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EZ-IO™
Resource Center
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FAQ
| Q |
When can the EZ-IO be used? |
| A |
The EZ-IO is intended for rapid emergency vascular access when traditional intravenous routes are difficult or impossible.
The primary indications for the EZ-IO are: altered levels of consciousness, respiratory compromise or hemodynamic instability. Examples include - Shock, Cardiac Arrest, Respiratory Arrest, Trauma, Hypovolumia, Seizures, or any other condition that would require life saving fluids or medications. |
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| Q |
What are the contraindications for use? |
| A |
The contraindications are:
- Fracture of the tibia or femur
- Previous orthopedic procedures
- Pre-existing medical condition
- Infection at area of insertion
- Absence of adequate anatomical landmarks
- Inability to locate landmarks
- Excessive tissue over the insertion site
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| Q |
Can the EZ-IO be used in conscious patients? |
| A |
Yes. The EZ-IO can be used on both conscious and unconscious patients. We recommended using a local anesthetic in a conscious patient.
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| Q |
Where is the EZ-IO catheter placed? |
| A |
The EZ-IO is currently recommended for use in the Adult Tibia. Medial (toward the middle) from the Tibial Tuberosity, on the flat anterior (front) aspect of the bone. |
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| Q |
Can the EZ-IO be inserted anywhere else? |
| A |
The EZ-IO should be used in the adult tibia. Research is being conducted by Vidacare on additional insertion sites. |
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| Q |
What fluids and medication can I infuse? |
| A |
Any fluid or medication that can be intravenously infused may be infused through the EZ-IO. Incompatible drugs and fluids can be infused through the EZ-IO in a manner consistent with standard IV practice - flush the EZ-IO between drugs with Normal Saline. |
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| Q |
What are the dosages required for intraosseous infusion compared with intravenous dosages? |
| A |
Intraosseous dosages using the EZ-IO are the same. Drugs and fluids enter the central circulation as fast IO as they do IV. |
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| Q |
What are the potential complications of using the IO method? |
| A |
The documented overall complication rate associated with intraosseous insertion and infusion is less than 1%. Extravasation of fluid is the most common complication. This complication is most often associated with manually inserted catheters and not with the use of the EZ-IO. Penetrating the posterior cortex is a rare complication, and again has been associated with manually inserted IO needles in the pediatric tibia. Vidacare internally studies showed that 28 participants were able to successfully place the EZ-IO 168 times with 100% success.
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| Q |
How long may the EZ-IO catheter be left in place? |
| A |
The catheter should be removed within 24 hours. |
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| Q |
Does this method require greater aseptic technique than traditional IV administration? |
| A |
No, clean the site with alcohol and or Betadine. |
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| Q |
What is the needle set made of? |
| A |
304 stainless steel. |
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