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Phoebe rolls out new, futuristic device
Posted: 06.15.2011 at 5:50 PM
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The new device shows where a patient's veins are for a doctor or nurse inserting an IV
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ALBANY, GA -- It's almost like something out of a sci-fi novel.

“It just shines and highlights where the veins are,” said RN Ken Stack.

A device that lets nurses and doctors actually see where your veins are to make a more accurate stick to insert an IV.

“A lot of times we can see them, a lot of times we can feel them, this particular device will just enhance that, or when you got a vein you can't see or you can't feel, this will help identify that,” said Emergency Center Director, Todd Braswell.

Just shine a light, and you can see a virtual vascular road map.

“The device utilizes near infrared light which is completely safe and harmless to the skin and eyes, it also uses a sophisticated projection system to reflect off the muscle tissue and illuminate the hemoglobin in your blood,” said John Canning, Account Manager with Bimeco Group.

RN, Ken Stack has used it half a dozen times.

“Helps us to reduce our number of sticks on a patient which can reduce infection, patient safety is increased,” said Stack.

Sometimes a doctor or nurse will have to stick a patient a couple times to get it right, and each time they must use a new stick. This will increase accuracy, which means less pain for the patient, and decrease costs of all those sticks.

There are only two of these machines in southwest Georgia, the other is at Archibald in Thomasville. And when lots of equipment is costing $30,000 to $60,000--this was a bargain at $15,000, paid for by the Children's Miracle Network fund.

“We're very grateful because this is just one of many pieces of equipment that children's miracle network funds have been used to purchase. Our patients will be more comfortable, they'll be cared for quicker and obviously for something that's a painful process, we can make it less painful,” said Braswell.

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