Research Project
10461711
Abstract Venipuncture, the process of obtaining intravenous access for either catheter placements or blood sampling, is one of the most standard clinical procedure performed worldwide. It is also the leading cause of both patient and practitioner injury in healthcare facilities. This is because successfully identifying and cannulating veins relies heavily on clinician expertise and patient physiology, where non-visible, non-palpable, or rolling veins create challenges for clinicians to quickly and safely obtain venous access. My thesis project is involved with the development of an ultrasound image-guided hand-held device for safely and efficiently obtaining venous access in patients. The device works by using ultrasound imaging to identify vessels for cannulation in order to robotically guide an attached needle safely to the vein center, all comprised within a hand-held, easy to use portable device. The proposed research here involves the development of the hand-held device, including 1) development of a puncture prediction software for assuring first-stick accuracy and 2) development of the hand-held robotic device for portable use and performing catheter insertions. The outcome of this work will be the groundwork for a hand- held automated venipuncture device for safe, quick, and simple venous access. Our hypothesis is that a device utilizing ultrasound image guidance and robotic needle placement will increase first-stick accuracy and safety for patients while simplifying the entire venipuncture process and reducing procedure time for clinicians.
