Pediatric Use of Portable Vein Finder: Improving Patient Outcomes

Pediatric patients often require multiple venipunctures for procedures and laboratory testing. These procedures can be challenging and distressing for both the child and healthcare providers, especially if they struggle to find the child's veins. Vein visualization technology offers a non-invasive solution that can make the process easier and more comfortable for pediatric patients.

1. What is Portable Vein Finder?

Vein visualization is a non-invasive technology that uses near-infrared (NIR) light to create an image of the veins on the skin's surface. The technology allows healthcare providers to identify the location of veins and blood vessels, making it easier to insert needles or catheters without multiple attempts.

The technology is particularly useful in pediatric patients, who may have smaller or more difficult-to-locate veins. It can also be beneficial for children who are needle-phobic or have a history of difficult venipunctures.

2. Portable Vein Finder Can Improving Patient Outcomes

Vein visualization technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes in several ways. First, it can reduce the number of attempts needed to find a vein, which can reduce the child's pain and anxiety. Multiple attempts to find a vein can lead to trauma and may prolong the procedure, increasing the risk of complications.

Second, portable vein finder can reduce the risk of complications associated with venipuncture, such as hematoma, infiltration, or nerve injury. When a healthcare provider can visualize the vein, they can avoid puncturing arteries or nerves, reducing the risk of these complications.

Third, vein visualization can improve the quality of blood samples obtained. If a vein is not visible or difficult to locate, the healthcare provider may have to use a smaller needle, which can result in a lower quality blood sample. Portable vein finder can help healthcare providers locate larger veins, allowing them to use a larger needle and obtain a better-quality sample.

3. Portable Vein Finder in Pediatric Patients

Vein visualization technology has been shown to be effective in pediatric patients. A study conducted in a pediatric emergency department found that using portable vein finder reduced the number of attempts needed to obtain intravenous access by 39%, compared to traditional methods. The study also found that using vein visualization reduced the time to intravenous access by 110 seconds, which can be critical in emergencies.

Another study conducted in a pediatric hospital found that using vein visualization reduced the number of attempts needed to obtain peripheral intravenous access by 46%, compared to traditional methods. The study also found that vein visualization reduced the need for central venous access in 10% of patients.

Vein visualization technology has also been shown to be effective in children with difficult-to-locate veins. A study conducted in a pediatric hematology-oncology clinic found that using portable vein finder reduced the number of attempts needed to obtain intravenous access in children with difficult veins by 63%, compared to traditional methods.