Effects of a new device to guide venous puncture in elderly critically ill patients: results of a pilot randomized study

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2017 Apr;29(2):335-339. doi: 10.1007/s40520-016-0547-0. Epub 2016 Feb 23.

Abstract

Background: Novel devices based on the emission of near-infrared electromagnetic radiation (NIR) have been developed to minimize venous puncture failures. These instruments produce an "augmented reality" image, in which subcutaneous veins are depicted on a LCD display. We compared the new technique with standard venipuncture in a population of elderly patients.

Methods: Patients admitted in Intensive Care Unit were randomized to standard or to NIR assisted procedure.

Results: In the 103 enrolled patients (age 74 ± 12 years; standard venipuncture-N = 56; NIR-N = 47), no differences were found in procedure length, number of attempts, and referred pain. With NIR there was a lower incidence of hematomas and fewer anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: The use of the novel NIR-based device is safer and more psychologically tolerable, and it is not associated to an increase of procedure length or number of attempts.

Keywords: Elderly; Hematoma; Intensive care unit; Near-infrared electromagnetic radiation; Nursing; Venous puncture.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Anxiety / prevention & control
  • Comparative Effectiveness Research
  • Critical Illness / psychology
  • Critical Illness / therapy
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Safety
  • Female
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Hematoma / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Infrared Rays / therapeutic use
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Male
  • Materials Testing
  • Phlebotomy* / adverse effects
  • Phlebotomy* / instrumentation
  • Phlebotomy* / methods
  • Phlebotomy* / psychology
  • Pilot Projects