MODES OF ADMINISTRATION OF DIPRIVAN(R)

Administration of propofol using standard syringe pumps has become rou tine in anaesthesia. The marketing of syringe pumps adapter for anaest hesia (high flow rate enabling a bolus injection and a slower rate for maintenance), allows an easier setting up of total intravenous anaest hesia. Computer-aided infusion of propofol will undoubtedly expand in the near future, as a result of the forthcoming marketing of computer- controlled infusion pumps and of improvement in the recognition of acc urate individual pharmacokinetic parameters. This computer-aided infus ion will be based on a blood concentration criterion, and no longer on a dosage regimen given to the patient. A closed loop regulatory syste m remains in the domain of research.