Advantages of the use of ultrasound in newborn vascular access: a systematic review.

Vascular access in neonates and small infants is often challenging. Ultrasound (US) screening and guidance improves its safety and efficacy. The advantages of a pre-implantation ultrasound examination are intuitive; it is a practical and safe technique that doesn't use radiation, allowing static and dynamic evaluations to be carried out and identifying anatomical variations, the caliber and depth of the vessel, the patency of the entire course and attached structures (nerves, etc.