Ultrasound-guided Vascular Cannulation

Ultrasound-guided Vascular Cannulation

Traditional anatomical landmark techniques for vascular cannulation, have been the cause of various failures and complications.

On the other hand, ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation has been shown to improve first-pass success, reduce the number of attempts, improve patient satisfaction and reduce overall procedure-related complications.

Which ultrasound scanner is best for vascular cannulation?

Since vascular structures are superficial, a linear array transducer (7–10MHz) SIFULTRAS-5.34 is commonly used to recognize the vessels, with the selection of a preset corresponding to veins or arteries, as the case may be.

Ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation is becoming the modality of choice to obtain a tool to obtain secure vascular access in critical care patients.

Depth, gain, and focal zones are the most important machine parameters that practitioners always need to optimize to carry out the best possible evaluation on the vessels. Preferably, tissue harmonic imaging must be switched off, especially for further needle recognition.

Nonetheless, to summarize and simplify the fundamental sonographic aspects at the moment of deciding and executing ultrasound-guided vascular access, and it also intends to highlight some aspects related to the optimal training for this practice. It goes as follows;

After recognizing the vascular structures, the next step is selecting an adequate vessel to be successfully cannulated In all cases, the selected vessel must be permeable, must be as superficial as possible, and have a secure pathway regarding the predicted travel of the needle, avoiding possible damage of key structures.

Once a target vessel is selected, cannulation can be executed using a static technique or using a dynamic or real-time technique, consisting of observing the screen for direct or indirect signs of the needle entering into the vessel. Both US techniques are more successful for cannulation in comparison with the landmark technique.

Ultrasound guidance can be used for placing central venous catheters as well as for placing peripheral venous catheters. Clinicians who place central venous access devices (occasionally or frequently) are strongly encouraged to learn ultrasound-guided techniques.

A vascular surgeon diagnoses, treats, and manages conditions in your arteries and veins, also called your blood vessels.