How can you help reduce the risk of severe adverse events with TIVA syringe pumps?

On April 5th, Dr. Emiliano Tognoli from the National Cancer Institute of Milan spoke at a BD webinar held in Milan, Italy.   

The aim was to raise awareness and explain the risks associated with infusion systems using disposable syringes and dedicated administration sets during total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), as well as providing recommendations to help reduce related adverse clinical effects and events. 

Using compatible syringes and dedicated TIVA infusion sets can help ensure flow rate and dose accuracy¹. Incompatible syringes may cause improper pump operation, resulting in inaccurate fluid delivery, insufficient detection of occlusion (obstruction) and lack of flow continuity².  

A lack of flow continuity can result in excessive delays in therapy, over-infusion or under-infusion, which have been shown to potentially lead to abnormal or unstable blood pressure, anxiety from loss of sedation and increased pain in critically ill children². 

Equally important is the use of an administration set designed for TIVA³, whose specific characteristics help enable infusion safety. The set should be made out of low-absorption material to prevent under-infusion of anaesthesia.  

It should be equipped with an anti-siphon valve to prevent secondary boluses in the same line as anaesthesia³. And with an anti-reflux valve on the line dedicated to gravity infusion³. 

Together, all these aspects help ensure the safety of TIVA infusions for patients and efficient workflows for anaesthetists. 

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