Do you suggest using a vascular probe to assess the superficial vasculature prior to performing a bedside procedure such as paracentesis, thoracentesis, lumbar puncture, etc.?
If so, is there a particular method or process you suggest?
Answer from: at Community Practice
In our practice, we routinely use POCUS to assess the superficial vasculature before paracentesis and thoracentesis. Identifying vessels with POCUS is feasible, rapid, and may lead to a reduction in bleeding complications.1-6 For lumbar puncture, we use POCUS for site marking but not for vascul...
Yes - this is now standard of care for paracentesis and thoracentesis, and we have had a couple of bleeding complications when it was not used, and then a vessel was noted on POCUS after the fact. So it really should be incorporated into standard practice and taught such that it's done consistently....