Force-Activated Separation Devices: A Preventive Strategy for Intravenous Line Disconnection in Canine Patients

Min-Jung Ko Mu-Young Kim ^*

• Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Intravenous catheters are essential for administering medications and fluid therapy; however, complications such as line disconnection can occur, potentially leading to the discontinuation or delay of treatments. A force-activated separation device (FASD) can be installed between line components to help prevent these complications. As FASD has rarely been addressed inveterinary settings, a survey of clinicians and clinical application were conducted to evaluate the necessity, effectiveness, and considerations of this device. The survey revealed that approximately half of the respondents reported line disconnections as occurring "sometimes," with patient-related causes being significantly more frequent than those caused by medical staff. Respondents noted that replacing a disconnected catheter typically required considerable time and at least two staff members. Despite this, over half of the respondents indicated that no preventive measures were in place. In clinical applications using the FASD, the overall disconnection rate was 44.3%, with the rate increasing as the patient’s body weight increased. Large dogs exhibited the rate at 8 of 10 (80%), followed by medium dogs 10 of 18 (55.6%) and small dogs 13 of 42 (31%). Similar to the survey findings, patient-related causes were the most common reason for line disconnection. Improper separations, occurring at a rate of 39.7%, most frequently occurred between the device and the extension set. Line disconnection causes complications, requires manpower and time, and incurs costs. Therefore, preventive strategies are crucial from the perspectives of patients, owners, and clinicians. The FASD can be one of the strategies, particularly in large breed dogs.