Microinfusion: clinical and cost-containment concepts.

This article provides a detailed overview of the concept of intravenous drug delivery. Recognizing the limitations inherent in a gravity-controlled system and the new advantages achieved in the technology of microinfusion, defined here as the (controlled) delivery of small volumes of concentrated solutions of drugs, we have described the concepts and advantages associated with a microinfusion system. The clinical advantages to such a system are far reaching and include lower incidences of bacterial contamination, phlebitis, embolization, and fluid overload as well as more accurate delivery of drug. Since financial advantages are a prerequisite for any new system in this era of fiscal restraint, the financial considerations associated with the use of a microinfusion system are also delineated. These advantages, which range from decreases in supply costs to decreases in the overall cost of patient care, support the argument for increased utilization of microinfusion systems. Overall, it is our contention that microinfusion offers a more rational approach to the delivery of drugs in many patient populations, and expanded implementation of this challenging concept should be further explored.