A Double-blind Comparison of Vecuronium Administered by the Springfusor® Infusion Device to Vecuronium by Intermittent Bolus Injection in Critically Ill Adult Patients
Free accessResearch articleFirst published online October, 1994
A Double-blind Comparison of Vecuronium Administered by the Springfusor® Infusion Device to Vecuronium by Intermittent Bolus Injection in Critically Ill Adult Patients
To evaluate the Springfusor® infusion device for clinical use in an Intensive Care Unit and to compare the technique of intermittent bolus and constant infusion of muscle relaxants, we undertook a prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Twenty critically ill ventilated patients requiring muscle paralysis were investigated. Although we could show no clinical advantage in infusing vecuronium, the Springfusor® provided a more constant level of paralysis compared with hourly bolus doses. The device is robust, easy to use and reduces nursing workload. This may translate into cost-saving improvement in patient care if the Springfusor® is used to provide muscle relaxation, sedation and analgesia.
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