ABSTRACT
The circulatory system is the body’s primary pathway for both the distribution of oxygen and other nutrients and the removal of carbon dioxide and other waste products. Since the entire blood supply in a healthy adult completely circulates within 60 sec, substances introduced into the circulatory system are distributed rapidly. Thus intravenous (IV) and intraarterial access routes provide an effective pathway for the delivery of fluid, blood, and medicants to a patient’s vital organs. Consequently, about 80% of hospitalized patients receive infusion therapy. Peripheral and central veins are used for the majority of infusions. Umbilical artery delivery (in neonates), enteral delivery of nutrients, and epidural delivery of anesthetics and analgesics comprise smaller patient populations. A variety of devices can be used to provide flow through an intravenous catheter. An intravenous delivery system typically consists of three major components (1) fluid or drug reservoir, (2) catheter system for transferring the fluid or drug from the reservoir into the vasculature through a venipuncture, and (3) device for regulation and/or generating flow (see Figure 68.1).
