Ali S. Raja, MD, MBA, MPH, FACEP

In a randomized trial, the AccuVein transillumination device did not improve the speed, success rate, or discomfort of peripheral intravenous cannulation.

Ultrasound has been shown to be effective in reducing time needed to obtain IV access (NEJM JW Emerg Med Jan 4 2006), as has near-infrared transillumination in children younger than 2 years (NEJM JW Emerg Med Sep 23 2011). The AccuVein is a new device that uses red and infrared light to identify and transilluminate peripheral veins for cannulation. To examine whether the AccuVein improves IV placement in adults, researchers in France randomized 272 adult emergency department patients to receive IV placement by nurses using either standard technique or the AccuVein.

The primary outcome, time to successful placement of IV, as well as success rate and pain scores did not differ between the two techniques. Patients in the AccuVein group were more likely to attempt to withdraw their arms during the procedure.

Citation(s):

Aulagnier J et al. Efficacy of AccuVein to facilitate peripheral intravenous placement in adults presenting to an emergency department: A randomized clinical trial. Acad Emerg Med 2014 Aug; 21:858.