An observational, prospective study to determine the ease of vascular access in adults using a novel intraosseous access device.

INTRODUCTION Intraosseous access is an alternative to conventional intravenous access when access is difficult or impossible in the adult population. The EZ-IO is a novel intraosseous access device designed for use in adults, utilising a powered driver. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective, observational study involving a convenience sample of 25 medical students, physicians and nursing staff recruited as study subjects to secure intraosseous access using the EZIO powered drill device, on a bone model. RESULTS Twenty-three (92%) of the 25 study subjects required only 1 attempt at placing the EZ-IO. There were 24 (96%) successful placements of the EZ-IO. The average time taken to place the EZ-IO was 13.9 seconds. Twenty (87%) of 23 participants reported easier placement with the EZ-IO than an intravenous cannula. The average time taken for the physicians, nursing staff and medical students was 3.71 (+/- SD 1.70) seconds, 7.88 (+/- SD 4.02) seconds and 33.7 (24.5), respectively. Overall mean difficulty of insertion score (VAS) was 3.1 (+/- SD 1.9). CONCLUSION The intraosseous access device evaluated in this study appears to be easy to use with high success rates of insertion with inexperienced participants. There is potential for use in the Emergency Department.