Summary
Safe vascular access is integral to anaesthetic and critical care practice, but procedures are a frequent source of patient adverse events. Ensuring safe and effective approaches to vascular catheter insertion should be a priority for all practitioners. This guidance was created using reviews of current practice and literature, as well as expert opinion.
The result is a consensus document which provides practical advice on the safe insertion and removal of vascular access devices, including:
- Peripheral venous cannulation
- Intra-osseus access
- Arterial access
- Insertion and removal of central venous catheters (CVCs)
- Infection control
- Use of in situ long-term devices
- Service provision for vascular access