Veins often can be difficult to locate in children when drawing blood or doing other procedures.
Now staff at Mendy’s Place and KidsZone can see the veins under the skin with the VeinViewer, a new, noninvasive technology.
The machine uses near-infrared light along with a digital video camera, image processing unit and digital projector to illuminate the veins under the skin in real time. The near-infrared light reflects the surrounding tissue but not the blood and creates a visual roadmap. It works on all skin tones and body types.
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| The VeinViewer helps locate veins on pediatric patients. |
Procedures typically can be done with one poke. The VeinViewer was named an invention of the year by Time magazine in 2004, the year it was being prototyped. Production started in 2006, and Deer Valley is the second Arizona hospital to have a VeinViewer.
The VeinViewer arrived in September and was purchased with a grant from Lincoln GIVES and from the remaining donation from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council of the Deer Valley School District, said Kathy Northrop, RN, clinical director of pediatrics.
Each year, the students pick a service learning project for the Deer Valley schools, and students raise money as part of the project. The students raised $15,000 for Mendy’s Place in 2005-2006, and they raised another $10,000 in 2006-2007, said Kenna Hough, DVUSD parent/community involvement manager and co-facilitator of the student group. |