Intraosseous Catheterization

• Intraosseous catheterization is an emergency procedure that allows access to the central circulation comparable to a central venous line. • Intraosseous catheterization is indicated when emergency vascular access is required and intravenous access can not be performed in a timely manner. • Intraosseous catheterization is an easy, fast and inexpensive technique that can be performed effectively in different species. • Intraosseous infusion is contraindicated in: recently fractured bones, bones where catheterization has been already attempted and pneumatic bones of birds. • Rate of complications for intraosseous infusion is extremely low, osteomyelitis is the major risk. • Blood samples obtained from intraosseous catheters can be analyzed for some hematological, biochemical and blood gas parameters in steady state, low flow and early phase of cardiopulmonary resuscitation conditions.