The Effectiveness of the Light Source Device on the Insertion of Cannulae into the Peripheral Veins in Children in Khartoum State Hospitals 2012

Background Peripheral intravenous catheters are the most commonly inserted tubes. It is a time consuming procedure performed on the majority of general paediatric inpatients, with significant discomfort to patients and their caregivers. The use of Transillumination for the localization of veins for cannulation is an old technique, however, it is still not well known worldwide. Some studies found this technique to have a 100 % success rate. There are no published studies from Sudan regarding use of transillumination for cannulae insertion. The device used in this study is simple, cheep, and safe and can be used in every procedure room in the hospitals. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the light source device on the insertion of cannulae into the peripheral veins in children. Methods This is a randomized clinical trial study, examined 246 inpatients children from the age of one month to 60 months who required peripheral catheter insertion at pediatric hospitals in Khartoum state (intervention group, n = 123), using a simple light source device. Data were collected by special assessment sheet which consist of two sections 1. Demographic data of participants, 2. Observational checklist concerning cannulae insertion procedure. Data were analyzed by (SPSS) Data were compared at baseline data (control group, n = 123,) without using the device. Variables were the number of attempts per patient, success rate, the time to procedure completion and cost of total procedure calculated by number of cannulae, number of swab, and number of syringes used. RESULTS Successful cannulation was achieved at the first attempt 56.9 % in the illumination group and 43.1 % in the control group. The maximum number of attempts was three in illumination group compared to more than three attempts in control group. Two attempts were required in 45.3 % of patients in the illumination group and in 54.7 % of the control group, 3 attempts were needed in 28.6 % and 71.4 % of the groups, respectively (P =0.03). The percentage of procedures completed within less than 5 minutes increased when nurses used the transillumination light device compared to not using the device, (P =0.00). The result demonstrated that transillumination lower the total procedure cost by 46.9SDG. p. value= (0.004) CONCLUSIONS Transillumination had more success rate, shorter duration of insertion and total cost of the procedure was reduced. Peripheral Intravenous Cannulae, children, Transillumination,