Abstract

Objective
To compare the maximal infusion rate of FMS 2000 fluid warmer on various intravenous catheters and fluids.
Methods
This study was performed on 4th February 2011 in operation room, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea. 0.9% sodium chloride (NS), Ringer’s lactate (RL), and 6% hydroxylethyl starch 130/0.4 (HES) were applied to FMS 2000 fluid warmer. After FMS 2000 was equipped with one kind of fluid, 16 types of catheter including double lumen catheter were connected to the end of line. We accelerated infusion rate to 750ml/min under 300mmHg of pressure limit. Maximal infusion rate under 300mmHg was measured three times. Maximum value of maximal infusion rate was compared.
Results
7-, 8.5F rapid infusion catheter (RIC) resulted in rate of 750ml/min in NS, RL and HES group. Other catheters did not exceed 750ml/min. Maximal infusion rate of NS and RL was faster than HES in all kinds of catheter except RIC. There was no statistically significant difference between NS and RL.
Conclusion
Maximal infusion rate of HES is slower than NS and RL in ordinary sized venous catheter using FMS 2000. NS and RL had no difference in maximal infusion rate. (Rawal Med J 2011;36:262-266).

Key words: Fluid warmer, hydroxylethyl starch, intravenous infusion.