New Practice Guidelines for Central Venous Access

ASA recommends ultrasound for catheter placement and location.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists has now introduced new guidelines recommending the use of ultrasound to place central lines. These recommendations differ from other existing guidelines as they recommend ultrasound not only for catheter placement but for location of the venous catheter as well.

The value of having access at all times to ultrasound is becoming increasingly evident. Recognizing the space limitations of many operating rooms, Sonosite has ensured that its systems are easily mountable and offer hospitals a “zero footprint” solution.

The ASA guidelines can be found at: Anesthesiology 2012; 116:539-73.