A NEW INTRAVENOUS INFUSION SET FOR USE IN ANESTHESIA PRACTICE

Abstract

S207 INTRODUCTION: Administration of intravenous (IV) fluids is an essential component of anesthesia practice. Most commonly used IV infusion systems are gravity driven macro-drip systems (i.e., 15 drops/ml), in which the flow rate is controlled by a roller clamp and monitored by observing the rate of drop formation in the dripping chamber. These IV systems are capable of delivering high flow rates (>100 ml/min) and are therefore suitable for volume replacement and rapid administration of medications. However, an inherent danger associated with these sets is over-administration of fluids. Typically, this occurs after the roller clamp is opened widely to compensate for increased flow impedance (e.g., BP cuff inflation/deflation, patient position). While the micro-drip sets (i.e., 60 drops/ml) allow for better control of flow rates, they do not readily allow for rapid fluid administration. Newer powered infusion pumps, allow for good control and higher infusion rates, but are more costly and/or labor intensive. METHODS: In an attempt to overcome these limitations of commonly used IV infusion systems, we constructed an IV infusion set (AnesFlow[copyright sign])* which combines the 60 drops/ml and 15 drops/ml drip chambers into a single unit (Figure 1). The IV spike(A) is inserted into an IV bag (not shown) and the flow rate through the 60 drops/ml chamber(B) is adjusted using a standard roller clamp(C). The macro-drip path(E) is not opened unless higher flow rates, or fluid and/or medication boluses are required. When required, the on/off clamp(D) in the macro-drip path is opened and the roller clamp(F) is adjusted to obtain the desired flow rate. When the higher infusion rates are no longer needed, slow infusion through the micro-path will spontaneously resume at the previously set rate as soon as the macro-drip is clamped off.Figure 1* Patent pending; U.S. Serial No. 08/823,064; "Intravenous Infusion System" RESULTS: (Figure 2)Figure 2: Flow characteristics of the dual drip chamber (AnesFlow[copyright sign])* infusion system.DISCUSSION Discussion The described infusion set conveniently and economically combines the strengths of the two most commonly used infusion sets, while avoiding their inherent limitations. Its use would be indicated in many clinical situations in which administration of IV fluids is undesirable or contraindicated, but where the ability to rapidly fluid resuscitate must be immediately available.