Introduction:

Vascular access in children has been considered an essential part of safe in paediatric anaesthesia. However, it requires great skill and it has risks and complications. There is a current controversy about when it is required, especially in patients in whom access is difficult and are scheduled for minor and short-term procedures.

Objective:

To reflect on the factors that must be considered regarding the placement of peripheral vascular access in children for peri-operative management, and to provide tools to help with the decision of placing a vascular access.

Methodology:

A non systematic review was made to find the indications and risks of vascular access; and a reflection on the main considerations to think about when it is necessary to place a vascular access in children.

Results:

The review of the literature resulted in relevant considerations that need to be emphasised when deciding to place a vascular access in children.

Conclusion:

The risk and benefit of any intervention in children should be assessed. The final decision to place a venous access for peri-operative management of children depends on patient age, degree of difficulty of the vascular access, type of procedure, duration and, finally, the anaesthetist's own perception of safety. Individual experience counts when it comes to the final decision.

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