BACKGROUND: Obtaining vascular access is difficult in certain patients. When routine peripheral venous catheterization is not possible, several alternatives may be considered, each with its own strengths and limitations. DISCUSSION: We describe a novel technique for establishing vascular access in Emergency Department (ED) patients: the placement of a standard catheter-over-needle device into the internal jugular vein using real-time ultrasound guidance. We present a series of patients for whom this procedure was performed after other attempts at vascular access were unsuccessful. In all cases, the procedure was performed quickly and without complications. CONCLUSION: Although further study of this technique is required, we believe this procedure may be a valuable option for ED patients requiring rapid vascular access.
BACKGROUND: Obtaining vascular access is difficult in certain patients. When routine peripheral venous catheterization is not possible, several alternatives may be considered, each with its own strengths and limitations. DISCUSSION: We describe a novel technique for establishing vascular access in Emergency Department (ED) patients: the placement of a standard catheter-over-needle device into the internal jugular vein using real-time ultrasound guidance. We present a series of patients for whom this procedure was performed after other attempts at vascular access were unsuccessful. In all cases, the procedure was performed quickly and without complications. CONCLUSION: Although further study of this technique is required, we believe this procedure may be a valuable option for ED patients requiring rapid vascular access.