Residual syringe air and infusion pump vertical position are critical, interacting factors that disrupt flow continuity during vasoactive drug delivery. Air bubbles induce transient flow variations, while height differences amplify these effects through hydrostatic pressure. Clinical protocols should emphasize meticulous air elimination and consistent pump positioning at the level of the patient's right atrium to minimize avoidable infusion-related hemodynamic instability.
Chang et al. (Fri,) studied this question.