Making cannulation easier with ultrasound technology

Earlier this year, Perth based company VeinTech received a $1.7M Australian Government grant to commercialise its vein finding ultrasound technology.

The novel medical device is expected to improve the cannulation experience for both patients and clinicians by helping clinicians better visualise veins, reducing the rate of failed cannulation insertion attempts, saving time, cost and stress associated with this common procedure.

Inserting a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) – or cannula – is one of the most common procedures performed in a hospital.

SMHS Innovation team assisted VeinTech with usability studies for their vein finding device. The State Burns Service trialled the ultrasound technology.

FSH Head of State Burns Service Professor Fiona Wood said the vein finding technology assisted burns patients with less pain with cannulation.

“Intravenous access is a vital part of care for many of our patients, and for many it is not that easy to find a suitable vein especially in those with complex and chronic disease,” Prof Wood said.

“When we ask both patient and staff improving the accuracy and reducing the discomfort of the intravenous access procedure is a priority.

“The VeinTech device specifically addresses this problem and provides a viable solution."

The device will be primarily used by junior doctors who were also trailing the device in the usability studies.

“Performing venous cannulation and venepuncture is one of the essential skills of being a junior doctor," Resident Medical Officer Bendata Dhal said.

"I see the VeinTech device becoming invaluable as a first port-of-call in tricky situations – whether they be diagnostic, such as searching for a hidden or elusive site for venepuncture, or therapeutic, where rapidly establishing secure and large-bore venous access may prove life-saving.”