Ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access: Is it the standard of care?

Abstract

Venous access or cannulation is the most common invasive procedure being performed in the hospitals.
It may appear very simple and straight forward routine, but every one of us has encountered a situation
when, due to any one or multiple causes, we feel it almost impossible to gain access. It is here that
ultrasound comes into play. Although original cost and lack of training have limited its acceptance for
wide spread use in all departments of a hospital, the advantages offered by it, will soon overcome the
obstacles and will become the standard of care as far as peripheral or central venous access is concerned.
This editorial highlights the difficulties and the scope of this new tool in ER, ICU and OR