That's a question you will continue to hear with increasing frequency as vascular access demands recognition in the realm of specialty practices. Without data derived from clinical treatment interventions and assessment of outcomes, we have a weakened position to advocate for and support a specialty designation. Vascular access initiatives require robust research and careful analysis of the subsequent statistical reports. Data drives the decisions we make and the course adjustments necessary to arrive at evidence-based practice.

If I ask you to provide a short list of prominent statisticians in history who have influenced work in the sciences, I will likely

Introduction / Summary

Use of real-time ultrasound guidance for vascular access (USGVA) procedures is recommended by multiple organizations, associations, guidelines and standards ^(1–13). When performed by trained, competent clinicians, USGVA has been shown to decrease complications and reduce multiple attempts to gain vascular access ^{(1–8
10–26)}.

Use of ultrasound for vascular access, particularly peripheral access, presents distinct challenges to existing recommendations. Healthcare professionals responsible for vascular access also have a responsibility to ensure patient safety during those procedures, therefore, they also must address inconsistent practice with respect to cleaning and disinfection practices

Abstract

Background: Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines are frequently used in patients with difficult access. We have previously reported on the longevity and complication rates of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines, but there are limited data comparing outcomes of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines to traditionally placed peripheral intravenous lines in children. The aim of this study was to compare the longevity and complication rates of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines to traditionally placed intravenous lines in a pediatric population.

Methods: This study analyzed 300 ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines and 552 traditionally placed intravenous lines using patient records to determine the reason and timing for intravenous line removal. A t-test was used to compare overall mean survival times, and a log-rank test was used to compare Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Complication rates were compared using a chi-squared test.

Results: The survival times of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines (mean = 73 hours, SD = 68 hours) were significantly longer than those of traditionally placed intravenous lines (mean = 38 hours, SD = 29.4 hours), t(559) = 8.51, P < .0001. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis yielded a median ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous line survival time of 143 hours (IQR = 68–246) and a median traditionally placed intravenous line survival time of 100 hours (IQR = 65–106) with a significant difference between the 2 survival curves by the log-rank test. There was also no significant difference in complication rates between ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines (34.8%) compared to traditionally placed intravenous lines (31.8%), x ²(1, N = 517) = 0.465, P = .50.

Conclusions: Our data suggests that ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines are a viable option for children, including those with a history of difficult access. Survival times were longer for ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines versus traditionally placed intravenous lines, and complication rates of the ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines and traditionally placed intravenous lines were similar.

Abstract

Background: Greater than 90% of hospitalized patients receive some form of peripheral intravenous therapy for the delivery of fluids, medication, or parenteral nutrition. Nurses are the largest group of clinicians responsible for the placement and management of peripheral intravenous therapies. The literature suggests that many graduate nurses lack the confidence, knowledge, and ability to not only place peripheral intravenous catheters, but also adequately maintain peripheral intravenous sites. This fact, combined with the increasing acuity of hospitalized patients with multiple comorbidities, makes peripheral intravenous placement and management even more challenging. This drove a team of researchers to explore the current state of peripheral intravenous education in health care institutions and examine potential gaps in ongoing professional development and competency assessment.

Methods: A convenience sample of United States and Canadian health care institution representatives were recruited to participate in a 12-item web-based questionnaire regarding peripheral intravenous education and staff competency. Participants were recruited via the Association for Vascular Access listserv, newsletter, and annual meeting. Members were also asked to forward the recruitment e-mail to other health care institutions to ensure a representative sample.

Results: A total of 611 health care institution representatives participated in the study. The large majority (80%) worked in a health care institution with more than 150 beds. Over half (67%) indicated that they provide peripheral intravenous education to their staff using varying modalities to deliver the education. The majority (54%) of health care institutions reported spending between 1 and 5 hours on peripheral intravenous education while, alarmingly, 38% reported spending less than 1 hour on peripheral intravenous education for their staff. Despite these numbers, over half of the participants (58%) believe peripheral intravenous education is a shared responsibility between pre-licensure nursing schools and health care institutions.

Discussion: The study highlights the varying level of peripheral intravenous education and competency evaluation of staff working in health care institutions. The results suggest the need for an evidence-based, standardized peripheral intravenous curriculum that could be used in both health care institutions and nursing education programs.

Conclusion: Currently, there are inconsistencies in the peripheral intravenous education and competency programs used in health care institutions. The authors will use the results of this study to design and examine the effects of a standardized, evidence-based peripheral intravenous curriculum to assist health care professionals responsible for peripheral intravenous education and competency assessment. Given the risk for complications from peripheral intravenous therapy, it is hoped that improved peripheral intravenous education will reduce potential complications and improve patient outcomes.

Abstract

Background: Bedside vascular access options have been limited to the short peripheral intravenous, midline catheter, peripherally inserted central catheter, and central venous catheter (CVC) insertion sites such as the jugular, subclavian, and femoral vein. Many patients with limited options for upper extremity, subclavicular, supraclavicular, and cervical limitations have traditionally received a femoral CVC in the inguinal region. This insertion site is considered a high risk for infection because of its location in the inguinal region and associated difficulties with maintaining the dressing integrity. An alternative location was selected for the insertion of a femoral vein central venous catheter in the midthigh to reduce the risk of infection.

Methods: After a multiple-year implementation process, midthigh femoral (MTF) insertions were performed on a select group of patients. The case studies that are included in this report outline the indications, procedures, and other pertinent aspects of the MTF placement. Patients at this institution with contraindications to upper extremity and thoracic catheter insertion received a MTF vein CVC in place of a traditional common femoral vein catheter insertion in the inguinal area. All procedural consents include permission for photography of procedure sites.

Results: All but a single patient completed their therapy without complication; 1 intentional dislodgement by a patient was recorded. There were no MTF catheter-related bloodstream infections and 2 confirmed central line associated bloodstream infections (n = 2 of 100) with the second noted as probable contaminated specimen. Outcomes reflected no procedural complications (eg, expanding hematoma or femoral nerve injury or any other femoral artery or vein injuries) and 1 nonocclusive deep vein thrombosis (n = 1 of 100).

Conclusions: The MTF CVC provides an alternative to traditional common femoral vein catheter placement for nonemergent patients with upper extremity and thoracic contraindications to central line placement.

A Guide to “Measures of Association” for Vascular Access Professionals: Foundational Support

Gregory E. GilbertEdD, MSPH, PStat®, AVA Foundation Secretary 2025–2026

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Transducer Disinfection for Evaluation and Insertion of Peripheral and Central Catheters for Vascular Access Teams and Clinicians

Introduction / Summary

Longevity and Complication Rates of Ultrasound Guided Versus Traditional Peripheral Intravenous Catheters in a Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract

Addressing the Silence: a Need for Peripheral Intravenous Education in North America

Abstract

Review and Case Studies of Midthigh Femoral Central Venous Catheter Placement

Abstract

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