critical care medicine
How To Do Peripheral Vein Cannulation
Relevant Anatomy for Peripheral Vein Cannulation
Peripheral veins are most easily cannulated in a straight segment proximal to the junction of 2 tributaries. A tortuous vein segment may be difficult to cannulate, and venous valves also may impede catheter insertion. In general, cannulate more distal veins first; more proximal sites are used as the distal sites are expended. Upper extremity cannulation sites are the most durable and convenient and are less likely to have complications such as thrombophlebitis. Therefore, use lower extremity veins or external jugular veins only if suitable upper extremity veins are unavailable. 