Tag: Venous cannulation

While a rare occurrence, with a reported incidence between 1 in 3,440 and 1 in 56,000 cases, accidental arterial cannulation during routine IV insertion can lead to serious complications if not recognized promptly. Therefore, understanding how to know if a cannula is in an artery is a vital skill for all healthcare professionals.

Phlebitis, or inflammation of the vein, is cited as the most common complication associated with peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters. While a routine medical procedure, inserting a cannula can indeed cause damage to a vein, resulting in a range of potential issues from minor bruising to more serious conditions like nerve damage or tissue necrosis.

Up to 80% of all hospitalized patients will receive a peripheral intravenous catheter, but understanding the specific considerations and **what are the contraindications for IV lines** is critical for safety. While absolute contraindications are minimal, a variety of relative and site-specific factors can increase risks and complicate insertion.