Intravenous Infusion Sets (IV Set) In Anesthesia Practice: A Survey On Their Use And A Look Into The Future

摘要

Introduction Establishing reliable intravenous infusion is an essential component of anesthesia practice. Infusion of fluids is used to replenish fluid deficit caused by fasting before the surgery, to replace ongoing losses of fluids and as a vehicle to administer intravenous medications and anesthetics (Figure 1). While the advances in technology have brought number of powered infusion devices (infusion pumps), the gravity–driven intravenous infusion sets (Figure 1) remain most prevalent in majority of applications, including anesthesia practice. Commonly cited reasons for the infrequent use of infusion pumps in anesthesia practice are the expense-related to acquisition, expense-related to their maintenance, and the continuing cost of specialized infusion cartridges of IV sets. In addition, the old fashioned gravity-driven infusion sets are much easier and quicker to set-up and more cost-effective.