A "smart needle" to facilitate difficult vascular access in pediatric patients

J Pediatr Surg. 1993 Oct;28(10):1401-2. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3468(05)80335-5.

Abstract

A new Doppler probe inside a needle was evaluated in a group of infants and children to assess its suitability for subclavian venous access. While the efficient use of this device required learning a new technique, we found the device useful to accurately locate the subclavian vein and differentiate it from the artery in all patients weighing more than 3 kg. This device will be most helpful in cases of difficult access, eg, scar from previous access, obesity, or edema.

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization, Central Venous / instrumentation*
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / methods
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Needles*
  • Subclavian Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonic Therapy / instrumentation
  • Ultrasonography / instrumentation