Ultrasound Guided IV Access in a Pediatric Emergency Department

The proposed study is a randomized trial of ultrasound guided IV access compared to traditional IV access in patients determined to have difficult IV access based on the Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) scale. Patients enrolled in the study will be randomized to traditional IV access or ultrasound guided IV access. If randomized to ultrasound guided IV access, the IV will be placed under direct visualization. Following IV placement or when attempts at IV access have ceased, the patient and family will be asked to complete a series of questions related to their satisfaction regarding IV placement. The follow-up phase examining duration of the IV and any related complications will continue until the IV placed as part of the study has been removed.