Intravenous (IV) therapy is a common practice in healthcare, allowing medical professionals to deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into a patient’s bloodstream. Among the various types of IV infusions, one particular method known as “Keep Vein Open” or KVO infusion plays a significant role in patient care. This technique is routinely used across many medical settings to ensure immediate access to a patient’s circulatory system.
What KVO Infusion Is
KVO stands for “Keep Vein Open,” and it describes a specific type of intravenous infusion. An infusion generally refers to the direct administration of fluids or medications into a vein, typically through a small tube called a catheter. KVO specifically involves a continuous, very slow drip of intravenous fluids. This minimal flow rate is carefully maintained to ensure the internal pathway of the IV catheter and the vein itself remain clear and functional.
Healthcare providers commonly use normal saline, a sterile solution of 0.9% sodium chloride, for KVO infusions. The flow rate for a KVO infusion is typically quite low, often set between 10 to 20 milliliters per hour (mL/hr) or 10 to 20 drops per minute (gtts/min), though specific rates can vary based on institutional protocols and patient needs. This continuous, gentle flow creates enough pressure to deter clot formation and maintain the vein’s accessibility.
Why KVO Infusions Are Used
One primary reason is to prevent the intravenous line from occluding or clotting, ensuring that the vein remains patent for future use. This is particularly important for patients who require intermittent medication administration or frequent blood sampling. Maintaining a continuously open line avoids the discomfort and potential complications associated with repeated IV insertions.
KVO infusions also provide immediate intravenous access for potential emergency situations. In instances where a patient’s condition might rapidly change, such as during surgical procedures or diagnostic tests, rapid administration of life-saving medications or fluids may become necessary. A KVO line ensures that medical professionals can deliver these critical interventions without delay. Furthermore, KVO can help maintain hydration for patients unable to take fluids by mouth, though it is not intended as a primary method of fluid replacement due to its low volume.
How KVO Infusions Are Given
Initially, a healthcare professional inserts a small, flexible intravenous catheter into a peripheral vein, most commonly located in the arm or hand. This catheter is then securely taped to the skin. The catheter is connected to a set of sterile tubing that leads to a bag of intravenous fluid, typically normal saline.
The flow of this fluid is precisely regulated by an electronic IV pump. The pump is programmed to deliver the fluid at the designated slow KVO rate, ensuring a consistent and minimal infusion. This controlled delivery is essential to prevent both fluid overload and the cessation of flow that could lead to clotting. Throughout the infusion, healthcare professionals regularly monitor the IV site for signs of complications, such as swelling or redness, and ensure the pump is functioning correctly to maintain vein patency.