An In Vitro Assessment of the Efficacy of Various IV Cannulas for the Rapid IV Fluid Administration.
OBJECTIVE
The current study prospectively evaluates the administration of fluid through commonly used vascular cannulas of various length and diameter.


METHODS
Observational, in vitro experiment.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
No human subjects.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Fluid (500 mL) was administered via gravity flow and with pressure assistance (pressure bag set at 300 mm Hg) through various vascular cannulas including peripheral IV catheters (22 gauge, 1 inch; 20 gauge, 1.16 and 1.88 inch; and 18 gauge, 1.16 and 1.88 inch), 3-Fr central line lumens (lengths 50, 80, and 120 mm), and a 4-Fr, 10 cm Micropuncture catheter (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN). During gravity flow, drain time decreased by approximately 50% when moving from a 22 to 20 to 18 gauge cannula and increased by approximately 20% as the catheter length increased from 50 to 80 to 120 cm. Flow rates were highest with the Micropuncture catheter, which achieved a drain time of 2.7 minutes for the 500 mL bag when infused with pressure assistance.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, the delivery of crystalloid solutions through commonly used vascular cannulas was fastest with larger diameter and shorter length cannulas. Pressure-assisted flow was able to partially compensate for the increased resistance with smaller and longer catheters. The unique design of the tip of the Micropuncture catheter compensated for the increased length and allowed for rapid fluid delivery. This design may compensate for the increased length when longer catheters are needed for ultrasound-guided placement.
1Department of Anesthesia, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan. 2Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH. 3Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH. 4Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH.
Mineto
M
Kamata
Hina
H
Walia
Mumin
M
Hakim
Dmitry
D
Tumin
Joseph D
JD
Tobias
D000072601:Cannula; D000077324:Crystalloid Solutions; D004867:Equipment Design; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors; D062666:Vascular Access Devices
D000077324:Crystalloid Solutions; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D015532:Rehydration Solutions