Apparatus for intraosseous infusion or aspiration

Abstract

An apparatus comprising three main assemblies, an applicator, an infusion/aspiration tube with a subcutaneous bone penetration means, and a strain relief protector. The apparatus enables a user in field or emergency environments to quickly, safely and reliably place an infusion/aspiration device in a patient's bone, regardless of the thickness of skin and tissue over the bone, and to ensure it will remain in place throughout other emergency procedures and severe environmental conditions. The infusion/aspiration apparatus incorporates a bone stop to ensure precise location of the bone penetration means at the intended marrow depth in the patient's bone. A method of intraosseous infusion or aspiration has a first step of locating the appropriate site on a suitable bone, a second step of inserting a bone penetration means device through the skin using an applicator, a third step of placing a fluid delivery port at a precise depth by mechanical location means which use the surface of the target bone as a reference point, a fourth step of removing the applicator, an optional fifth step of installing a strain relief protector, and a final step of attaching a source of fluids for infusion or of suction for aspiration.