Remifentanil is a novel, short-acting,μ-opioid receptor agonist, and its ester linkage renders it susceptible to ester hydrolysis by nonspecific esterases in the blood and tissue. There is no accumulation of effects after remifentanil withdrawal, regardless of time of administration. The pharmacokinetic characteristics make remifentanil suitable for administration by target-controlled infusion. This article reviewed the advantage and clinical application of remifentanil administered by target-controlled infusion .