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An evaluation of the Rapid Infusion System
H U Rothen1, R Lauber, M Mosimann
1Institute of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Berne, Switzerland.
Anaesthesia
|July 1, 1992
Summary
The Rapid Infusion System effectively delivers warmed blood at high rates up to 1100 ml/min. Optimal performance requires large-bore catheters and avoiding extra resistance for rapid, controlled fluid replacement.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Fluid Dynamics
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Rapid infusion systems are critical for managing hemorrhagic shock.
- Maintaining blood temperature during rapid infusion is essential to prevent hypothermia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of a specific Rapid Infusion System.
- To determine maximum flow rates and temperature maintenance capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory evaluation using a standard blood component mixture.
- Testing with varying catheter sizes and driving pressures.
- Assessing fluid temperature changes at different flow rates.
Main Results:
- Highest flow achieved was 970 ml/min with a 2.8 mm catheter and 300 mmHg driving pressure.
- Fluid temperature remained within acceptable limits (≤37.8°C) at flow rates up to 400 ml/min.
- System maintained adequate temperature at flows between 700-1000 ml/min when higher rates initially caused cooling.
Conclusions:
- The Rapid Infusion System is valuable for rapid, controlled, warmed blood replacement.
- Achievable rates can exceed 1100 ml/min under optimal conditions.
- Recommendations include using large-bore IV catheters and minimizing inline resistance for best performance.