Pre-hospital Ultrasound Guided Peripheral Venous Catheter Insertion

Two Different Techniques for Ultrasound Guided Peripheral Venous Catheter Insertion in Pre-hospital Emergency Care - Randomized Study

This study evaluates two different techniques for ultrasound guided peripheral venous catheter insertion in pre-hospital emergency care in comparison with conventional approach without any ultrasound guidance.

Peripheral venous catheter placement is one of the most common interventions in emergency medicine. When performed by conventional approach, the failure of the first attempt occurs up to 22 % and cannulation time exceed 2 minutes in up to 15 %. Ultrasound guidance of peripheral venous catheter (PVC) insertion may improve both. However, this approach has not been verified in the setting of pre-hospital emergency care so far.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Awake patient indicated for peripheral venous catheter placement while treated by emergency medical service

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Coma
2. Age <18 years
3. Patient disagreement with the insertion of peripheral venous catheter
4. Disagreement of the patient with inclusion in a clinical trial
5. Contraindication of ultrasound examination of the venous system
6. Contraindication of the introduction of peripheral venous cannula on both upper limbs
7. Investigator's opinion that ultrasonic control cannulation would cause undue delay and a other procedure is required