ABSTRACT
Vascular access is indicated in most infants and children undergoing anesthesia. A common exception is the well-hydrated child undergoing a very brief procedure (e.g., myringotomy). In general, vascular access is used to administer fluids and drugs in the perioperative period when the oral route is unsuitable or contraindicated. A vascular cannula also can be used for blood sampling and pressure monitoring. In healthy children undergoing inhalation anesthesia, it is customary to obtain vascular access after induction. However, vascular access should be obtained prior to induction in children requiring fluid resuscitation, when rapid-sequence induction is planned, and in children who prefer intravenous induction of anesthesia.
