Evaluation of Commercial IV Pressure Infusors

Abstract : Rapid fluid resuscitation of hypovolemic casualties is necessary to prevent organ failure and death. Greater flow rates than can be achieved with gravity flow using conventional IV sets and large catheters is obtainable by two methods: use of large bore, multiple spike, rapid infusion sets, and use of pressure infusion devices. The latter are more desirable for the field because of their lack of dependence on gravity for operation. Ten commercially available pressure infusers were evaluated for their field applicability. Results (using lactated Ringer's) indicated a problem with pressure decay for inflatable bladder type infusers, which when used with a 14 gauge catheter emptied in 2-3.5 minutes (500 cc size) and 3.5-11.5 minutes (1000 cc size). Pressure infuser, Fluid resuscitation, Shock, Device.