Ultrasound guided vascular access: efficacy and safety

Central venous catheterisation and arterial catheterisation are common procedures performed by anaesthetists. Traditionally, the technique of locating surface landmarks and palpation was used to assist in vascular access. The introduction of perioperative ultrasonography in the past decade has dramatically changed this procedure. In the United States and United Kingdom, guidelines have recommended the use of ultrasound guidance to reduce complications and improve success in central venous catheterisation. This article summarises the literature on complication rates, efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided vascular access procedures and describes a practical method of ultrasound-guided central venous access and arterial catheterisation.