Closed-loop systems for drug delivery.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss closed-loop systems, the engineering behind them, and the application of these systems.


RESULTS
The literature demonstrates that closed-loop systems can be used for controlling the depth of anesthesia, muscle relaxation, blood pressure, intravascular volume, and blood glucose levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The future anesthesiologist may devote less time to easily delegated tasks when in the operating room. The ability of computers to maintain variables in a set range allows some tasks to be automated. Although monitoring of these systems will never be completely eliminated, the necessity for minute-to-minute intervention may.
Fields
Aaron M
AM
Department of Anesthesiology, 59th MSGS\SGOOJ 2200 Bergquist Dr # 1, Lackland AFB, TX 78236, USA. aaron.fields.1@us.af.mil
Fields
Kevin M
KM
Cannon
Jeremy W
JW
D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods*; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001331:Automation / Q000379:methods*; D003201:Computers; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*
D000777:Anesthetics