First attempt success ratio of intravenous cannulation with the Veinplicity®

The Veinplicity® device (Physeon, Schaffhausen, Switzerland) is an electrical stimulation device, which can be used as an adjunct for peripheral intravenous cannulation. It is said to increase local intravascular blood volume and therefor improves a practitioners’ ability to gain intravenous access. Because of this statement, we hypothesize that the first attempt success ratio of peripheral intravenous cannulation will be increased in patients with a medium-risk profile according to the A-DIVA scale, with the use of the Veinplicity® device, when compared to the traditional landmark technique

We hypothesize that the first attempt success ratio of peripheral intravenous cannulation will be increased in patients with a medium-risk profile according to the A-DIVA scale, with the use of the Veinplicity® device, when compared to the traditional landmark technique. In addition, the aim of the current study is to prove whether or not the Veinplicity® increases the first attempt success ratio of peripheral intravenous cannulation in patients with a medium-risk profile according to the A-DIVA scale, and hereby has an added value in reducing the incidence of a difficult intravenous access.

The study will be performed upon the procedure of inserting a intravenous catheter, on which the registrations will be done. A peripheral intravenous catheter is a small hollow catheter that is advanced over a needle into a peripheral vein through the skin. A peripheral intravenous catheter will be inserted in the upper extremity, and veins on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the upper extremity are considered for peripheral cannulation, including the metacarpal, cephalic, basilic, and median veins. Intravenous cannulation was performed according to practice guidelines.

In patients in the intervention group, a peripheral intravenous catheter will be inserted with the aid of the Veinplicity® device. For the control group, a historical cohort will be used. The Veinplicity® device is an electrical stimulation device, which can be used as an adjunct for peripheral intravenous cannulation. It increases local intravascular blood volume and therefor improves a practitioners’ ability to gain intravenous access. The device utilizes a current to induce a physiological response that increases the blood flow in the peripheral vessel. It thickens the vein wall, increases stability, and expands the diameter of the vein, leading to easier vascular access. The two disposable electrodes are applied to the patient on the bicep and palm of the hand, and connected to the main cable to enable stimulation. Patients should be stimulated between 2 and 10 minutes, depending on the individual profile of the patient and condition of the veins. The device automatically switches off after 15 minutes of stimulation. Engorged veins remain palpable for 10 to 30 minutes after stimulation. After simulation, peripheral intravenous cannulation will be performed according to practice guidelines.