ASE Publishes Updated Guideline Offering Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Recommendations on Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access Procedures
American Society of Echocardiography News
(DURHAM, NC)—A new guideline from the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) aims to provide more detail for clinicians performing ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation, an essential skill utilized across various cardiovascular ultrasound specialties during diagnostic and medical procedures.
Guidelines for Performing Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Cannulation: Recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography is published in the February 2025 Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography and replaces the original guideline published by the Society on this topic in 2011. This new document provides expert consensus on the best practices and techniques for using ultrasound in vascular access procedures.
“Ultrasound guidance is currently not a standard of care for all vascular access, but it is becoming increasingly common in daily clinical practice due to its ability to enhance success rates and reduce complications,” says lead Co-author Dr. Annette Vegas, an anesthesiologist and director of Perioperative Echocardiography at Toronto General Hospital in Ontario, Canada. “Adopting the recommendations in this guideline will help clinicians better minimize risks, maximize technical competencies and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.
The guideline uses descriptions, diagrams and ultrasound images to explain the general aspects of anatomic and ultrasound imaging of vessels, ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation techniques, and the identification of local vascular cannulation complications. Additionally, it emphasizes the fundamental roles of ultrasound during vascular access, including:
- Precannulation Vessel Assessment
- Dynamic Ultrasound Guidance
- Identification of Local Complications
The authors say this guideline will serve as a valuable resource for new and experienced clinicians, helping them deliver safer, more effective care. This document and all guidelines published by ASE are available at ASEcho.org/Guidelines.
About American Society of Echocardiography
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals™. ASE is the largest global organization for cardiovascular ultrasound imaging serving physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, and scientists and as such is the leader and advocate, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives. In 2025, ASE is celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary. For more information, visit the ASE website ASEcho.org or social media pages on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Bluesky.
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