Feasibility Study: A Device to Infuse Hypertonic Solutions into Bone Marrow
Abstract
The development of small volume resuscitation formulations makes intraosseous infusion an attractive alternative to intravenous cannulations. We performed studies to evaluate the feasibility of developing a device which would allow military corpsmen to rapidly, safely and effectively infuse hypertonic saline/ dextran solution into bone marrow. The following results are from studies with unanesthetized and anesthetized sheep or cadavers. A 2-4 minute intraosseous infusion of 200 ml of 7.5% NaC1/6% dextran 70 (HSD) can effectively resuscitate hemorrhaged sheep. Intraosseous infusion of isotonic fluid for treatment of significant hemorrhage is impractical because of the excessive time or pressure required to deliver adequate volumes; however, effective volume expansion can be achieved with a 2-4 min, syringe-delivered small volume (4 ml/ kg) of hypertonic saline dextran. From the study of plastic cast resulting from the injection of Bateson's medium into the sternum of sheep or cadavers, we conclude that intraosseous infusion into the sternum provides direct vascular access via the thoracic veins in both man and sheep. No functional or histological evidence of pulmonary embolism from marrow tissue was found in sheep following rapid intraosseous infusions of HSD. A prototype device which installs onto the midline of the manubrium or sternal body was designed and constructed to deliver low volume, concentrated saline/dextran solutions into the red bone marrow. Keywords: Hemorrhage; Shock; Resuscitation; Dextran; Hypertonic saline; Sheep; Intraosseous.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217634
Entities
People
- George C. Kramer
- Robert A. Gunther
Organizations
- University of California, Davis, School of Medicine