Vascular Access in Infants and Children

摘要

Obtaining vascular access in infants and children can be very challenging during emergencies, critical illness, or surgery. Children who have had multiple invasive procedures are more likely to present a vascular access challenge and may, in turn, have more complications from both routine and complex invasive procedures. Because of their skill, anesthesiologists are in a unique position to secure vascular access for infants and children in the operating room, in the intensive care unit, and in other locations throughout the hospital. Therefore, anesthesiologists need to be familiar with the various techniques and devices available for placing vascular catheters suitable for a child's medical needs. Emphasis will be placed on illustrating the unique challenges of obtaining vascular access in children, and reviewing the current products, procedures, and techniques.