A call for safety during electrophysiological procedures: US in, why not US out? Authors' reply

The authors appreciate the insightful comments by de Sensiet al.1 in response to our manuscript. Despite the evidence-based benefits of ultrasound-guided vascular access (venous and arterial),2,3 it is clear that the adoption of the practice is not uniform or universal. Even in specialties that have seemingly embraced the technique, there is broad variation in use. Recent national surveys of intensivists, hospitalists, anaesthesiologists, and emergency physicians on the use of ultrasound guidance for vascular access reveal discrepancies in practice, abundant lack of training, and implementation gaps in clinical practice.4 –7 Amongst emergency physicians between 25 and 44%, and similarly 37% of cardiac anaesthesiologists, report never using ultrasound guidance for central venous access.4 –6 Repeatedly, the major barriers to implementation cited are limited availability of ultrasound equipment, the perception of increased procedure time, insufficient training, and the concern for loss of landmark skills.4 –7
Source: Europace - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research