This essay traces the evolution in France of a clinical research program to perfect an artifical parenteral nutrition device which would be well tolerated by the patient, an ambulatory system which could eventually be used at home. It began in 1970, when we were struck by the number of patients being treated in hospitals for denutrition and the length of time required to reestablish nutritional equilibrium. Moreover, the denutrition of these patients retarded their oncological therapy. Our main goal was home nutrition. Adequate nutrition should be viewed as an adjunct therapy and since people generally eat at home, why not artifical nutrition at home?
