Funded by NIH, Grant No.: 2R44HL062008-04
Patent No.: Pending

The Need

In the United States, about 80% of hospital patients require IV therapy and about 50% of IV lines fail due to infiltration, a clot in the cannula (plastic tube holding needle), an inflammatory response of the vein, or separation of the cannula from the vein. These complications are usually accompanied by pain, erythema, or swelling at the insertion type. More severe responses include necrosis requiring skin debridement, skin grafting, or amputation.

The Idea

Early detection of IV infiltration prevents the occurrence of serious incidents that may require surgical correction. CW Optics aims to provide an accurate, reliable, and low-cost tool that allows objective assessment of IV infiltration.

The Science

The leakage of cytotoxic drugs, intravenous nutrition, solutions of calcium, potassium, and bicarbonate, and even 10% dextrose outside the vein into which they are delivered is known to cause skin necrosis and to precipitate significant scarring around joints. CW Optics' new method of IV monitoring has several advantages over existing methods. CW Optics' method can be used to monitor infiltrations without direct attention from medical personnel. An analog, digital, or audible alarm signal can be sent to a central nursing station. Another advantage is in the detection algorithms used. These algorithms heighten the method's differentiation between infiltration and normal patient movement so no false positives are detected.

The Bottom Line

Hospitals pay hundreds of millions of dollars each year battling against malpractice suits founded upon IV infiltration complications each year. Applying CW Optics' new method could greatly decrease these number of cases, as well as provide better patient care.