Implementation of Near-Infrared Technology (AccuVein AV-400®) to Facilitate Successful PIV Cannulation

According to the study done by Katsogridakis in 2008, the use of vein illumination device facilitates non-emergent IV placement within the first two (2) attempts and has improved patient experience, as well as reducing cost related to procedure. Another study done last 2012 by Cuper, et. Al, explored the use of near –infrared light to facilitate venipuncture in children. They concluded the technology showed promising results by decreasing the number of failed attempts. With limited literature supporting the use of new-infrared light for successful venous cannulation, our institution wanted to explore the use of the technology to improve how staff are visualizing patient’s vasculature, with the hope of improving cannulation attempts per patient.

Research has shown that the use of vein illumination devices facilitate non-emergent IV placement, however, studies are limited and have not included multiple populations nor evaluated staff perception of device utility and satisfaction. A research study using a near-infrared vein illumination device was conducted to evaluate the utilization of central resource staff (code team, PICC nurses and flight nurses) to meet the PIV access needs of the adult and pediatric unit patient populations. Pre and post implementation measures of staff perception on device utility also were obtained.

One of the outcome measures for this study included the number of escalation calls to central resources. Data on escalation calls were collected for two months prior to introducing the device on six nursing units (two pediatric, two adult medical-surgical, one IMC, and one ICU). After one month “acclimation period”, data on escalation calls were again collected for two months. Staff on the study units were initially surveyed about their IV practices regarding venous cannulation and need for call escalation. Following device implementation for the two month intervention period, the staff was surveyed about IV practices using near-infrared technology to visualize vasculature and its impact on their ability to successfully cannulate veins.

Results showed a 45% decline in escalation calls following device implementation with 91% of nurses reporting likelihood to use device prior to escalating call. The survey of nurses’ perceptions of the impact from device use showed significant satisfaction with 93% successful cannulation within 1-2 attempts. Study results indicate the use of near-infrared vein illumination technology may be beneficial to incorporate as a standard of practice for peripheral venous cannulation.