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IV infusions have a range of modern applications that optimize wellness and save lives. Whether it is for patients admitted into hospitals or to help them maximize their wellness, it is imperative to understand IV therapy is far from a fad, and its long history demonstrates that in spades. Here’s everything you need to know about the history of IV infusion therapy:
The history of IV infusion therapy dates back to the middle ages. The first recorded attempt at IV therapy was in 1492 by a doctor tending to Pope Innocent VIII in Rome.
Having suffered an apoplectic stroke, the Pope entered a coma, and a doctor administered an infusion of blood from three young boys after joining them in anastomosis. This effort, however, was unsuccessful, and all four participants died.
Afterward, the Vatican halted experimentation for over one hundred years. Sir Christopher Wren performed the first successful attempt at infusion therapy in the 1660s. Wren fashioned a contraption out of a pig’s bladder and writing quill.
While it wasn’t particularly durable, it was effective and enabled him to pump outside substances into a dog’s bloodstream, which pioneered modern IV pumps and practices. In 1662, Johann Major became the first person to successfully infuse humans.
In 1665, Richard Lower saved an animal’s life by performing a transfusion from another animal. Two years later, Jean-Baptise Denis successfully transfused lamb’s blood into a 15-year-old boy. This was the first animal-to-human transfusion.
Dr. Philip Syng Physick, commonly referred to as the Father of Modern Surgery, became the first person to suggest human-to-human transfusion in 1796.
Shortly afterward, in 1818, Dr. James Blundell performed a series of human blood transfusions to treat postpartum hemorrhages. Five of them proved beneficial, and he would go on to invent revolutionary instruments for the practice of IV transfusion therapy.
During the 1830s and following cholera outbreaks throughout Europe, Dr. Thomas Latta discovered injecting salty water into the bloodstream effectively fought cholera, and intravenous technology was first published in 1883 by Latta.
Toward the end of the 19th century, the Luer Company invented the Luer connection. This is still used today and enables the head of hypodermic needles to easily attach and detach.
During the 20th century, IV infusion therapy experienced rapid advancements. In 1902, the administration of saline solutions began.
In 1914, researchers discovered sodium citrate could prevent blood clotting and pumped Dextrose into the blood in 1925. In 1930, infusions switched from open containers to vacuum-sealed glass bottles, and ten years later, nurses were finally allowed to administer infusions.
Before this, only doctors were allowed to administer infusions. In 1960, infusion pumps became hospital standards. Now IV therapy is a standard part of healthcare and is used daily to save lives and optimize wellness.
Still, advancements continue with smart infusion pumps and more technological developments, and medical professionals continue to implement IV therapy to help patients absorb more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals than is possible by ingesting powders and pills.
In 2002, Dr. Gaby documented and published Dr. Myers’ pioneering use of intravenous vitamins and minerals, and his concoction is still called the Myers Cocktail, which provides relief for conditions like:
IV infusion therapy can be life-changing and revolutionize your wellness. It is a practice substantiated by a long history and critical medical advancements. For the premier IV transfusion therapy in the Houston Area, at Phoenix Medical & Wellness Clinic, we are a family-owned, top-rated provider that offers affordable, accessible care to all populations in a warm, friendly environment. Book an appointment to get started now!
