Determining appropriateness for vascular access devices limits the risk of complications in critically ill patients. Michigan Appropriateness Guide to Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC) establishes evidence-based indications as summarised in this paper. Safe and reliable venous access is the foundation for medication administration in critical and intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Several important issues surround vascular access in the ICU setting, including the need for multiple multi-lumen devices for delivery of concomitant drugs and the frequent sampling of blood from catheters.

Read More