Obtaining Vascular Access in the Obese Patient Population

Obese patients are a highly specialized population to manage within the health care system. Excess weight contributes to changes in patients' anatomy and physiology. Specialized equipment, including vascular access devices, is required to accommodate their needs. Research has shown that traditional methods of obtaining vascular access can prove unfruitful in the obese patient population. Choosing the most appropriate device in conjunction with practicing the most effective technique will improve vascular access outcomes for obese patients.