Here is another addition to our video series. Today we go through how to place a cordis. For those who are unfamiliar with it, this is basically a fat central line that is primarily used for rapid infusion of fluids or blood. It only has a single lumen.
The trialysis lumen is actually larger than the cordis lumen, but the cordis is way faster and easier to place since there are less steps and less separate parts, so this makes to place for crashing patients who just need large bore access and not multiple ports. (Of note - oftentimes 2 large bore peripheral IVs in the AC is FINE for resuscitation. But you might need a crash cordis if it's taking too long to place the peripherals.)
To compare:
Standard triple lumen central line = 7 french
Trialysis catheter = 13 french
Cordis = 6 french or 9 french
We have 2 size cordis kits, 6 french and 9 french. The 6 french is actually the size you use for TVP. Clinically it makes more sense to place a 9 french if you need large bore access, but just know that we have both sizes in resus.
Of note, the 9 fr kit has the cooler blue syringe that allows you to place the wire through the syringe, reducing another step in the procedure. 9 fr kit also has the wire holder, which makes threading the wire easier.
So in summary, if you have a patient bleeding out on to the floor, please reach for the 9 fr cordis kit since it is A) larger, and B) has better things inside of it, imo.
Here is the video:
Enjoy!