Use of Ultrasound Guidance to Facilitate Obtaining Peripheral Intravenous Access

Use of Ultrasound Guidance to Facilitate Insertion of Peripheral Intravenous Catheter in Pediatric Patients

The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of ultrasound guidance to insert peripheral intravenous catheters will decrease the number of punctures required to successful insertion. The hypothesis is that fewer attempts will be required with the use of ultrasound potentially leading to preservation of vessels, decreased patient pain scores and increased patient/parent satisfaction.

Patients with known or current difficult venous access will be referred to the Vascular Access Team for peripheral intravenous catheter insertion. The Vascular Access Team will randomize patients to ultrasound guidance or non-ultrasound guidance for placement of the peripheral intravenous catheter.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients 0-17 years of age requiring peripheral intravenous access
• have not had PIV attempt in preceding 24 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients who are medically unstable
• patients who require emergent intravenous access