Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized study of teaching ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation using a phantom and the freehand versus needle guide-assisted puncture techniques.
The task of ultrasound-guided vessel cannulation can be technically difficult. Needle guides have been designed to facilitate vessel puncture. We aimed to identify and compare the learning curves of participants performing vessel puncture with conventional freehand (FH) and needle guide-assisted (NG) techniques. ⋯ The NG puncture allows a greater number of trainees to cross the learning threshold and offers the advantages of fewer posterior-wall punctures and skin punctures. The use of NG puncture may result in a shorter path to proficiency, allowing trainees to attempt needle puncture earlier and with a greater degree of safety.