Pen Torch Transillumination: Difficult Venepuncture Made Easy.
World J Surg
; 41(9): 2401-2408, 2017 09.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28484817
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Our novel technique of pen torch transillumination (PTI) uses a cheap and easily available instrument (Penlite-LP212®, Energizer®, Missouri, USA) to visualize superficial veins invisible to the naked eye. We evaluate the efficacy of PTI in improving venepuncture success rate (SR) for patients with poor venous access.METHODS:
This prospective randomized controlled trial looked at adult patients (n = 69) aged 21-90 with difficult venous access (history of ≥3 consecutive attempts required for successful cannulation during the current admission) requiring non-emergent venepuncture. Patients underwent venepuncture over the upper-limb using one of the following conventional venepuncture (control); Veinlite® EMS (TransLite®, Texas, USA), a commercial transillumination device; PTI. Outcome measures were successful cannulation within 2 attempts and total duration of venepuncture. Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed.RESULTS:
A significantly larger number of patients had successful venepuncture within 2 attempts using PTI (22/23, 95.7%) and Veinlite (23/23, 100%), compared to the controls (7/23, 30.4%) (p < 0.05). The total duration required for successful venepuncture was significantly shorter for Veinlite (mean 3.7 min, 1.0-5.3 min) and PTI (mean 8.5 min, range 1.08-27 min) compared to the controls (mean 23.2 min, range 1.88-46.5 min) (p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:
PTI allows users to visualize veins invisible to the naked eye. Thrombosed/tortuous veins, branch points and valves, are easily identified and avoided. It has comparable efficacy to Veinlite® and is cheaper (Veinlite®-USD 227 vs. Penlite-LP212®-USD 7.00) and more easily available. PTI improves patient care, especially in developing regions where costs are a concern.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Veins
/
Transillumination
/
Phlebotomy
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
World J Surg
Year:
2017
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Singapore