Table 4Summary of Findings of Included Primary Clinical Study

Main Study FindingsAuthors’ Conclusion
Fumagalli, 20174
Hematoma“In elderly critically ill patients, the utilization of a new NIR-BD technology to make easier the visualization and puncture of veins does not require more time and attempts than the traditional one. Patients do not experience more pain. However, the new approach is associated to a significantly reduced incidence of hematoma formation and to a lower burden of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The results of this pilot study could represent the basis of further trials aimed at confirming the advantages of this approach and identifying subjects most likely to benefit from it.” (p. 338)
Incidence (P = 0.012)
NIR-BD (n = 47)8.5%
SOC (n = 56)28.6%
HADS - lower score indicates less anxiety/depression
Anxiety (P = 0.038)
NIR-BD (n = 47)5.8
SOC (n = 56)7.7
Depression (P = 0.037)
NIR-BD (n = 47)5.7
SOC (n = 56)7.5
Pain (VAS ≥ 1) - lower score indicates less pain
Before puncture (P = 1.000)
NIR-BD (n = 47)10.6%
SOC (n = 56)12.5%
End of procedure (P = 0.557)
NIR-BD (n = 47)51.1%
SOC (n = 56)44.6%
Time needed (minutes) (P = 0.173)
NIR-BD (n = 47)8.0 ± 5.8
SOC (n = 56)7.0 ± 3.9
Number of consecutive attempts (P = 0.361)
NIR-BD (n = 47)1.2 ± 0.6
SOC (n = 56)1.3 ± 0.6
Crossover to other technique (P = 0.081)
NIR-BD (n = 47)6.4%
SOC (n = 56)19.6%
Univariate risk factors for hematoma formation
Time needed (minutes) (P = 0.003)
Hematoma (n = 20)10.3 ± 4.0
No hematoma (n = 83)6.8 ± 4.8
Number of consecutive attempts (P = 0.001)
Hematoma (n = 20)1.8 ± 0.7
No hematoma (n = 83)1.2 ± 0.5
Crossover to other technique (P < 0.001)
Hematoma (n = 20)45.0%
No hematoma (n = 83)6.0%
Multivariate risk factors for hematoma formation
Number of consecutive attempts
Overall (P < 0.001)
ORper attempt (95% CI)5.86 (2.23 to 15.41)
NIR-BD group (P = 0.022)
ORper attempt (95% CI)0.21 (0.05 to 0.80)
INR values, time needed, and crossover to other technique were not statistically significant.

CI = confidence interval; HADS = Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; INR = international normalized ratio; NIR-BD = near-infrared electromagnetic radiation based device; OR = odds ratio; SOC = standard of care; VAS = visual analogue scale.

From: Vein Illumination Devices in Long-Term and Acute Care Settings: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines

Cover of Vein Illumination Devices in Long-Term and Acute Care Settings: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines
Vein Illumination Devices in Long-Term and Acute Care Settings: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines [Internet].
Edge R, Butcher R.
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