Ultrasound-based criteria for adequate peripheral venous access in therapeutic apheresis procedures

Apheresis procedures require adequate vascular access to achieve adequate inlet flow rates. Central dialysis-type catheters are often used in apheresis, despite their multiple risks. Peripheral venous access is a safe and effective option for many patients.

We previously demonstrated that ultrasound guidance reduces central venous catheter use in apheresis patients; however, no validated criteria for preprocedural evaluation of peripheral veins exist. Here, we hypothesized that ultrasound-based criteria could predict the adequacy of a peripheral vein for apheresis procedures.

In this pilot cohort study, we reviewed the procedural outcomes for 50 cases of peripheral venous procedures that used our ultrasound-based criteria.

Of the procedures that met our criteria, 96% (46/48) were successfully completed. Overall, our criteria had 100% sensitivity, 50% specificity, 96% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value.

Our criteria justify an evidence-based ultrasound-guided standard for evaluation of peripheral venous access for apheresis procedures.