THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIPRIFUSOR - A TCI SYSTEM FOR PROPOFOL

The 'Diprifusor' target controlled infusion system has been developed as a standardised infusion system for the administration of propofol b y target controlled infusion. A preferred set of pharmacokinetic param eters for propofol was selected using computer simulation of a known i nfusion scheme with pharmacokinetic parameters described in published Literature. The selected model was included in a 'Diprifusor' module t hat was interfaced with, and later incorporated into, a computer-compa tible infusion pump. Clinical trials with such systems led to guidance on appropriate target concentrations for the administration of propof ol by 'Diprifusor' target controlled infusion for inclusion in drug pr escribing information. Standardisation of the delivery performance (+/ - 5%) of commercial system has been achieved with a laboratory perform ance specification. Clinical studies indicate that the actual blood co ncentrations achieved were about 16% greater than the calculated value s displayed by the system. In an individual patient, titration of the target concentration is required in the same manner as an anaesthetic vapouriser is adjusted to obtain a specific pharmacodynamic effect.