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Figure: The AccuVein AV400 displays the vasculature on the surface of the skin.
Figure: The VeinViewer Flex uses near-infrared light that is absorbed by the blood and reflected by surrounding tissue.
Vein visualization is a growing technology used to aid venipuncture and avoid complications. Two systems, the VeinViewer and VeinViewer Flex by Christie Medical and AccuVein AV400, project near-infared light on skin to see veins in real time.
The small VeinViewer model is a handheld vein illuminator, and the VeinViewer Flex is designed for durability. The illuminators use HD imaging and digital full field technology. The projected near-infrared light is absorbed by the blood and reflected by surrounding tissue. The information is captured, processed, and projected digitally in real time directly onto the surface of the skin, providing an image of the patient's blood pattern.
The technology allows providers to see blood patterns up to 15mm deep and clinically relevant veins up to 10mm. Clinicians can see peripheral veins, bifurcations and valves, and assess the refill/flushing of veins in real time.
The VeinViewer Flex comes with two S-mounts and two clamps so clinicians can mount the device to existing fixtures such as bed rails and IV poles. The VeinViewer Flex operates via AC power or battery, and comes with two rechargeable lithium ion batteries for up to four hours of continuous run time. Learn more at www.christiemed.com/vein-illuminaton. (Information and photo provided by Christie Medical.)
The AV400 by AccuVein helps locate veins for IV starts and blood draws. The device is handheld and noncontact, and provides a map of the patient's vasculature on the skin's surface to improve access to veins. AccuVein's device is held above the skin, and the hemoglobin in the blood absorbs its infrared light, projecting a map of the veins on the skin above them.
AccuVein said the device improves the first-stick success rate and nurses' ability to cannulate veins, also reducing the number of sticks required for patients and decreasing pain during venipuncture in patients with difficult venous access.
Providers hold the device above the skin, and the vasculature is displayed on the surface of the skin, which can save time for nurses and patients. The device weighs 10 ounces and can fit in the pocket of scrubs. It also attaches to a chair or bedrail to be hands-free and works in normal or low light. The AV400 includes a rechargeable battery, and accommodates patient movement when operated properly.
Find more information by visiting www.accuvein.com or call 816/997-9400. (Information and photo provided by AccuVein.)
