The Rapid Superficial Vein Assessment (RaSuVA) protocol represents a systematic full anatomic evaluation to choose the best insertion site tailored on the specific patient, optimized for the specific kind of device required. The RaSuVa implies a complete assessment of the neonate, from foot to head. The superficial veins are examined systematically, both with and without NIR technology, exploring seven skin areas.
If properly carried out, the RaSuVA protocol will offer an accurate overview of:
− the patient’s superficial vein pattern
− the characteristics of each vein in terms of trajectory and flow
− the expected difficulty of cannulation for each vein
The aim of RaSuVA is to offer a complete knowledge of the superficial veins of the patient, so to lead to a rational choice of the vein to be cannulated, with the final goal of increasing the success rate at first attempt, the duration of the procedure, with puncture-related pain and stress for neonates, and possibly to limit complications: goals that we consider crucial for any NICU.
Authors : Vito D’Andrea1 , Giorgia Prontera1, Lucilla Pezza1, Giovanni Barone2 , Giovanni Vento1 and Mauro Pittiruti
1. Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
2. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy
3. Department of Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Corresponding author: Vito D’Andrea, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, Rome 00168, Italy.
Email: dandrea.vito@gmail.com
The Journal of Vascular Access
