Non-Contact, Handheld Vein Visualisation has Been Available For Over 15 Years
In that time, many clinicians, hospitals and universities have studied and written about vein visualisation for a number of different uses. The following summary looks at the key findings supporting the use of vein visualisation technology.
Our summaries cover the highlights of the study results and are limited in the amount of detail provided. Citations (and links where available) are shown to allow you to evaluate the results in detail.
Recommended Reading
These two papers aren’t studies about vein visualization but are summaries around the issues of peripheral IVs. We recommend them as excellent background information on the subject. Note that in some literature vein visualization may be referred to as “near-infrared” or vein illumination.
The first paper is published by the Infusion Nurses Society and includes a recommendation on the use of vein visualisation.
“Incorporate vein visualisation technology as a routine strategy for patients with difficult or poor venous access. Visualisation technology can improve success rates, decrease unsuccessful insertion attempts, and improve patient satisfaction.”
— Recommendations for Improving Safety Practices With Short Peripheral Catheters, Vizcarra et. al., Infusion Nurses Society, 2014, Retrieved 8 December 2020 | link
The second paper is published in the Journal of Vascular Access, and while focused on oncology, it provides a good overview of the issues and challenges with peripheral venous access.
“Potential aids for improving venous access success should be considered. These may include ... Vein visualization tools....”
— Improving outcomes of short peripheral vascular access in oncology and chemotherapy administration, Bertoglio et al., Journal of Vascular Access, 2017, Retrieved 8 December 2020 | link
Vein Visualisation’s Impact on Escalations
45% Reduction in Escalations
Study Goal | Every hospital follows an escalation process for unsuccessful venous access. The hospital will call an escalation team or a “sharpshooter” in another department for a very difficult stick. Escalation increases costs and delays treatment. This study looked at the impact of vein visualization on escalation.
Result | Overall, there was a 45% reduction of escalations to their central IV team. In addition, they found an 81% improvement in the nurse’s ability to cannulate and a 93% success in 1-2 sticks.
Title: Implementation of Near-Infrared Technology (AccuVein AV-400®) To Facilitate Successful PIV Cannulation
Author: Delvo-Favre et. al.
Journal/Event: Infusion Nurses Society 2014 Annual Meeting
Website: Wolters Kluwer | lww.com
URL: link. Accessed: 8 December 2020
Paediatric Use of Vein Visualisation
83% Improvement in First Stick Success
Study Goal | “This study was performed to define the effect of the infrared vein visualisation device support on the success of PIVC in paediatric patients aged 0 to 3 years. Success was determined based on the number of attempts per patient, the duration of the procedure, the success rate of first attempts, and the pain levels of the children.”
Result | As seen below, vein visualisation reduced the number of attempts by 52%. It reduced the maximum number of attempts from 8 to 2, which is a dramatic improvement from a patient pain and satisfaction standpoint. First stick success saw a 48% improvement for the entire population and an 83% improvement for patients with difficult venous access (DVA). The length of time to successful cannulation was reduced by 81%.
Control Study Improvement
Number of Attempts. 2.23 ±1.57. 1.08 ±0.28. 52%
– Range. 1-8. 1-2. 75%
Duration 172.65 ±153.21. 32.24±20.07. 81%
– Range 40-700. 15-83 88%
First Stick Success Overall – 47.7%. 91.7% 48%
First Stick Success – DVA. 14.3% 85.7% 83%
Title: The Impact of a Vein Illumination Device on Peripheral IV Catheter Insertions in a Paediatric Infusion Centre
Journal/Event: INS 2014 Annual Convention and Industrial Exhibition, 5/14
Website: Journal of Infusion Nursing | journals.lww.com
URL: link. Accessed:14 December 2020
Other Studies To Consider
Title: Prevalence and source of pain in paediatric inpatients
Author: Cummings, et.al.
Journal/Event: Pain, 11/96
Website: International Association for the Study of Pain | journals.lww.com
URL: link. Accessed: 14 December 2020
Title: Does the Use of a Vein Visualisation Device for Peripheral Venous Catheter Placement Increase Success Rate in Paediatric Patients?
Author: Demir D., Inal S.
Journal/Event: Paediatric Emergency Care, 30 Jun 2019
Website: Europe PMC | europepmc.org
Title: Efficacy of Vein Visualisation Devices for Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Placement in Preterm Infants: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Author: Çağlar, et. al.
Journal/Event: Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, Jan/Mar 2019
Website: PubMed | pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
URL: link Accessed: 8 December 2020
Vein Visualisation’s Impact on Patient Pain
43% Reduction in Pain
Study Goal | “This study was performed to determine the effect of using a vein visualization device on the procedure’s success. Success was determined based on the number of attempts per patient, the duration of the procedure, and the first stick success rate.”
Result | The study showed a significant reduction of 43% in pain in this paediatric group. The study also shows strong benefit in reducing the number of attempts, the duration of the procedure, and an 83% improvement in first stick success.
Control Study Improvement
Pain Level
・min-max (median). 2-10 (5) 1-8 (3)
・Avg ±SD 6.07 ±2.23. 3.44±2.03. 43%
No. Attempts
・min-max (median) 1-9 (2). 1-4 (1)
・Avg ±SD 2.41 ±1.99 1.44 ±0,85 28%
Duration
・min-max (median) 37-723 (112) 15-180 (40)
・Avg ±SD 168.89 ±171.54. 44.37 ±32.22. 74%
First Stick Success 40.7%7 4.1% 82%
Title: Impact of Peripheral Venous Catheter Placement With Vein Visualisation Device Support on Success Rate and Pain Levels in Paediatric Patients Aged 0 to 3 Years
Author: Demir D., Inal S.
Journal/Event: Paediatric Emergency Care, 2018
Website: Europe PMC | europepmc.org
URL: link Accessed: 8 December 2020
Other Studies To Consider
Title: Prospective evaluation of venous access difficulty and a near-infrared vein visualiser at four French haemophilia treatment centres
Author: Guillon, et.al.
Journal/Event: Haemophilia, 10/14
Website: Wiley Online Library | onlinelibrary.wiley.com
URL: link. Accessed: 14 December 2020
Vein Visualisation & PICC/CVC Escalation
Title: The risk of bloodstream infection associated with peripherally inserted central catheters compared with central venous catheters in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Author: Chopra, et.al.
Journal/Event: Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 9/13
Website: Cambridge Core | cambridge.org
URL: link. Accessed: 14 December 2020
Other Studies To Consider
Additional References
Title: The 2016 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice
Author: Gorski, Lisa A.
Journal/Event: Home Healthcare Now: January 2017
Website: journals.lww.com
URL: link
Accessed: 11 January 2021