I am new to this website but think the information here is incredible. We are trying to establish "guidelines" for the pediatric population and after several lit searches there is not much out there. Usually I can tell what size line to place by viewing the vein, however our director would like to see something in writing.
Based on presentations at past scientific meetings, most are following the recommendation to have the catheter not consume more than 50% of the vein's internal diameter. This is measured with US and then compared to the catheter outer diameter. French size = OD in mm X 3. So a 6 F catheter has an OD of 2 mm. This recommendation is based on math calculations and is in the process of being published, but not sure it is available yet. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861