VeinViewer, a new device that projects images on skin, is making it easier for nurses to locate veins and saving patients from multiple pricks.
Everybody’s anatomy is different, which makes it no surprise that some people’s arms are extremely difficult for nurses to give shots to or draw blood from. It’s particularly hard for young children and the elderly to have blood drawn because their veins are difficult to locate. Most people dread getting shots in the first place, and it can be a frustrating experience for both nurses and patients to have to give or get multiple pricks.
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Fortunately, VeinViewer is changing the game. The device, manufactured by Christie Medical Holdings, a healthcare company in Memphis, Tennessee, aims to make messy shot experiences a problem of the past. It uses invisible, near-infrared light to locate veins up to 0.4 inches (10 mm) under the skin. While the hemoglobin in a patient’s blood absorbs the invisible light, the surrounding tissues reflect the light back to the Veinview. This information is then projected with visible light as a high definition image of the vein path onto the skin’s surface.
The innovative, handheld design helps doctors and nurses know exactly where a person’s veins are located, enabling them to get the job done on the first prick. Multiple sticks can cause pain and bruising, and traumatize a patient about getting blood drawn in future procedures.
Additionally, VeinViewer will provide a new means for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, like paramedics, first responders, and firefighters, to administer lifesaving medical treatments. EMS personnel often deal with patients in traumatic, life-threatening situations and need to deliver treatments as quickly as possible. In these situations, a few seconds really could be mean the difference between life and death.
All in all, the VeinViewer is a clever idea that involves no invasive procedures. The design isn’t harmful for the skin, and can reduce the dread of visiting the doctor.
Check out the video to see how it works:
