We attempted to determine whether
central venous catheters are effective for rapid fluid administration in moderately to severely
hypovolemic patients. Comparative maximum flow rates with water and blood products were tabulated for various central and peripheral
catheters. The USCI 8 and 9 French introducers (USCI Cardiology and Radiology Division, CR Bard, Inc, Ellerica, MA) had the fastest flow rates of all
catheters tested (P less than .05). The best peripheral
catheter, IV extension tubing cut to 12-inch length, had slightly less flow than did the introducers (P less than .05). The Deseret Subclavian Jugular
Catheter (Deseret Co, Sandy, UT) had by far the slowest measured flow rates. Several parameters were evaluated that alter flow rates regardless of
catheter size, including a pressure infusion cuff, packed red blood cells diluted with
normal saline, and a Fenwal blood warmer (Fenwal Laboratories, Division of Travenol Laboratories, Inc, Deerfield, IL).
Central venous catheters can be effective adjuncts for rapid fluid administration.