Arrow® EZ-IO® intraosseous needle

Arrow® EZ-IO® intraosseous needle at a glance

EZ-IO needles are used for intraosseous infusion according to the EZ-IO system. Medication is administered directly into the bone marrow cavity. Intraosseous accesses provide access to the vascular system in just 10 seconds. They also have a very high success rate of 97 %. When choosing the right needles, you should pay attention to the right size. This depends on the patient's weight and tissue density.

Which EZ-IO® infusion needles do you use for which patients?

EZ-IO® infusion needles are available in three different sizes, each of which can be identified by a different colour and needle length.

• For children (from 3 to 39 kg): The small (pink) needle with a length of 15 mm is suitable for children (body weight from 3 to 39 kg).
• For adults (from 40 kg): The blue needle is 25 mm long and therefore ideal for adults (from 40 kg).
• For overweight or muscular patients: The yellow, 45 mm long needle is the right choice for this patient group.
• The diameter is 15 G for all three sizes.

Importance of intraosseous access in medical emergency situations

Intraosseous access plays a crucial role in medical emergency situations. It is an alternative access route that is used in situations where venous access is not possible or only possible with difficulty. This can be the case, for example, in patients with serious injuries or in critical conditions.

With the intraosseous access method, medication and fluids are injected directly into the bone marrow cavity. A special needle is inserted into the bone to enable an infusion. Access is usually gained via the tibia or femur, as these bones are easily accessible and robust.

Intraosseous access offers several advantages. Firstly, it enables fast and reliable administration of medication and fluids, as the bone marrow cavity is directly connected to the circulatory system. This is particularly important for quickly stabilising blood pressure in shock states or administering life-saving medication such as adrenaline.

In addition, intraosseous access is relatively simple and quick to establish. In an emergency, every second counts and it is often difficult to establish venous access. Intraosseous access offers a reliable alternative that can be used quickly.

Overall, intraosseous access is an indispensable tool in medical emergency situations. It enables quick and effective administration of medication and fluids and can be life-saving. It is important that medical personnel are familiar with this technique in order to be able to react appropriately in critical situations.

Quick and easy access to the proximal tibia

The intraosseous approach provides quick and easy access to the proximal tibia. To feel the puncture site, the clinician should locate the tibial crest by moving their fingers up along the medial side of the tibia until they feel a prominent ridge. This point is usually about 1 to 2 cm below the tibial tuberosity.

Once the puncture site has been located, the skin can be punctured with a sterile needle. This needle is used to penetrate the soft tissue and reach the intraosseous space. Once access is established, the EZ IO (intraosseous needle for easy access) is inserted and the trocar is withdrawn. This allows immediate access to the intraosseous space and fixation of the needle to the bone surface.

There are some important tips that should be followed when performing this method. Firstly, it is important to avoid the epiphyseal groove as a puncture can cause injury to the growth. It is advisable to place the access 1 cm below the tibial tuberosity to avoid the epiphyseal groove.

Another tip is to fixate the intraosseous needle to prevent it from slipping during application. This can be achieved by using adhesive bandages or other stabilising measures.

Overall, the intraosseous approach provides a fast and efficient route to the proximal tibia. The use of this method allows for rapid absorption of fluids and medications into the bloodstream, which can lead to rapid plasma concentrations. This is particularly important in emergency situations where time is of the essence.

Efficient administration of necessary medication

The efficient administration of necessary medication is crucial to ensure patients are treated quickly and correctly. In some cases, however, venous access can be difficult or even seem impossible. In such situations, intraosseous access can be an important alternative.

Intraosseous access allows drugs to be administered directly into the bone marrow space, enabling rapid absorption and distribution into the bloodstream. This access is particularly useful in difficult environmental conditions, such as in cramped ambulances or in outdoor emergency situations where venous access is difficult to establish.

In addition, intraosseous access offers advantages for certain patient-specific aspects. For example, it can make it easier to establish access in patients who are overweight, as there is no need to find veins. In patients with severe vascular damage, intraosseous access can also be an alternative for administering medication quickly and efficiently.

Overall, intraosseous access is a reliable alternative to venous access, especially under difficult environmental conditions or in certain patient groups. Efficient drug delivery is of paramount importance to treat patients quickly and appropriately to achieve the best treatment outcomes.

Step-by-step guide to inserting the needle

The Intraosseous Infusion System enables fast and safe drug administration in emergency situations. To insert the needle, please follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. first you must select the appropriate needle. The choice depends on the patient's body weight and tissue density. A 15 mm needle is recommended for patients weighing less than 40 kg, while a 25 mm needle should be used for patients weighing more than 40 kg.

2 To insert the needle, first remove the protective cap. Make sure that the needle is not damaged and free from contamination.

3. find a suitable point on the bone to insert the needle. This point should be above the knee joint or below the elbow joint.

4. hold the needle with the tip pointing upwards and press it lightly against the bone. Slowly turn the needle clockwise while inserting it into the bone. Make sure that the needle is securely anchored in the bone.

5 Once the needle is correctly inserted, the intraosseous infusion system can be connected to administer medication quickly and safely.

In addition to the needle, the scope of delivery also includes instructions for correct placement and other required connecting parts. The intraosseous infusion system ensures fast and safe medication administration, which is particularly important in emergency situations.

Here are 10 practical tips for intraosseous access

1 Disinfect the skin before insertion.

2 Insert the needle parallel to the bone surface.

3. perform a stable and even insertion movement

4. localise and mark the puncture site well.

5. if there is resistance, stop the puncture and turn the needle slightly.

6. check the pressure during advancement.

7. if the needle is misplaced, remove it in good time and reinsert it.

8. pay attention to features such as needle stability and markings to ensure correct placement.

9 Cover and secure the puncture site after access.

10. practise the intraosseous approach regularly in order to be able to act quickly in an emergency.

Intraosseous access with the EZ IO is an effective method for quickly administering medication and fluids in an emergency. By placing and using the needle correctly and following the practical tips, this technique can be used safely and successfully.

• Medical practices
• hospitals
• ambulance service