Emergent Vascular Access | 2021
Special Populations: Pediatrics
Abstract
Obtaining emergent vascular access for pediatric patients poses additional challenges beyond those encountered with adult patients, including differences in vascular anatomy, greater head-to-body size ratio, increased compressibility of the peripheral vasculature, and smaller veins. This chapter discusses some of the common methods and adjuncts used in overcoming these obstacles to establish pediatric emergent vascular access, including the use of ultrasound guidance for placement of central venous catheters, and techniques specific to neonatal access. Preferences for target sites in pediatric subjects are mentioned, including references to the relevant medical literature.