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Safer epidural and spinal connectors *
Author(s) -
Lanigan C. J.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2044.2002.02601.x
Subject(s) - medicine , safer , lock (firearm) , local anaesthetic , intrathecal , anesthesia , surgery , intensive care medicine , computer security , mechanical engineering , computer science , engineering
Summary Inadvertent cross‐connection of epidural local anaesthetic delivery systems with intravenous lines can cause significant morbidity and even death. Inadvertent intrathecal injection of toxic intravenous drugs has already led to many deaths. If epidural and spinal systems had the standard Luer lock connection reversed the problem would be prevented. The practical implications of this idea are explored. Patient safety would be enhanced if this system were adopted.