Computerized Anesthesia System Identifies Epidural Space

A novel anesthesia system provides objective visual and audible pressure feedback, allowing anesthesiologists to correctly identify the epidural space.

The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System is intended for use with an epidural needle for real-time verification of needle tip placement in the lumbar epidural space in adult patients. The system uses proprietary dynamic pressure sensing (DPS) technology to verify correct placement; once confirmed, the CompuFlo system is disconnected. The system includes an injection-molded plastic housing that contains the motor-driven piston syringe pumps and internal force sensor, syringe retainer, microprocessor, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen display.

A complimentary tray of single-use disposable supplies includes an external in-line fluid pressure sensor, a 20 mL plastic syringe, and a tubing set and adapter that limit use of the disposables; epidural needles and the injectable solution are not supplied in the disposable kit. The CompuFlo system is not intended for medication infusion, must not be used on patients with skin conditions in the lumbar region greater than four cm2, or in patients with prior surgery in the lumbar area that prevents epidural access. The CompuFlo Epidural system is a product of Milestone Scientific (Livingston, NJ, USA), and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Milestone's painless and precise computerized injection technology platform has the potential to transform drug delivery. Over the coming years, we will be laser-focused on sales and marketing activities, including building our global distribution network,” said Daniel Goldberger, CEO of Milestone Scientific. “Following our recent FDA marketing clearance of the epidural instrument, I look forward to now converting the growing enthusiasm among medical practitioners into broad global commercial adoption.”

“For the first time you precisely can control the rate of administration of a drug, but more importantly you can precisely monitor and control fluid pressure,” said Mark Hochman, MD, director of clinical affairs at Milestone Scientific. “We embarked upon a research project to determine what benefits could be realized from controlling and monitoring both flow-rate and fluid pressure as any drug leaves the needle into a tissue space. That led to the development of a technology that has numerous applications for an unlimited number of different injections.”

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