Comparison of Intraosseous Access Methods in Infants

This research article compares the efficacy of a battery-powered drill (EZ-IO) with that of an 18-gauge intravenous cannula (18GIVC) for intraosseous (IO) access in critically ill infants. Conducted as a prospective observational study in a pediatric emergency department from April 1, 2019, to November 3, 2020, the study involved 46 infants. The first attempt at IO access was made using 18GIVC needles, with the EZ-IO drill used for the second attempt if the first was unsuccessful. Results showed a 79.9% success rate for the first attempt with 18GIVC, while 26.1% of the second attempts with EZ-IO were successful. The study found that infants in the first group were statistically younger than those in the second group. Additionally, the time required for IO access with the EZ-IO drill was significantly shorter than with the 18GIVC. The findings suggest that EZ-IO is a quick and reliable method for IO access in critically ill infants, especially when resources are limited.