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Published on: December 23, 2014
Pediatric peripherally inserted central catheter placement: application of ultrasound technology
1South Georgia Medical Center, Valdosta, Georgia 31603-1727, USA. inichols@alltel.net
Insights
Ultrasound guidance improves peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in children. This technique addresses challenges in pediatric vascular access, enhancing patient outcomes and nursing practice.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric vascular access
- Medical imaging technology
- Nursing practice advancement
Background:
- Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are vital for infusion therapy in adults.
- Pediatric patients present unique challenges for vascular access due to smaller vessels and body habitus.
- Ultrasound guidance is increasingly adopted for PICC placement in pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the application and benefits of ultrasound-guided PICC placement in pediatric patients.
- To define the scope of practice for nurses using ultrasound with PICCs in pediatrics.
- To identify recommendations for advancing nursing practice in this specialized area.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on ultrasound-guided PICC insertion in pediatric populations.
- Analysis of challenges specific to pediatric vascular anatomy and PICC placement.
- Examination of the integration of ultrasound technology into nursing scope of practice.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound guidance offers significant benefits for PICC insertion in children.
- The technique helps overcome difficulties associated with pediatric vascular access.
- Successful implementation requires defined nursing practice standards and training.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound-guided PICC placement is a valuable technique for pediatric infusion therapy.
- Further development of nursing practice guidelines is recommended for optimal use.
- This approach enhances patient safety and procedure success rates in children.
Abstract:
Ultrasound-guided placement of peripherally inserted central catheters has been well documented for adults who require infusion therapy. This same technology is surfacing in the pediatric population to improve outcomes when confronted with the challenges of the smaller vascular system and chubbier body shapes. The scope of practice is addressed in coupling peripherally inserted central catheters with ultrasound imaging, and recommendations are identified for the advancement of nursing practice within the field of imaging technology and application. Obstacles related to successful insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters are defined, and the benefits of ultrasound-guided placement of peripherally inserted central catheters are reviewed.
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