Relative performance of the level 1 and ranger pressure infusion devices

Pressure infusion devices are often used to administer fluids in the operating room, but they may rarely be associated with serious venous air embolism. We studied the performance of the Level 1 and the Ranger Pressure Infusor in the laboratory. The Ranger delivered less air and delivered fluid faster than the Level 1 but did not warm fluid or blood as well. Although the Ranger device may be safer in terms of the risk of air embolism, its inferior warming performance shows that the optimal pressure infusion device has yet to be manufactured.

Pressure infusion devices are widely used to treat patients with large-volume blood loss. The use of these devices may subject patients to the risk of venous air embolism. Our study found the new Ranger device to be superior to the widely used Level 1 in air elimination.