Pediatric Vascular Access Cases

Pediatric Patient with Trisomy 18 | NCIA-31

Pediatric Vascular Access Cases: A five-year-old patient with Trisomy 18 (a rare genetic disorder) was admitted to the Pediatric Department of a hospital with a suspected infection. The patient critically needed vascular access to begin antibiotic therapy, and although the unit nurses had been trained on placing ultrasound-guided Peripheral IVs (PIVs), they were unable to obtain access despite multiple attempts, and the patient became upset and started crying. The patient’s father, who understood that his daughter was a DIVA (Difficult IV Access) patient, requested the Vascular Access Team – Vascular Wellness – be called for help. The Vascular Wellness clinician arrived, spoke with the nurses and the patient’s father, and carefully reviewed the patient’s medical history. Within 10 minutes of arrival, the clinician obtained PIV access via ultrasound guidance, and antibiotic therapy commenced. The patient’s father expressed his gratitude for the work of the vascular access expert clinician and was told not to hesitate to ask the medical team to request the Vascular Access Team if any additional needs arose. Unfortunately, the patient’s stay became an extended one and the unit nurses continued to have difficulty with vascular access. Vascular Wellness was called three additional times and each time, the clinician quickly and painlessly obtained access.

Pediatric Patient with Crouzon Syndrome | NCIA-16

Pediatric Vascular Access Cases: A fearful pediatric DIVA (Difficult Intravenous Access) patient with Crouzon syndrome was scheduled for an upcoming surgery and required vascular access. Crouzon patients often require multiple surgeries to accommodate brain growth. This 6-year-old patient had already undergone 30 surgeries and numerous failed vascular access attempts, which traumatized the patient and her parents. A more sustainable, compassionate solution was necessary. On the morning of surgery, Vascular Wellness arrived at the family home and spent time explaining the procedure and demonstrating the Ultrasound with the patient and parents. With the patient and family comforted, the clinician placed the line on the first stick and the family went to the hospital. The hospital staff was delighted that Vascular Wellness established access and used that access freely and without complication.