Revolutionary Vein-Viewing Technology Comes to Methodist

April 10, 2008

Methodist Medical Center adopts state-of-the-art technology in vascular access. VeinViewer by Luminetx allows nurses and clinicians to see veins below the surface of the skin, projecting a visual roadmap to the patient’s vessels.

Venipuncture is commonly thought of as one of the most frequent, painful, and anxiety-provoking invasive procedures performed by nurses.

"The VeinViewer is truly having an impact on patient care," said Anthony Howard, Director of Emergency Services for Methodist. "With VeinViewer, we are experiencing success on even the most difficult patients. Instead of being stuck multiple times, with VeinViewer they can be stuck once with less pain."

Methodist now has units available in the Emergency Department as well as the pediatric department since children are some of the more difficult vein access patients.

VeinViewer utilized near–infrared light, a digital video camera and an image processing unit to build an image of the patients vasculature. The device then projects that image in real-time on the patient's skin using visible light. Health care professionals can keep their hands free during procedures while the system accurately maps patients’ vasculature regardless of age, body type or skin tone.

"This technology is changing the standard of compassionate care. We truly believe it will become a new standard of care throughout the world." Said David Pennington, RN BSN, Director of Clinical Support Services, for Luminetx. "And we’re thrilled that Methodist is joining the ranks of multiple premier health care facilities nationwide that have adopted this new technology."  Methodist is the first hospital in this area to adopt this technology.