Ultrasound in adult patients with difficult peripheral intravenous access: Education intervention for clinicians
Stephen Wolstenhulme, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Introduction
Peripheral intravenous (PIV) access is fundamental in the treatment of patients with a wide variety of illnesses, whether it be for the delivery of fluids, medications, or blood products. Traditionally, PIV access has been established using a ‘landmark technique (LM)’, based on a knowledge of peripheral vascular surface anatomy, where the vein is palpated and or visualised prior to cannulation. PIV access is required in medical imaging departments. Clinicians can have difficulty in locating a suitable vein for cannulation.