What is vascular access?

Patients whose treatment requires intravenous (IV) access for more than seven to 10 days may need benefit from vascular access placement. Other patients have veins that make it difficult to place an IV, making the only option.

Vascular access allows a simple, painless means of drawing blood, delivering drugs and/or providing nutrients. It spares the patient the discomfort and stress of repeated needle sticks.

Some types of vascular access are temporary, while others may remain in place for weeks, months or even years. See the links below for the specific types of vascular access procedures and services provided by the Vascular Center.