Intraosseous access to the circulatory system: An under-appreciated option for rapid access.

In many emergency situations rapid vascular access is a priority, particularly in cases involving haemodynamic compromise. Traditional vascular access through the use of an intravenous cannula, although the preferred first line method, can in certain circumstances have a high rate of failure. A study by Minville et al (2006) showed that the success rate of first attempt venous cannulation can be as low as 76%. Repeated attempts at venous cannulation in patients with difficult vascular access wastes valuable time which in some situations could prove fatal.