The main value of the venous imaging device in oncology departments and chemotherapy wards lies in addressing the “difficult needle insertion” problem faced by chemotherapy patients due to repeated punctures and deteriorating vascular conditions. It not only significantly improves the success rate of the first puncture, shortens the operation time, but also reduces the pain experience of patients during the puncture process and enhances their satisfaction with medical treatment.

Clinical research data have demonstrated its specific effects:

Improving the success rate of one-time puncture: When using an infrared imaging device on elderly cancer patients, the success rate of one-time puncture can increase from 73.6% in the control group to 92.5%. Recent randomized controlled trials also show that using a near-infrared light imaging device results in significantly higher scores for the visibility of blood vessels reported by nurses.

The following differences also need to be considered when making a choice:
1. Display mode

Direct vision/projection: Project the vascular image directly onto the patient’s skin. The advantage is that the operator does not need to shift their gaze and their hands and eyes are in perfect coordination. The drawback is that the projection may deform due to the curved surface of the skin.

Screen display type: View vascular images on an independent display screen. The advantage is that the image is clear and stable, and can be viewed by multiple people. The drawback is that the operator needs to switch the line of sight between the patient’s skin and the screen.



2. Portability and form

Handheld portable: The most common, it looks like a large flashlight or probe, is flexible and convenient, and can be used beside the bed.

Desktop/floor-standing: Usually more powerful in function, not easy to move, and often used in fixed departments.

Head-mounted/wearable: Free up hands, but still in the development stage and not widely used.



3. Functional differences

Simple positioning vs. navigation guidance

Positioning type: Only displays the location and direction of blood vessels. Most infrared devices fall into this category.

Navigation-guided type: It can not only display blood vessels but also provide real-time guidance on the insertion path and depth of the puncture needle through technologies such as laser indication and puncture needle tracking. Most high-end ultrasonic devices are equipped with this function.

Vascular recognition algorithm: Smart devices can automatically identify and outline the center line of blood vessels through algorithms, and even assess the suitability of blood vessels, rather than merely displaying an image.



4. Cost and Maintenance

Near-infrared equipment: The purchase cost is relatively low, almost no consumables are required, and maintenance is simple.

Ultrasonic equipment: The purchase cost is high, it requires consumables such as coupling agents, and the maintenance and professional training costs are also high.



How to choose?

For routine clinical needs (such as outpatient infusion rooms) : High-quality near-infrared light vein finder are the most cost-effective choice and can solve the puncture problems of most patients.



For patients with difficult puncture (such as ICU patients, the elderly, those undergoing chemotherapy for tumors, and obese patients) : Portable ultrasound vein finder are more effective tools because they can “see” deep blood vessels and have a higher success rate.



For the establishment of medium to long-term vascular access: Ultrasound equipment is the gold standard, and even an essential tool, as it can assess vascular conditions, prevent accidental arterial puncture, and guide catheter placement in real time.