JL Peters, BSc, FRCS, Resident Assistant Surgeon, JD Frame, FRCS, Surgical Registrar, Dept of Surgery, and S M Dawson, SRN, OHNC, Research Scientific Officer, Dept of Haematology, University College Hospital, Gower Street, London WC1.

This review speculates on a variety of factors which may create complications for the patient who requires a peripheral venous cannula to be inserted. Also, by considering the historical developments linked to the procedure, a clearer perspective of current problems may be obtained by clinicians and nursing staff.

IT IS UNFORTUNATELY TRUE that all techniques, procedures and drugs may be associated with complications. Often the undesirable features are not apparent at first sight and even when they are recognised, there is a natural inclination to underestimate them. It is therefore of value to place the procedure of peripheral venous cannulation under close scrutiny from time to time, particularly since this is the most commonly performed practical invasive procedure in United Kingdom Hospitals apart from diagnostic venepuncture. It is easy for an unwarranted attitude of complacency to settle over hospital staff and for the known complications to be accepted as inherent and unavoidable features of this minor operation. The nursing profession in particular has recognised instances of unnecessary morbidity which patients suffer and the recent creation of the British Intravenous Therapy Association is testimony to their concern over this aspect of patient care. In the United States of America and other countries, a more determined approach has been adopted and intravenous teams led by nurse specialists coping with all aspects of intravenous therapy are well established.