Randomized cross over study comparing the first attempt success rate of intravenous cannulation in children using the AccuVein AV 300 apparatus versus the standard technique

Abstract

Background: The AccuVein AV 300 device helps in venipuncture and intravenous (IV) cannulation. It uses infrared light that can be absorbed by the blood hemoglobin so that veins location is clearly viewed on the skin’s surface. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the AV 300 device over the standard technique in increasing the first-time success rate (SR) for pediatric patients who needed IV cannulation. Methods: This was a prospective crossover study of patients aged 0-18 years scheduled for surgery or examination under anesthesia but without having an existing IV access and after providing consent form. Patients were randomized into two groups; cannulation with AV 300 or standard insertion performed by experienced pediatric anesthesiologists and residents under training. Results: A total of 184 pediatric patients were included in this study. The difficult veins children were younger than those with easy veins (5.4±3.2 vs 4.3±3.7 P = 0.04). The first-attempt SR was similar for all participants, 67% (95% CI, 57-77%) when using AV300 and 70% (95% CI, 61-79%) when using the standard method (P = 0.9). The same applies when comparing the firstattempt SR between easy and difficult veins groups. The successful cannulation time of difficult veins by residents was longer in the standard vs. AccuVein group respectively 65s (27-168) vs 50s (15-222). Conclusion: Intravenous cannulation using AcccuVein 300 Was not superior to the standard method in children except for a shorter time to cannulation in patients with difficult veins. © 2018, American University of Beirut. All rights reserved.