Specialist Vascular Access Devices

Most neonatal vascular access uses the peripheral or central venous route (e.g., PVAD, CVAD). However, other options are available. Uniquely newborn infants present the opportunity to use the umbilical blood vessels for umbilical venous (UVC) and arterial (UAC) catheters. This chapter considers the insertion, securement, and care of these devices. In addition to UACs, other intra-arterial catheters (IACs) are options. Preventing and limiting the effects of potentially serious risks associated with using specialist vascular access devices are explored. Finally, the chapter briefly considers vascular access in specialist situations and a less usual approach for obtaining access to the vasculature, the intraosseous (IO) route. Specialist vascular access devices play a critical role in delivering therapies and physiological monitoring in emergencies, critical illness, and specialist applications.