The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of a vein identification assistive device increases nurse PIV insertion success within the first two attempts in children 0-12 months of age when compared to unassisted methods.
Obtaining peripheral intravenous (PIV) access is a nearly universal procedure for medical management of the hospitalized pediatric patient. In children, PIV placement can often be difficult due to the inability to identify peripheral veins (Wilson, 2007). Many assistive devices have been used or promoted to improve vein visualization with the intention of increasing PIV insertion success. Limited research was found to support this assumption regarding nursing PIV insertion success in children. This study is a randomized, controlled trial to determine if the use of a vein identification assistive device increases nurse PIV insertion success within the first two attempts in children 0-12 months of age when compared to unassisted methods. Patients admitted to Children's Hospital \& Medical Center (CHMC) Emergency Department, 4th floor medical-surgical unit, or 5th floor medical-surgical/ Intermediate Care Unit, up to 12 months of age requiring non-emergent PIV placement as part of their medical plan of care will be eligible. Following consent subjects will be randomized into one of three vein identification method study groups (1) Wee Sight Transilluminator - a hand held light emitting device held adjacent to or under the patient's extremity to visualize the venous anatomy; (2) VeinViewer - uses near infrared light to view hemoglobin and projects an image of venous anatomy onto the skin; and (3) Unassisted Methods - traditional techniques of vein visualization and palpation. Based on study group assignment the nurse will use the appropriate vein identification method during the first two PIV insertion attempts. Evaluation of vein identification methods will be based on PIV insertion success or failure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
104
The traditional technique of vein visualization and palpation will be used to identify veins during the PIV insertion procedures. This involves the use of a tourniquet to facilitate venous pooling to see the vein and prevent vein rupture during cannulation. Nurse may use heat application to facilitate vein identification.
The Wee Sight® Transilluminator (Philips Children's Medical Ventures, Monroeville, PA) is a hand held, non-heat producing, light emitting diode (Class 2), battery operated device. The device is held adjacent to or under the subject's extremity to visualize the venous anatomy superficial veins absorb light and appear as dark lines against the surrounding illuminated tissues. Vein visualization improves with dimmed room lighting and a thin subcutaneous tissue layer. Nurse will assess vascular anatomy using traditional techniques of visualization and palpation with tourniquet/heat application as needed, and add the Wee Sight to assist in vein identification.
Children's Hospital and Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Successful PIV insertion during first or second cannulation attempt.
Success = Insertion of a 22 or 24-gauge catheter into a peripheral vein followed by the immediate ability to flush 1-2 ml normal saline without signs of venous infiltration (e.g., pain and swelling). Failure = Inability to insert a 22 or 24-gauge catheter into a peripheral vein, or insertion of a catheter into a peripheral vein followed by the immediate inability to flush 1-2 ml normal saline or signs of infiltration upon flushing.
Time frame: Immediate upon completing first or second PIV insertion attempt
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
VeinViewer near infrared light views hemoglobin up to 10 mm beneath skin. Hemoglobin absorbs the light while surrounding tissue scatters it providing a suitable contrast between the vein \& surrounding subcutaneous tissue. This data is captured, digitally processed by video camera, and projected back onto the skin as a visual image of venous anatomy. Nurse will assess vascular anatomy using traditional techniques of visualization and palpation with tourniquet/heat application as needed, and add the VeinViewer to assist in vein identification.