Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access -- May 2011

At the completion of the program, the participant should be able to:

1. Explain the basic imaging principles of ultrasound used during guidance of vascular access.
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the “In-Plane” and “Out-of-Plane” and the “Direct” vs. “Indirect” ultrasound-guided vascular access techniques.
3. Differentiate venous vs. arterial anatomy by ultrasound.
4. Relate ultrasound imaging characteristics of vessels and contiguous anatomy that indicate suitable approach for vascular access.
5. Identify ultrasound imaging characteristics of thrombus or thrombophlebitic changes or other conditions that would indicate a vessel is not suitable for vascular access.
6. Demonstrate the use of ultrasound guidance for Central Line vascular access.
7. Demonstrate the use of ultrasound guidance for Peripheral Line vascular access.
8. Increase the participant’s knowledge to better perform ultrasound-guided vascular access procedures.

• Ultrasound imaging fundamentals
• Overview of VA techniques
• Why use ultrasound-guidance
• Transducer selection
• “In-Plane” vs. “Out-of-Plane" techniques
• “Direct” vs. “Indirect” techniques
• Principles of vessel differentiation
• U/S-guided central line placement
• Internal jugular and subclavian appoach
• U/S-guided peripheral line placement
• Antecubital vein access
• Femoral vein access
• Clinical Cases and QA
• Hands-on sessions — vascular anatomy live models and vascular access phantoms