Effect of a thin-tipped short bevel needle for peripheral intravenous access on the compressive deformation and displacement of the vein: A preclinical study

Background: Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion often fails on the first attempt. Risk factors include small vein size and dehydration, causing vein deformation and displacement due to puncture resistance of the vessel. The authors developed a short, thin-tipped bevel needle and compared its puncture performance with needles of four available PIVCs using an ex vivo model. Methods: The PIVC with the thin-tipped short bevel needle was compared to four available PIVCs using an ex vivo model which simulated the cephalic vein of the human forearm. The ex vivo model consisted of a porcine shoulder and porcine internal jugular vein, and was used for evaluation of the rate of vein deformation and vessel displacement during needle insertion. Results: An ex vivo model was created with a vessel diameter of 2.7–3.7 mm and a depth of 2–5 mm. The thin-tipped short bevel PIVC needle was associated with a significantly lower compressive deformation rate and venous displacement compared to the needles of the other four PIVCs. Conclusion: The thin-tipped short bevel needle induced lower compressive deformation and displacement of the vein than the conventional needles. This needle has the potential to improve the first-attempt success rate of peripheral intravenous catheterization in patients with difficult venous access.