Clinical evaluation of a small-volume infusion system in surgical intensive care patients.

This study evaluated flow-rate accuracy, safety, and dependability of an infusion system manufactured by the 3M Company. The Small Volume Infusion (SVI) system is portable and consists of a mechanically powered infuser, calibrated flow-regulating set, and syringe. Intravenous fluids and drugs were administered to six surgical intensive care patients. Forty-one trials were carried out at infusion rates of 1, 10, or 30 ml/h. Flow rate varied less than or equal to 10 percent from the intended infusion rate in the majority of trials. One patient experienced pain at the injection site and one malfunction occurred. The SVI system is a safe, dependable alternative method for the administration of intravenous fluids and drugs. The device may prove to be particularly useful for the administration of drugs not requiring changes in flow rate during infusion or in situations where fluid restriction is desirable.