Effect of Near-Infrared Vein Finder Technology on Success Rate of Cannulation in Obese Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Background: Intravenous cannulation is needed in about 90% of patients admitted to hospitals to administer medications or replace fluids, which is difficult to perform in obese patients with diabetes. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effect of using near-infrared vein finder technology on the success rate of cannulation in obese patients with diabetes. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 92 eligible patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity at Al-Rusafa hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq, in September 2021. The subjects were divided into the intervention (n = 46) and control (n = 46) groups. However, cannulation using near-infrared vein finder technology was only performed for the intervention group. The data were collected using a demographic and clinical data questionnaire and a chronometer. Results: The success rates of cannulation for the first time were 60.9% and 15.2% in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The mean values of procedural time were 53.2 ± 28.9 and 94.3 ± 41.5 seconds in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The independent effects of patients’ body mass index (P = 0.002) and skin color (P = 0.040) on procedural time were significant. Conclusions: The use of near-infrared vein finder technology in obese diabetic patients reduces procedural time and venipuncture attempts.