IV gauge for Ketimine infusion therapy

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I have a burning question and I haven't had a chance to bug my mom's nurse friends about it.

I received Ketamine infusion therapy a few months ago. It wasn't until I had labs done recently that I realized how small of a needle gauge was used for the infusion. My nurse (for whom I am so incredibly grateful) started therapy with a 16 gauge (grey) needle, but as my dosage increased she moved to a 15 gauge (Amber). I was connected to 1L normal saline and a syringe pump with a syringe I'll guess was around 100 mL, maybe more, I thought it was comically large. By the end of the treatment I was receiving 1mg/kg so around 80mg. It was a 20 minute infusion, I usually got close to finishing the saline. I was supervised by a Psychiatrist/neurologist/general surgeon(i think), and an anesthesiologist. The two worked together to prescribe and monitor effects of the treatment.

My question is, why use what I read is a pretty large(small gauge) IV catheter? Does Ketamine have a high viscosity, does the anesthesiologist prefer large needles for some reason?

Just curiosity, certainly no complaints! Happy to share more info if needed and or chat about my experience with ketamine infusion therapy if anyone is interested. :)

-Nick

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This is something you will need to ask your providers. Per the Terms of Service, we cannot offer the medical advice you seek.

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