Rapid fluid resuscitation with central venous catheters.

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.