Technical Challenges When Performing Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Placement in Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Procedures

Background:

• Ultrasound (US) guidance is increasingly vital for peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheterization in children.
• It serves as a primary method or rescue technique for patients with difficult intravenous access (DiVA).
• The widespread availability of US technology facilitates its use by various clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common technical challenges encountered during US-guided PIV placement in pediatric patients.
• To outline practical strategies for improving cannulation success rates.
• To address specific considerations for special pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review summarizing existing research on US-guided PIV placement in children.
• Identification and categorization of common technical difficulties.
• Compilation of strategies to overcome these challenges.

Main Results:

• US guidance significantly benefits PIV placement in children with DiVA.
• Novice and trainee proceduralists may face specific technical hurdles.
• Effective strategies exist to mitigate common challenges and enhance success.

Conclusions:

• Mastering US-guided PIV placement requires understanding and overcoming technical challenges.
• Specific patient populations (e.g., neonates, burn patients) require tailored approaches.
• This review provides a practical guide for improving pediatric PIV access using US guidance.