Difficult Vascular Access
Difficult vascular access occurs when veins are hard to locate or use for medication, chemotherapy, dialysis or long-term treatment. Causes include previous vein damage, scarring, repeated cannulation and individual anatomy.
Symptoms
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to insert a cannula, discomfort, damaged veins or delays in treatment.
How interventional radiology treats it
Ultrasound-guided vascular access allows a clinician to select a suitable vein and guide a needle into it. A catheter, PICC line or implanted port may then be placed, depending on the patient's needs. X-ray guidance may confirm the catheter tip position. Proper care and monitoring help reduce infection, blockage and other complications.
Whether this treatment suits you depends on your scans and overall health. A consultation is the first step.
Your doctors
Talk to an interventional radiologist.
Bring any scans or reports you have. We’ll tell you whether this treatment is an option.