Research and innovation

Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) for Anaesthesia

Issued: Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:59:00 GMT

Researchers from the University of Glasgow’s School of Medicine, in collaboration with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, developed the first commercially available Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) system for propofol. The ‘Diprifusor’ target-controlled infusion (TCI) system was introduced to the UK in 1996.

operating theatreThe system developed at Glasgow has had great impact on patient healthcare. Proven advantages of TCI include faster recovery from anaesthesia, reduced incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting, and absence of a trigger for malignant hyperthermia. The system has also benefited anaesthetists providing them with a more convenient method of infusion which saves time on calculating infusion rates.

The launch of ''Diprifusor'' as the first commercially available TCI system for propofol was the result of successful research developed by Professor Gavin Kenny, who has since retired from his role of Head of the Department of Anaesthesia. The computer-assisted drug delivery system was developed to enhance the convenience and control of Diprivan (propofol, marketed as Diprivan by AstraZeneca) for the intravenous induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia. 

Since its introduction, more than 10,000 Diprifusors have since been introduced to over 25 countries throughout the world, AstraZeneca received a Queen’s Award for technological innovation and at least 13 million propofol anaesthetics have been delivered by TCI worldwide.

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