The effects of multiple infusion line extensions on occlusion alarm function of an infusion pump.

Background: For anesthesia or conscious sedation of patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans, an extension of infusion lines for continuous drug delivery of anesthetics or vasopressors is often necessary. In this study, we tried to determine if the length of the infusion line influenced the time until an alarm sounded after occlusion at the end of the infusion line.

Methods: We connected 2 infusion pump systems of the same model with 1, 2 or 3 infusion lines in series or with a spiral nonkinking low compliance infusion line, and started the infusion for 60 s.

Vasopressin improves survival in a pig model of hypothermic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Objective: During hypothermic cardiopulmonary resuscitation with a body core temperature <30 degrees C administration of a vasopressor to support coronary perfusion pressure is controversial. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of a single 0.4-unit/kg dose of vasopressin on coronary perfusion pressure, defibrillation success, and 1-hr survival in a pig model of hypothermic closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation combined with rewarming.