[Ultrasound-guided peripheral venepuncture under poor venous conditions]

Placement of a peripheral indwelling venous catheter is a routinely performed invasive procedure, in which complications are often underestimated. In difficult venous conditions multiple puncture attempts are often required, which are time consuming, unnecessarily painful for the patients and nevertheless not always successful. Due to the close anatomical relationship between superficial veins and peripheral nerves in the arm, puncture-related nerve injury is not uncommon. Despite limited data it could be shown that ultrasound-guided peripheral venepunctures are superior to traditional landmark techniques in terms of success rates, time saving, avoidance of complications and patient satisfaction. In order to successfully integrate the sonographic puncture technique for vascular access into routine processes, a structured training and further education are prerequisites. This must include anatomical knowledge, basic knowledge of ultrasound formation and training in sonographic needle guidance techniques.