re: Ultrasound for periphs

[Sally Walker]

Maureen Lawler (and others) have inquired and/or commented about  
using ultrasound for peripheral vascular access. At the recent INS  
conference, Richard Wade did quite an impressive presentation titled,  
"Technologic Advances for Vascular Access Device Placement". Richard  
is the PICC Clinician/Educator at PICC Advantage, LLC, in Queen  
Creek, Arizona (I have no email contact information for him). He  
focused his presentation on the use of ultrasound for peripheral  
lines (of course they use US/MST for PICC's, as well), including  
placement of lines in children. One of the notable outcomes they have  
seen is the increased longevity of peripheral lines using US--most of  
their lines last for 96 hours. Richard included a number of videos of  
the actual ultrasound placement, so was able to demonstrate the  
vessel assessment, catheter placement, etc.

If anyone is interested in pursuing this practice, Richard certainly  
has the experience and seems willing to share what they have learned.

Sally Walker