Innovative Blood Draw Device Reduces Patient Discomfort

Available in both 20- and 22-gauge size, the device is comprised of an inner tube with a plunger, a proximal flexible tube with female Luer, and an outer barrel with a male Luer. The male Luer attaches to the PIV system, while the female Luer attaches to a blood transfer device or syringe, from which a blood sample is then collected.

The device is activated by pressing the plunger, which subsequently advances a small polymer cannula through the PIV catheter and into the vessel. Blood is then drawn using standard vacuum tubes; after the required number of tubes is filled, the plunger is retracted to its resting position, which causes the cannula to be removed from the PIV; it is then detached from the PIV line and discarded. The Velano device is a product of Velano Vascular (San Francisco, CA, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“A fundamental benefit of this technology is reducing the ‘pin cushion effect,’ in which hospitalized patients are stuck several times daily to obtain blood tests. Oftentimes, the draw procedure is plagued by multiple failed attempts,” said Eric Stone, co-founder and CEO of Velano Vascular. “The FDA’s clearance of this novel technology validates the existing clinical need and will allow us to expedite our efforts to bring this innovation to patients, healthcare providers, and hospitals around the world.”

Blood draw procedures occur 350 million times annually in the United States alone. Almost 28% of adult venipunctures and 44% of pediatric venipunctures draws require more than one stick to successfully draw blood, and around 10% of children 3–10 years old must be physically restrained to endure a needle-based blood draw. This creates disruptions for patients and clinicians alike, and is associated with significant direct and indirect costs, with studies suggesting that accidental needle sticks cost hospitals upwards of USD 50 million per year.

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