IO Access in Anesthesia

In situations where IV access is difficult, EZ-IO® enables safe, simple, and rapid vascular access through the intraosseous space. Because time is especially critical in Anesthesia settings, EZ-IO can be used to establish stable and secure vascular access in less than 10 seconds — for both children and adults and for alert as well as unconscious patients. Once established, the EZ-IO line remains stable during procedures and can be used to deliver any drug, fluid, or blood product required during anesthesia.

Recent studies have proven that drugs administered intraossously (IO) in the proximal humerus, even during a cardiac arrest, reach the heart at the same rate as drugs given through a central line. This makes delivery of anesthesia by the IO route a safe and effective alternative. Several recent studies have documented the risks associated with central line placement. In situations where peripheral access is not easily obtained pre-operatively, or vascular access is lost during a case, EZ-IO can be used to quickly and safely secure vascular access while significantly reducing the risk of complications.

For alert patients, the patented EZ-IO design reduces the pain of insertion. After insertion a lidocaine push can effectively block pressure sensors in the intraosseous space reducing the pain associated with IO infusion.