Common Difficulties Associated With Locating Veins For Cannulation
Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) placement is a critical yet challenging procedure for medical professionals. Many patients, particularly those with small or difficult-to-locate veins, require multiple needle attempts, resulting in discomfort, extended procedure times, and increased frustration for clinicians. These challenges are especially common in paediatric, elderly, or obese patients.
Traditional methods of vein detection, which rely on visual assessment or touch, are often unreliable, particularly for patients with poor vascular access. However, the introduction of advanced detection technology offers an effective solution. Trials have demonstrated that near-infrared (NIR) technology improves first-time insertion success rates and enhances the overall accuracy of PIVC placement.
VeinViewer® by Christie Medical is a leading example of how innovative NIR vein visualisation devices are transforming the IV placement process. VeinViewer uses real-time, high-definition imaging to display veins up to 10 mm beneath the skin, helping clinicians achieve greater accuracy during vascular access procedures.
How VeinViewer Assists With IV Placement
NIR light technology significantly improves first-time insertion success rates, shortens procedure times, and reduces the need for PICC lines caused by failed peripheral IV attempts. VeinViewer Vision2, the most advanced model, enables clinicians to visualise blood flow, bifurcations, valves, and refill rates. This supports informed decision-making at every step of the procedure—before, during, and after catheter placement.
Key Benefits of VeinViewer
1. Increased First Stick Success
VeinViewer improves first-stick success rates by up to 100%, reducing patient discomfort and streamlining procedures.
2. Improved Patient Satisfaction
Fewer needle sticks result in an increase in patient satisfaction, especially for patients with challenging venous access.
3. Reduced PICC Line Placement
Accurate vein assessment with VeinViewer decreases the need for unnecessary central line placements, such as PICCs, by over 30%.
4. Real-Time Feedback
With real-time imaging, clinicians can visualise catheter flushes, navigate rolling veins, and confirm IV patency. This reduces risks such as infiltration and hematomas.
5. Tailored Imaging for Diverse Patients
Features like TrueView™ and TriColor allow clinicians to adjust imaging settings to match a patient’s skin tone, ensuring clear and accurate visualisation.
Improving Patient Care with VeinViewer
By leveraging advanced NIR technology, VeinViewer empowers healthcare providers to improve IV placement success rates, minimise complications, and enhance the patient experience. As the only device offering pre-, during-, and post-procedure visualisation, VeinViewer provides clinicians with the tools to make every vascular access procedure safer, faster, and more effective.
