Vascular access

Types

• Central venous catheterization
  • Central line: internal jugular
  • Central line: subclavian
  • Central line: supraclavicular
  • Central line: femoral
  • Pediatric central line
• Intraosseous (IO) access
• Venous cutdown
• Umbilical vein catheterization

Flow Rates

Flow rate depends on diameter and length of IV; the Hagen–Poiseuille equation.

PIV

• 16G IV: 13.2 L/hr
• 18G IV: 6.0 L/hr
• 20G IV: 3.6 L/hr

Central Line

• 5 Fr PICC/Port: 1.75 L/hr
• 7 Fr TLC 16G distal port: 1.9 L/hr
• 7 Fr TLC 18G proximal port: 3.4 L/hr
• 12 Fr HD: 23.7 L/hr
• 8.5 Fr Cordis/introducer sheath: 7.6 L/hr
• 8.5 Fr Cordis/introducer sheath w/ pressure bag: 20.0 L/hr

See Also

• Intravenous fluids (main)
• Critical care quick reference