Association of Anaesthetists guidelines: safe vascular access 2025

Area of Science:

• Medical Practice
• Critical Care
• Anaesthesiology

Background:

• Safe vascular access is crucial in anaesthetic and critical care.
• Despite advances, vascular access devices remain a source of adverse events and patient harm.
• Prioritizing safe selection, insertion, and care of these devices is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update consensus guidelines for safe vascular access.
• To provide comprehensive recommendations for practitioners.
• To promote a holistic approach to vascular access and vein preservation.

Main Methods:

• An expert, multidisciplinary working party reviewed literature and best practices.
• A two-round Delphi process was used to agree on specific recommendations.
• The process resulted in concise guidelines for safe vascular access.

Main Results:

• Fifteen recommendations were agreed upon, covering operational, training, and clinical aspects.
• Key themes include vascular access teams, device selection, and insertion techniques (ultrasound, safety standards).
• Management of anticoagulation, thrombosis, specific patient groups, and advanced training were also addressed.

Conclusions:

• The guidelines aim to enhance patient care requiring vascular access.
• They promote a holistic approach to vascular access and lifetime vein preservation.
• The guidelines support staff and hospitals in developing vascular access services.