Evaluation Background: Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesic Infusion Pumps

Here's background for our Evaluations of patient-controlled epidural analgesic (PCEA) infusion pumps, outlining the key considerations for making wise purchasing decisions. Learn how the technology is used, which specs are important, and what factors we test for. Also review our latest product ratings and ECRI's data describing hospitals' interest in each vendor.

Patient-controlled epidural analgesic (PCEA) infusion pumps allow patients to self-administer doses of pain-relieving medication within the limits prescribed by a physician. Patients can activate the delivery of solutions by pressing a pendant button on a cord connected to the pump or a button directly on the pump. This device is used for epidural infusion therapies.

PCEA pumps have the following characteristics:

1. They are designed for PCEA or have a designated PCEA delivery mode.

2. They have a yellow pump color plate with associated yellow consumables.

3. They can support drug containers of at least 100 mL...