Vascular Access: The Art Between Theory and Technique

Description

“Considering venous access as the sixth vital sign is both an original and provocative idea. An individual’s venous capital is becoming increasingly important and valuable, enabling a more accurate and personalized therapeutic pathway that can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.”
These words were spoken by Ausilia Pulimeno in 2015, then President of the IPASVI College of Rome, during a conference titled “Veins: A Treasure to Protect.” This statement—often cited since—encapsulates both the depth and significance of the topic.

Vascular access devices represent a constant presence in the care of hospitalized patients across nearly all clinical settings and levels of care. Whether in acute hospital wards or in community and home-care environments, patients frequently rely on a wide range of vascular devices—from mini-midlines to dialysis catheters and implantable ports (Port-a-Cath). Vascular catheters are often the first device placed during pre-hospital emergency care and, in many cases, the last to be removed—if removed at all—prior to discharge. Although vascular access management is inherently multidisciplinary, nurses play a central role in this complex and evolving field.

Despite the availability of scientific literature and clinical guidelines, the management of vascular catheters—particularly from a nursing perspective—remains a critical area with persistent challenges. These often stem from insufficient dedicated training during undergraduate education, a lack of ongoing professional development, and limited awareness of the significant risks associated with improper catheter use or inadequate knowledge of vascular access devices.

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