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Vascular Access in Pediatric Patients in the Emergency Department: Types of Access, Indications, and Complications
Rachel Whitney1, Melissa Langhan2
1Clinical Fellow, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
Insights
Securing vascular access is crucial in emergency medicine. This review covers peripheral intravenous, intraosseous, and central venous access, addressing challenges, indications, and complications for effective patient care.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Vascular Access Procedures
Background:
- Vascular access is a critical, life-saving procedure in emergency medicine.
- Challenges exist in obtaining and maintaining vascular access.
- Selection of access route and equipment depends on patient and provider factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review indications and complications of various vascular access methods.
- To discuss assessment and management of difficult-access patients.
- To cover pain control and contraindications for vascular access.
Main Methods:
- Review of peripheral intravenous access.
- Review of intraosseous access.
- Review of central venous access.
Main Results:
- Detailed discussion on indications for each access type.
- Comprehensive overview of potential complications.
- Exploration of strategies for difficult vascular access.
Conclusions:
- Effective vascular access management is vital for emergency care.
- Understanding indications, complications, and techniques optimizes patient outcomes.
- Appropriate selection of vascular access methods improves emergency treatment.
Abstract:
Vascular access is a potentially life-saving procedure that is a mainstay of emergency medicine practice. There are a number of challenges associated with obtaining and maintaining vascular access, and the choice of the route of access and equipment used will depend on patient- and provider-specific factors. In this issue, the indications and complications of peripheral intravenous access, intraosseous access, and central venous access are reviewed. Timely and effective assessment and management of difficult-access patients, pain control techniques that can assist vascular access, and contraindications to each type of vascular access are also discussed.
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