Handheld Ultrasound: Overcoming the Challenge of Difficult Peripheral Intravenous Access in the Emergency Department.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a handheld ultrasound device for difficult peripheral intravenous (PIV) access performed by nurses and paramedics in the emergency department (ED).

Methods: This was a retrospective review at an academic medical center. Participants were ED nurses and paramedics with competence in ultrasound-guided PIV placement.