critical care medicine
How To Do Peripheral Vein Cannulation, Ultrasound Guided
Introduction
Ultrasound-guided peripheral venous cannulation uses real-time (dynamic) ultrasound to guide venipuncture and a catheter-over-needle technique to place a peripheral intravenous catheter (cannula), usually into a deep, nonpalpable vein of the upper arm. Ultrasound guidance can facilitate peripheral vein catheterization, especially of deep, nonpalpable veins. This topic will focus on the use of ultrasonography to guide IV placement. The actual procedure for starting an IV is the same as when ultrasonography is not used and is described in detail in How To Do Peripheral Vein Cannulation . 