Venous Access

Venous access devices range from simple steel needles to sophisticated catheter/sensor assemblies. The selection of an appropriate venous access device (VAD) will consider the following factors:

    1. Disease process
    2. Medical history
    3. Patient safety and convenience
    4. Quantity and type of fluid to be infused
    5. The adequacy peripheral vessels
    6. Potential harm to vessel integrity
    7. Continuous central venous pressure monitoring or repeated venous blood sampling
    8. Dwell time
    9. Delivery of multiple incompatible medications

Peripheral intravenous catheters are VADs whose infusion tips reside outside of the superior or inferior vena cava.
