Basic ultrasound-guided procedures.

Use of bedside ultrasound to guide simple procedures increases safety by allowing real-time visualization of patient anatomy. This article discusses ultrasound guidance for basic procedures including peripheral and central intravenous access, arterial access, suprapubic aspiration, abscess incision and drainage, foreign body identification, and joint arthrocentesis. It reviews the indications and complications of the procedure, advantages of ultrasound guidance, anatomy, and procedural technique.