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

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.