Patient controlled analgesia pump; a machine that allows patients to give themselves their own pain medicine. It is generally used for 1-2 days after surgery. Patients get their pain medicine by pushing a button. The machine gives a small dose of pain medicine through an IV. The PCA machine has safety features that minimize the risk of getting too much medicine.

A device that you operate, which delivers a dose of painkilling medicine into a vein.

A device that the patient controls, which delivers a precise dose of painkilling medicine into a vein when they need it.