Insertion of Arterial and Central Lines

Vascular access procedures are a common and important part of pediatric care intensive care unit (PCICU) practice. The selection of the appropriate arterial and central venous catheter requires knowledge of the indication for placement and the intended duration of use. Vascular access presents numerous challenges as to what type of access to obtain, which size and number of lumens are required, and where to place the catheter. Therefore, sound knowledge of the indications, contraindications, advantages, and disadvantages of different types of access is required to provide the best care for the patient.