Ultrasound-guided vascular access in adults and children: beyond the internal jugular vein puncture.

Based on our clinical experience and a review of the current literature, this paper describes a large variety of ultrasound-guided vascular puncture techniques used in adults and children far beyond the well described puncture of the internal jugular vein. This includes low or posterior approaches of the internal jugular vein, puncture of the subclavian vein and its variant in children, infraclavicular access to the axillary vein and also more peripheral punctures of the basilic, brachial and cephalic veins. Arterial line placement in the radial, humeral, axillary or femoral are also described as well as the aid of ultrasonography for peripheral insertion of central catheters (PICC Lines). Additional information on ultrasonographic assessment of potentially related complications, like pneumothorax or hemopericardium, will complete this review.