# VP: VeniPuncture

- Link: https://sifsof.com/clinical-apps/vp-venipuncture/
- Published: 2019-08-26T16:42:23+00:00
- Author: Monica

Venipuncture is critically important and can be technically challenging at times.
The use of ultrasound to guide [catheter ](https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bladder/catheter/what-is-a-catheter/#:~:text=A%20catheter%20is%20a%20soft,into%20a%20toilet%20or%20urinal.)
placement reduces the number of access attempts and may reduce other complications
as well.

 The introduction of ultrasound for venous access facilitates many different aspects
of this clinical application. From planning access to guiding insertion, and for
identifying early and late complications.

  Multiple needle passes are associated with a higher risk of pneumothorax, arterial
puncture, and nerve injury. Ultrasound measurement of the size of the vein to be
accessed can help with selection of an appropriate catheter size, which can reduce
the risk of thrombotic and infective complications.

![](https://sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/vascular-access.png)

 **“**Procedural ultrasound … acts as a visual GPS that allows clinicians to map
the patient’s blood vessels and identify the simplest, safest, and most cost-effective
catheter site,” says Matthew Ostroff, ARNP, a vascular access specialist.

To perform VP **[anesthesiologists](https://sifsof.com/product-category/doctor-specialties/anesthesiologist/)**
need a color Doppler linear footprint. In order to confirm the course of **blood
flow** in the vessels, But also in aligning the axes of the echo probe and the VP
needle.

**The ultrasound-guided VP** should be preceded by a determination of the most appropriate
vein for access, based upon systematic ultrasound evaluation of possible access 
sites.

The VP should be performed using dynamic “real-time” ultrasound guidance, **not**“
static” ultrasound localization of the vein with subsequent “blind” venipuncture.

 After the venous cannulation, ultrasound should be used to assess for possible 
complications, including arterial injury, pneumothorax, or catheter malposition.

References: [Principles of ultrasound-guided venous access](https://www.uptodate.com/contents/principles-of-ultrasound-guided-venous-access),
[Achieving One-Stick Vascular Access, Value-Based Care for Patients](https://www.axisimagingnews.com/2018/04/achieving-one-stick-vascular-access-value-based-care-patients/).

 * ![Color Doppler Mini Linear WiFi Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-3.51 main](https://
   sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SIFULTRAS-3.51-wireless-mini-linear-color-
   doppler-ultrasound-scanner-300x300.jpg)
 * Color Doppler Mini Linear WiFi Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-3.51

[launchpad_feedback]

_Disclaimer: Although the information we provide is used by different doctors and
medical staff to perform their procedures and clinical applications, the information
contained in this article is for consideration only. SIFSOF is not responsible neither
for the misuse of the device nor for the wrong or random generalizability of the
device in all clinical applications or procedures mentioned in our articles. Users
must have the proper training and skills to perform the procedure with each ultrasound
scanner device._

_The products mentioned in this article are only for sale to medical staff (doctors,
nurses, certified practitioners, etc.) or to private users assisted by or under 
the supervision of a medical professional.  _