Intermediate
Technical
IVT
intraosseous
Pronunciation: in-trah-OSS-ee-us
Vascular access method through bone marrow when peripheral intravenous access is difficult or impossible to obtain.
Full Definition
An emergency vascular access technique involving insertion of a needle or catheter directly into the bone marrow cavity, most commonly in the proximal tibia, distal femur, or proximal humerus. In pediatric critical care, intraosseous access provides rapid vascular access when traditional peripheral IV attempts fail, particularly during cardiac arrest or severe shock. The bone marrow serves as a non-collapsible venous plexus that accepts medications and fluids at rates comparable to central venous access.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'IO' in emergency documentation.
In Context
- "After three unsuccessful IV attempts, intraosseous access was established in the proximal tibia for emergency medications." — Emergency procedure documentation
- "The intraosseous line provided reliable access for fluid resuscitation during the code blue." — Resuscitation record
Also known as
IO access
bone marrow access
Contrasted with
peripheral IV
central line
Don't confuse with
intramuscular
subcutaneous