Study OverviewCentral venous access devices (CVADs) are essential in paediatric care, but complications—both infectious and non-infectious—can trigger major downstream impacts: longer stays, extra treatment, device replacement, and more procedures. This systematic review pulled together published evidence on the average cost of CVAD-associated complications in children and explored why cost estimates vary so widely.The authors searched studies published January 2012 to January 2025 and in...

Selecting the appropriate vascular access device is crucial for effective patient care and treatment outcomes…Continue Reading:  https://www.icumed.com/about-us/clinical-connections/vascular-access/paths-to-precision-device-decisions/ *. ICU Medical has provided grant funding to AVATAR...

Study OverviewMany hospitals still replace peripheral venous catheters (PVCs / IV cannulas) routinely every 72–96 hours. Another approach is clinically indicated removal—leaving the cannula in place unless there’s a reason to remove it (e.g., therapy finished, pain, leaking, blockage, suspected infection). This 2026 Cochrane review pooled evidence from 14 randomised trials including 11,428 participants to compare these approaches.Key FindingsSerious infections were rare and similar acros...

Study OverviewPeripheral IV catheter (PIVC) insertion in neonates can be difficult, often requiring multiple attempts that cause stress for babies, families, and clinicians. This pre–post implementation study tested a practical workflow change: a brief near-infrared (NIR) “huddle” before cannulation. During the huddle, staff used NIR vein visualisation to plan the best insertion site(s), align on an approach, and set expectations before the attempt.The project ran across three phases: b...

Study OverviewPeripheral IV cannulation is common—but repeat attempts are painful, time-consuming, and can increase complication risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis asked a simple question: Do infrared (IR) vein-visualisation devices improve PIVC insertion outcomes in adults compared with standard palpation/landmark technique?The authors pooled 5 randomised controlled trials, covering 690 adults and 704 PIVC insertions (including 289 insertions in patients meeting DIVA criteria).K...

Study OverviewThis cross-sectional survey captured how vascular access care is organized across Australian and New Zealand hospitals, focusing on whether facilities have a vascular access specialist team (VAST), who selects devices, and which practices/policies are in place. Responses from 237 clinicians described settings, team composition, escalation pathways for difficult IV access (DIVA), and availability/uptake of device types and techniques (e.g., ultrasound-guided PIVCs, midlines).Key Fi...

Study Overview
A retrospective cohort study in a metropolitan Australian ED examined whether antecubital fossa (ACF) peripheral IV cannulas (PIVCs) are actually needed for contrast-enhanced CT. Among 447 eligible patients, researchers measured how often ACF PIVCs led to contrast use and which patient or clinical factors predicted contrast administration.Key FindingsBig mismatch: 80% of PIVCs were placed in the ACF, yet only 27% of patients received contrast CT—meaning ~73% of ACF insertion...

Study OverviewThis scoping review mapped how nurses are taught to administer intravenous systemic anticancer therapy (IV SACT) and where the evidence is strong or thin. From thousands of records screened, 20 studies (2010–2023) were included. Educational approaches ranged from classroom teaching and supervised clinical practice to simulation, virtual reality, and mobile apps. Four cross-cutting themes emerged: varied teaching methods, the benefit of interdisciplinary collaboration, uneven g...

We’re excited to share a valuable new podcast featuring Dr Grace (Hui) Xu on the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) Infusion Room podcast.In Season 2, Episode 5, titled “The Hidden Risks of Routine IV Insertion in the Emergency Department,” Dr Grace Xu discusses the critical role of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) in emergency care, and why improving insertion practices, training, and patient involvement is so important for better outcomes. Dr Xu highlights the real-world chall...

Study Overview
This single-centre prospective cohort study examined how the catheter-to-vein ratio (CVR) relates to peripheral IV catheter (PIVC) failure. The authors highlight that a large share of PIVCs fail before treatment completion and that many failures stem from placing relatively large catheters into small-diameter peripheral veins—especially in the hand and wrist. Ultrasound assessment and careful vein/size matching were central themes in the study’s rationale.Key FindingsVein s...