Rapid infusion catheter

Overview

• 8.5 Fr diameter, 6.5 cm long infusion catheter
• Designed to be exchanged through a 20-gauge PIV via Seldinger technique
• Can achieve flow rates >600 ml/min with pressure (higher than a sheath introducer or 14-gauge PIV)
• Placed under antiseptic technique

Indications

• Vascular access
• Rapid large-volume fluid or blood administration

Contraindications

Absolute

• Infection over the placement site
• Anatomic obstruction (thrombosis of target vein, other anatomic variance)

Relative

• Coagulopathy
• Distortion of landmarks by trauma or congenital anomalies
• Prior vessel injury or procedures

Equipment Needed

• Arrow brand RIC set
  • RIC line with dilator
  • Wire
  • Scalpel
• Pre-existing PIV (at least 20-gauge or larger bore)
• Suture material
• Local anesthetic

Sites

• Ideally want 6-8 cm of relatively straight vein:
  • Cephalic or basilic veins in cubital fossa
  • Cephalic vein of forearm
  • Saphenous vein
  • External jugular vein

Procedure

1. Remove PIV dressing
2. Inject local anesthetic to surrounding tissue
3. Remove buff cap and apply proximal pressure to avoid blood loss
4. Feed wire through PIV
5. Feel RIC catheter over wire
6. Use scalpel to "nick" the skin
7. Remove dilator and wire while applying proximal pressure to avoid blood loss
8. Stitch to skin and apply dressing

Complications

• Bleeding/hematoma
• Failure to place (with loss of existing IV access and local tissue infiltration)
• Thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, vessel perforation
• Skin necrosis if dilator not removed prior to infusion

See Also

Vascular access types

• Central venous catheterization
  • Central line: internal jugular
  • Central line: subclavian
  • Central line: supraclavicular
  • Central line: femoral
  • Pediatric central line
  • Sheath introducer
• Rapid infusion catheter
• Intraosseous access
• Venous cutdown
• Umbilical vein catheterization
• Ultrasound assisted peripheral line placement
• External jugular vein cannulation
• The "Easy IJ"
• Midlines

External Links

• Deranged Physiology: The rapid infusion catheter (RIC)
• ETM Course: Large bore vascular access devices
• Emergency Care Institute: Circulation - Rapid infusion catheter (RIC)
• St. Mungo's: Rapid Infusion Catheter