Replacing Luer connectors: still work in progress

A reply

“…On the periphery of the field, they are attracted towards the centre and may be displaced in that direction. At the centre of the field, implants are subject to torque and may rotate, loosening them [1]. Implants may also be heated, in extreme cases causing burns [2].…”

“…We read with great interest the recent editorial and paper regarding new connectors in neuraxial anaesthesia [1,2]. Our institution recently replaced all epidural kits with a new product (Flex Tip Plus Ò Epidural Catheter; Arrow International UK Ltd., Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK).…”

Devices designed to avoid wrong route administration of drugs

“…In March 2007 and November 2009 the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) published safety alerts with regards to 'promoting safer measurements and administration of liquid medicines via oral and other enteral routes' and 'safer spinal (intrathecal), epidural and regional devices' [1][2][3]. These alerts were prompted by several serious incidents of wrong-route administration of drugs over the years.…”

“…The NPSA recommended that specific oral ⁄ enteral syringes should be in use by March 2008 and that spinal ⁄ epidural ⁄ regional needles and syringes with safe connectors should be in use by April 2012 [1][2][3].…”

“…The focus on non-luer lock spinal needles is commendable [1]; however, the packaging and presentation of drug ampoules has also been shown to contribute to drug administration errors in anaesthesia [2]. We wish to highlight a case of what we think is a poor modification to a drug ampoule design.…”