) devices are crucial because malfunction of the devices may lead to fatal outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of Accumate(R) 1100, an electronic PCA pump, in comparison with GemStar(R) infusion system. METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled for gastrectomy or colon resection were assigned to the Accumate or GemStar group (n = 25 in each group). Intraoperatively, backflow, siphonage, autoclamp function, and lockout time were tested. Postoperatively, PCA using either Accumate(R) 1100 or GemStar(R) infusion system according to the assigned group was maintained for 48 hours. For PCA, fentanyl 1,500 ug and ketorolac 180 mg in 100 ml were used (demand bolus 1 ml, background infusion 1 ml/h, lockout time 15 minutes). The accuracy of the total infused dose and the level of satisfaction of the patients and users were assessed. The results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Although backflow and auto-clamp backflow were less with GemStar(R) infusion system, their extent was negligible in both groups. Siphonage was not different between both pumps. Autoclamp and lockout time worked without abnormalities. The relative error of total infused volume over 48 hours was -0.26 +/- 1.20% and -0.34 +/- 0.48% in the Accumate group and GemStar group, respectively. The Accumate group showed a higher level of satisfaction in terms of the ease of priming (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy and clinical efficacy of Accumate(R) 1100 were comparable to those of GemStar(R) infusion system.