AMR Future Brief| How Is Vein Scanning Technology Impacting Healthcare?

Vein scanning technology employs advanced devices that visualize veins beneath the skin, making it easier to identify suitable spots, blood draws, and IV placements. Typically, locating veins relies on touch and sight, which is tough for some patients. Vein scanners project images of veins onto the skin with infrared light, improving accuracy. This reduces discomfort and anxiety for patients during needle procedures. The integration of vein scanning in healthcare has brought out several positive outcomes in treatment, eventually enhancing better patient care.?

Improved techniques and multi-modal scanning?

Recent advancements in imaging techniques have greatly improved how we visualize veins. New infrared technology and high-definition cameras can now penetrate deeper layers of skin, giving a clearer and more accurate view of venous structures. Some devices even allow for the visualization of both superficial and deeper veins, expanding their use. Venous Health, Inc. teamed up with Philips in 2019 to explore advanced imaging techniques aimed at improving venous access in challenging patient populations. This collaboration focused on developing innovative solutions that combine Philips’ expertise in medical imaging with Venous Health's specialized knowledge in vascular health.?

Another exciting development is the creation of multi-modal scanning devices that combine vein imaging with ultrasound. These hybrid systems provide valuable insights into vascular and anatomical structures, making them especially useful in complex situations, such as with pediatric patients or individuals with vascular issues.??

Integration with mobile devices and EHR?

?The arrival of mobile and handheld vein scanners has made accessing care much easier in various medical settings. These portable devices can be taken to emergency rooms and outpatient clinics. They are also used at the bedside, ensuring timely care when quick venous access is important. Modern scanners are also integrating with electronic health records, allowing providers to document venipuncture attempts directly in patient records. AccuVein partnered with Cerner in 2020 to enhance integration with electronic health records, improving documentation and tracking of venipuncture attempts. In 2021, VeinTech Innovations collaborated with Epic Systems to streamline data sharing between vein scanning devices and EHR systems, enhancing patient management.?

With clearer imaging and AI-assisted predictions, healthcare providers achieve higher success rates in venipuncture. Studies indicate that the use of vein scanning technology increases first-attempt success rates significantly, particularly in patients with difficult veins. This improvement not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of complications associated with multiple needle sticks. An International Journal of Medical Informatics article suggests that AI-driven vein mapping predicts the most accessible sites for venipuncture with over 90% accuracy, significantly reducing the number of needle sticks required.??

Cost-effectiveness and enhanced training opportunities leading to better patient outcomes?

Vein scanning technology boosts cost-effectiveness by reducing the number of failed venipunctures, which saves on resources and minimizes waste from unnecessary supplies. This efficiency leads to quicker procedures, allowing healthcare providers to see more patients and manage their time better. For patients, accurate vein visualization enhances outcomes by reducing discomfort and anxiety, leading to a more positive experience during blood draws or IV placements. Moreover, these technologies create valuable training opportunities for healthcare professionals. Trainees practice and refine their skills in locating veins by using vein scanners in simulations, ultimately improving their confidence and competence. This combination of improved patient care and enhanced training fosters a more skilled healthcare workforce, benefiting everyone involved.?

Fujitsu’s palm vein authentication technology?

Fujitsu’s cutting-edge technology has transformed the palm vein patterns are captured. The system extracts clear vein patterns from palm images using a standard camera. This occurs through advanced wavelength analysis and by averaging multiple images while tracking palm position. In April 2023, the company developed an image correction technique to make sure that the smartphone images match those from specialized sensors. It also addresses the problem of stabilizing the palm during capture by employing AI to guide users in positioning their hands correctly. This implies one can easily pre-register the vein information with a smartphone. It allows seamless biometric authentication at in-store sensors, improving convenience and paving the way for broader adoption in the future.?

To conclude, vein scanning technology is improving patient identification and venous access. R&D in imaging and integration with electronic health records have attained higher success rates, reducing patient discomfort. This is apparent in procedures like blood drawings and IV placements. Moreover, the integration of AI and mobile devices has significantly increased effectiveness and training opportunities. This has resulted in better patient outcomes and a more skilled healthcare workforce.??

?For more insightful information on the latest vein-scanning technology,?contact us, now!?You can also reach out to AMR’s experts through our chat window.??

? **?????????????? ????????????: Saranya Ganguly??

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