The pump can be used for IV PCA as well as for epidural techniques. It allows for a constant level of comfort as well as extra boosts of pain reliever that you are able to control during more strenuous portions of your hospital recuperation. . IV PCA stands for intra-venous patient controlled analgesia. This is a mechanism developed to allow patients to deliver their own pain medicine. The medicine is delivered directly through an IV site.
Pain relief is normally rapid.
The pump can also be programmed to provide a continuous basal infusion as well. With an IV PCA you may find that overall you actually need less pain medicine but experience better post-operative pain relief because you are able to get pain medication at the time you need it. . SubQ PCA or subcutaneous patient controlled analgesia is a mechanism developed to allow patients to deliver their own pain medicine in the hospital or at home. Pain reliever is delivered directly through an implanted catheter directly under the skin. The catheter is connected to a small electronic pump which will deliver a measured dose of pain medicine to you when you push the button.