At the beginning of September, Unicamp's Hospital de Clínicas (HC) received a direct vascular image projection device that allows visualization of the peripheral venous network up to one centimeter in depth. O VeinViewer Flex uses infrared technology to assist in the evaluation and location of difficult-to-reach vessels.
The equipment was donated by the Federal Revenue Service and will be used by the hospital's Vascular Catheter and Infusion Therapy Management Group (GCATI). With this donation, HC becomes the first public hospital in the State of São Paulo to have this technology available to patients.
"This equipment has a great impact on the quality of care and patient safety. With it, it is possible to visualize the superficial vessels with greater distinction. This allows the care team to choose the most appropriate vein, providing a targeted venipuncture, with a lower risk of extravasation, and potentially less painful”, explains the HC care coordinator and president of GCATI, Plínio Trabasso.
"This instrument is the dream equipment of any infusion therapy and vascular access group. Using infrared light, I can locate vessels that are not visible to the naked eye, nor sensitive to palpation”, comments Ana Ganhadoto, an exclusive nurse at GCATI.
Around 90% of patients admitted to the HC use some type of venous access device (catheter): peripheral, central venous, short and long, used for short or long periods of stay.
The use of the equipment will guarantee the choice of the best vein for placing the ideal catheter, and the reduced need for multiple punctures, which can cause transfixation (“burst vein”) or extravasation; which, in turn, can produce drug infiltration.
"Patients with difficult visualization of peripheral veins or extreme ages will use this equipment for peripheral venipuncture”, says Ana.
According to the specialist in infusion therapy, some of the population have veins that are visible and palpable to the naked eye, while others do not. This last category generally includes children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, patients with multiple punctures or those using multiple catheters, malnourished or obese people.
"Children and the elderly are a delicate population for venipunctures. The equipment will bring safety and quality in the care of patients with a difficult peripheral venous network”, comments the nurse.
O VeinViewer Flex It also makes it possible to evaluate the caliber, path and permeability of fine veins. It also allows the nurse to photograph and store the anatomy of the patient's vessels on the computer.
Over the next 30 days, GCATI will prepare an internal protocol to define the criteria for using the VeinViewer Flex according to the patient. Training will also be carried out by the company supplying the equipment for HC nurses, who will be a reference in using the equipment in all units.
About GCATI
The Vascular Catheter and Infusion Therapy Management Group (GCATI) was implemented through an ordinance from the HC Superintendency. Composed of eight members (representing the assistance areas, CCIH and ARM), it is chaired by the HC Assistance Coordination (COAS). The group's objective is to advise COAS and DENF in planning infusion therapy, in the use of new technologies, materials and inputs aimed at this care practice. In 2018, the Nursing Department opened a vacancy for a nurse to dedicate exclusively to the group.
