In this article, Vygon UK clinical educators David Wynne and Ian Tydeman, together with paediatric surgery registrar and vascular access trainer Sean O’Donnell, share practical tips, common pitfalls, and a roadmap for embedding ultrasound-guided vascular access (UGVA) as standard practice – empowering Trusts to deliver safer, kinder care more efficiently.
Ultrasound-guided vascular access (UGVA) is reshaping cannulation and line placement across the NHS. From reducing pain for patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) to improving first-pass success and saving valuable clinician time, the case for UGVA is compelling. Yet adoption remains inconsistent, often limited by training opportunities and access to suitable devices.
For patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA), the experience of repeated needle attempts can be distressing, painful, and, ultimately, harmful to their vascular health. Whether paediatric, geriatric, or patients with chronic illness, these cases frequently present with fragile or poorly visible veins, previous cannulation trauma, or scarring. Traditional 'blind' insertion relies on palpation and visual cues, which often leads to multiple failed attempts in some NHS settings.
According to Vygon's David Wynne, blind insertion depends on a myriad of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and DIVA patients are not always heard when they voice past difficulties. Clinically, repeated attempts can delay therapy initiation, consume staff time and increase consumable use.
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