Fostering a New Era of Vascular Access Device Selection in Neonates

Admission into the neonatal intensive care unit entails placement of multiple monitoring systems and lifelines for therapy. A vascular access device is essential to survival for most patients in the neonatal intensive care unit. Identifying the most appropriate device to meet an infant's current and anticipated infusion needs has historically focused on length of need rather than on other equally important indicators. Using this aged criterion has contributed to the exhaustion of the peripheral veins. Using a timely approach to vascular access device needs ensures early and timely placement. Providing education and ensuring the competence of staff who make decisions regarding device placement and care are warranted and lead to the prevention of complication-induced costly litigation. The goal of infusion therapy is to complete the delivery of required solutions and medications by avoiding device-related complications. Using the fewest number of devices and targeting placement of the best device to meet a patient's needs early in the course of therapy are paramount.