Venous access in children: state of the art

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this review is to discuss recent developments in vascular access technology and to highlight those that are particularly relevant to the practitioner.

Recent findings: The need for venous access should always be critically assessed in every child, and it is important to use the limited number of suitable veins wisely and to avoid unnecessary attempts. Near-infrared devices make veins visible, but they do not necessarily increase the success rate of peripheral venous puncture. In contrast, ultrasound is now almost universally used for central venous puncture, and it helped to popularize the supraclavicular puncture of the left anonymous vein. The focus has shifted more toward infectious and especially thrombotic complications.

Summary: Despite the development of new technical devices, successful venous puncture remains heavily dependent on the skills of the operator.