The American journal of emergency medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Use of Esmarch bandage does not increase peripheral vein size in healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial.
Ultrasound is used for peripheral intravenous (PIV) cannulation in patients with difficult landmark-guided IV access in the Emergency Department. Distal-to-proximal application of an Esmarch bandage on the target limb has been suggested as a method for increasing vein size and ease of cannulation. ⋯ This study showed that the use of an Esmarch bandage does not increase basilic vein size in healthy volunteers but is associated with a mild increase in discomfort.