Journal of intravenous nursing : the official publication of the Intravenous Nurses Society
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A retrospective study of 431 patients who had peripherally inserted midclavicular or central catheters placed during a consecutive 13-month period using the conventional landmark method for placement was compared with a second group of 326 patients, who during a 12-month period had such catheters placed using ultrasonography. The data demonstrate a 42% decrease in the number of needle penetrations needed to successfully cannulate veins when ultrasound was used during placement. There is a 26% greater chance of successful cannulation of the vein on the first attempt with ultrasound-guided placements than with those using the traditional landmark method.
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Care coordination and development of a plan to track vascular access devices (VADs) is presented. The article discusses how to establish criteria so that central venous catheters can be monitored. Specific areas of focus for monitoring outcomes are reviewed, as is the process of obtaining invaluable information. This information can be used to support policy and procedure changes and clinical practice changes to provide quality outcomes.