Venous needle dislodgement: the pitfalls of venous pressure measurement and possible alternatives, a review

The historical development of the use of pressure sensors as protective system against blood loss to the environment is reviewed. In spite of early warnings about the deficiency of such sensors, the venous pressure sensor is still formally accepted as protective system against blood loss to the environment in case of leaks or needle dislodgement. The early warnings were corroborated by publications and accident reports. Several alternative methods have been developed or described in the literature recently. These methods are critically reviewed. The conclusion is that external monitors are currently the only available alternatives, although long-time clinical experience is missing. Methods employing sensors integrated into dialysis machines have been described but it is unlikely that any of these methods will become available in the immediate future.