Anaesthesia Intensive Care 1994; 22: 580 - 585

A Double-blind comparison of Vecuronium Administered by the Springfusor® Infusion Device to Vecuronium by Intermittent bolus Injection in Critically Ill Adult Patients

SUMMARY

To evaluate the Springfusor® infusion device for clinical use in intensive care and to compare the technique of intermittent bolus and constant infusion of muscle relaxants, we undertook a prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Twenty critically ill ventilated patients requiring muscle paralysis were investigated. Although we could show no clinical advantage in infusing vecuronium, the Springfusor® provided a more constant level of paralysis compared with hourly bolus doses. The device is robust, easy to use and reduces nursing workload. This may translate into cost-saving improvement in patient care if the Springfusor® is used to provide muscle relaxation, sedation and analgesia.