ABSTRACT
Cannulas are short peripheral access devices that are intended for short periods of use, that is, <96 hours. In adult use, they range in size from the smallest up to the largest. They are typically inserted via the back of the hand or in the forearm/antecubital fossa. Cannulas can be inserted under direct vision; however, the use of ultrasound is helpful in cases of difficult cannulation. The midline is inserted under ultrasound guidance, traditionally via the upper arm basilic vein. It has to be inserted under strict aseptic conditions. Midlines can be used for both short-term and long-term venous access. Central lines are predominantly inserted into the neck via the internal jugular vein. They can also be inserted via the subclavian vein just below the clavicle, or, as a last resort, via the common femoral vein in the groin. There is a range of temporary and permanent dialysis catheters for use in both acute and chronic renal failure settings.
