Peripheral intravenous (PIV) cannulation is one of the most common invasive procedures, providing direct access to the bloodstream for fluids, medications, blood products, and nutritional support. It’s also frequently used for blood draws.
Despite how routine it is, IV placement has a high failure rate, up to 35-50%, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The procedures can also be painful, particularly for patients with needle anxiety, which may cause them to move and reduce the chances of a successful first attempt. Providing the patient with a topical anesthetic, like Gebauer's Pain Ease® topical anesthetic skin refrigerant, can help ease discomfort and anxiety, making the process smoother for both patients and healthcare providers.
The Role of Gebauer's Pain Ease in Intravenous Cannulation
Reduces Needle Anxiety and Pain
Needle anxiety is common and can cause patients to move during cannulation, making the procedure more difficult and painful. Using Gebauer’s Pain Ease can help reduce this anxiety by temporarily numbing the skin within seconds, making the process quicker, less painful, and potentially lowering failure rates.
Evidence Supporting Pain Ease's Effectiveness
Research indicates that Pain Ease is highly effective in reducing pain during venipuncture and IV cannulation. In a study involving 100 adults, 78% of those who received Pain Ease reported less pain compared to previous blood draws. Additionally, 80% of patients expressed a willingness to use the spray in the future.
Pain Ease and Vasoconstriction
One concern with topical anesthetics is the potential for vasoconstriction, which can make cannulation more challenging. However, clinical evidence supports that Gebauer's Pain Ease does not cause vasoconstriction. Studies have shown that cannulation success rates are the same or higher with Pain Ease compared to placebo and does not influence the vessel diameter because it is topical only.
Safe for Aseptic Procedures
Pain Ease is safe for use in aseptic procedures. It has passed microbial examinations and will not introduce microorganisms to a site that has already been treated with an antiseptic. This makes it suitable for use in various medical settings, including hospitals and clinics.
Learn More About Gebauer’s Pain Ease
Effective intravenous cannulation requires a combination of anatomical knowledge, technical skill, and patient management. By incorporating best practices and utilizing tools like Gebauer's Pain Ease, healthcare providers can improve the success rate of cannulation, minimize patient discomfort, and enhance the overall patient experience. Pain Ease not only reduces pain and anxiety but also supports a smoother and more efficient procedure, benefiting both patients and medical professionals.
