Evaluation of a dressing film for ultrasound-guided vascular puncture to achieve high-quality imaging and infection prevention.

Purpose: This study evaluated the quality of ultrasound images obtained during peripheral vascular catheter insertion using a transparent film designed to maintain puncture site sterility during ultrasound-guided puncture.

Methods: Images were collected from 10 healthy adult participants with and without film, focusing on the radial artery, forearm cephalic vein, and median cubital vein. In total, 300 ultrasound still images were assessed using a 10-point Likert scale.

Results: Image quality was significantly lower at all sites with the film (mean total image quality: radial artery, 5.2 vs. 6.0: p = 0.019; forearm cephalic vein, 6.1 vs. 7.6: p < 0.001; median cubital vein, 6.0 vs. 7.4: p < 0.001). However, the clinical nurse's evaluation of puncture feasibility showed no significant difference for the radial artery (80.0% vs 96.7%) and forearm cephalic vein (100.0% vs 100.0%).

Conclusion: Compromised image quality using the film does not negatively affect the puncturability of the radial artery and forearm veins. This finding underscores the potential for maintaining sterile conditions during procedures without compromising the ability to successfully perform puncture, thereby improving patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.