Control of ventilation by continuous infusion of pancuronium bromide

Certain groups of patients who require prolonged intermittent positive pressure ventilation in the Intensive Therapy Unit are difficult to manage with conventional sedative and narcotic drugs, and require muscle paralysis. In such cases, the authors have preferred a continuous infusion of a long-acting muscle relaxant using a syringe pump rather than intermittent injections. The technique and apparatus employed in the Intensive Therapy Unit at Northampton General Hospital are described.