What is vascular access, other than just an i.v.?

A generic term: Vascular access is a generic term that describes anything from ivs to sophisticated catheters. This also describes when veins are surgically connected to arteries (called av fistulas) so patients can get dialysis for kidney disease. Special catheters called ports are often needed for patients about to receive chemotherapy.

Glorified IV : It's within the realm of IV, but the can be simple short catheters in the veins for a few days, to longer term catheters such as PICC or chest ports for patients needing chemotherapy, long term antibiotics, or IV nutrition. This also includes the larger catheters for hemodialysis for kidney failure and pheresis for multiple medical conditions