I am curious if there is anyone that has been experiencing difficulty in using the Prevue, in terms of the machine not recognizing the gel cap and therefore rendering the machine unusable. We have experienced significant problems and are looking into alternative small ultrasounds for short PIV insertions. Any thoughts? Thansk!
Have you considered an infrared light device? Smaller learning curve, hands-free device that allows for correct insertion technique with skin traction. There are now several studies showing success with several of these devices. I think there are about 4 brands on the market now. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
We"ve purchased several. No problems with gelcap recognition.
Turena Reeves
I totally agree with Lynn. The hands free lights are amazing and show multiple veins at the same time up to 10mm deep. Valorie
Valorie Dunn,BSN, RN, CRNI, PLNC
Ultrasound will show veins deeper than infrared light, so it may be better in bariatric patients. I think that infrared light can meet the majority of needs for superficial peripheral veins. BTW, this is not the same thing as a visible light device. There is a big difference. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
I am just working on bringing that skill to my institution. I would to speak with you. At this time I am getting a little push back for the mid-level providers.
Theresa Murphy RN, BS, CRN,CRNI, VA-BC
IV Coordinator
John T. Mather Memorial Hospital
Port Jefferson, New York 11720
631-476-2885
We have actually had great success with ultrasound, and use our SiteRite quite often to place peripheral IVs. We had obtained the Prevues last year, in hopes that we could carry them on our carts so that they were readily available. We have had continual issues with the condition of the gel caps as well as the machines not "recognizing" that the gel cap is in place. So, we resort to our larger ultrasound, which is unfortunate because I feel that more nurses would use the ultrasound if they didn't have to come back to the office to get the machine. We have many patients who come in with known difficult access, and this technology has saved many of them from having multiple sticks.
I appreciate the information about the light technology, but since we have been trained and successful with the ultrasound, I would like to continue with this. We are in hopes that the Prevue issue will be resolved and that an upgrade to the machinery will allow us to use the machines without the gel caps. Theresa- feel free to email me at [email protected] if you would like to discuss our ultrasound program!
Our Vascular Access Team has been using the PreVue for a few months now. We too have been having some issues with the caps and the quality of the images. Of greater concern to me is the expanded ability to place peripheral IVs in places they should not be and delaying the insertion of the appropriate device because "we got the IV". We have trialed the Powerwand and will probably trial the Powerglide sometime in the future. We are currently using a midline catheter that we have been very pleased with.
Professional liability, patient safety, and financial responsibility are all major concerns in this area of practice. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
Genine Schwinge, ANP-BC, PNP
Vascular Access Coordinator
John T Mather Memorial Hospital
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
So glad you emphasized this point! An unintended consequence that requires lots of education. Thanks, Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
We have been using the portable ultrasound for vascular access - PREVUE for more than 6 months in our large hospital and now need more than one. Yes, there have been some issues with the gel caps, but none that I have not been able to overcome. Our rep was kind enough to give us many extra samples in case we had to have a replacement. Due to our large renal population and in addition the high number of PICC orders called in for just failure to gain access, the ultrasound guided PIVs have been wonderful. We rarely place theise PIVs in the upper arm, opting instead to use the target area of the inner forearm three inches or so below the antecubital fossa as the best spot. The other key to success for us is the 1 3/4 inch catheter, the USPIV definitely does not work well with normal short PIV catheters. While I would prefer the PREVUE to have better resolution and "SEE" the needle/catheter better, I am very happy to have this portable technology. I am getting spoiled now having the gel cap and liking it better than squirting regular gel, not so messy.
Nancy Moureau PICC Team, South Carolina, and PICC Excellence, Inc.
[email protected]
706-377-3360
Nancy L. Moureau, PhD, RN, CRNI, CPUI, VA-BC
PICC Excellence, Inc.
[email protected]
www.piccexcellence.com