Venous Access for the Technician: Beyond the Basics

Presenter: Shawna Cosgrove, LVT, CVT, VTS (ECC)

Summary: During this lecture we will review tips and tricks for difficult IV catheter placements. Technicians will learn how to troubleshoot gaining IV access in several different difficult patient scenarios. We will review the different types of IV catheters available in veterinary medicine and the pros/cons of each. We will discuss high quality IV catheter nursing care and how to ensure that your IV catheters stay patent and complication free. Some higher-level techniques will be discussed such as cut downs, and placement of central venous catheters. We will discuss use, maintenance and nursing care of catheters including multilumen catheters. Intaosseous catheter placement and use will also be briefly discussed. The goal of this lecture would be for the technician to leave with some tools they can put into use the next time they encounter an out of the ordinary IV catheter placement.