Rapid fluid replacement for severe hypovolemia--human subject trials.

Successful resuscitation of a hypovolemic patient often requires rapid intravenous administration of massive amounts of fluid. A new fluid system, incorporating a 14 French percutaneous catheter and a fluid reservoir, was recently developed and successfully tested in animals. We report the system's use in five patients with severe hypovolemia following trauma. In two cases, the experimental high-flow system successfully resuscitated the patients, allowing them to be transferred for further care. Problems associated with the use of the system included complications with central line placement and physician acceptance. This system offers an alternative that delivers these fluids in one line at rates above most current commercial systems.