Ultrasound IV Study

Optimal Catheter Length for Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Vascular Access

Status

Completed

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT01100593

Enrollment

Registered

2010-04-09

Start date

2009-06-30

Completion date

2009-11-30

Last updated

2012-11-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

IV Access, Ultrasound Use

Keywords

Ultrasound, IV catheters, Extravasation

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to compare catheter length and extravasation rates for Ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter insertion in a subset of emergency department patients with difficult IV access. Physicians, Emergency RNs, and Emergency Technicians can be taught to use US guidance to start peripheral IV in the ED. The optimal length of catheter to use for this procedure is unknown. This study will provide data on the length of catheter required to minimize extravasation. There is no guideline on catheter length selection for US-guided peripheral vascular access. This study may decrease extravasation rates for US-guided peripheral vascular access by providing guidance on catheter length selection.

Detailed description

The purpose of this study is to compare catheter length and extravasation rates for US guided peripheral IV insertion in a subset of emergency department patients with difficult IV access. Physicians, Emergency RNs, and Emergency Technicians can be taught to use US guidance to start peripheral IV in the ED. The optimal length of catheter to use for this procedure is unknown. This study will provide data on the length of catheter required to minimize extravasation. There is no guideline on catheter length selection for US-guided peripheral vascular access. This study may decrease extravasation rates for US-guided peripheral vascular access by providing guidance on catheter length selection. The study design is a randomized non-blinded clinical trial of extravasation rates of US guided peripheral vascular access related to intravenous catheter length and venous depth in the ED. Primary endpoint is duration of usable vascular access. Secondary endpoints are catheter length, venous depth, time of procedure, successful cannulation, reasons for failure, number of skin punctures, site of cannulation, sonographic technique, type of provider obtaining access and complications.

Interventions

PROCEDURElength of IV catheter

Subjects will be randomized to one of two IV catheter lengths

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

SINGLE_GROUP

Masking

NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to No maximum

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* two failed traditional IV attempts by a nurse * need for IV access as determined by the treating physician * age 18 and greater

Exclusion criteria

* less than age 18 * subjects needing a central venous catheter * patients unable to provide informed consent

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Extravasation rates	48 hours	compare catheter length and extravasation rates for US guided peripheral IV insertion in a subset of emergency department patients with difficult IV access

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026