The DDAVP clamp technique has considerably simplified the management of severe hyponatremia. The DDAVP clamp was a substantial step forwards in the management of severe hyponatremia. It eliminated a lot of the variability and excitement of managing these patients.

The only drawback to the DDAVP clamp technique is that this requires the use of a continuous infusion of 3% saline to bring up the sodium concentration.

Hypertonic saline infusions are safe and reasonably easy to use (contrary to widespread dogma, 3% saline does not require infusion via a central line).

One advantage of a DDAVP clamp-bolus technique is that it is extremely simple.

The entire protocol could be automated and performed with nearly no physician input.

This could be especially useful now that ICU beds are very tight.

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