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)

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
• Ideally need at least 6-8 cm of relatively straight vein

Equipment Needed

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

Procedure

• Common sites include:
  • Cephalic or basilic veins in cubital fossa
  • Cephalic vein of forearm
  • Saphenous vein
  • External jugular vein

Complications

• 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
• Rapid infusion catheter (RIC)
• Sheath introducer
• Intraosseous access
• Venous cutdown
• Umbilical vein catheterization
• Ultrasound assisted peripheral line placement
• External jugular vein cannulation
• The "Easy IJ"
• Midlines

External Links

• https://derangedphysiology.com/main/required-reading/equipment-and-procedures/Chapter%202.2.3/rapid-infusion-catheter-ric
• https://etmcourse.com/large-bore-vascular-access-devices/