Robotic IV insertion prototype means less pain for kids: A new prototype device for rapid and safe IV insertion can identify veins, insert a needle and withdraw it in a single movement. The semi-automatic handheld device, called SAGIV, was developed by students and clinicians in the Biodesign program of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah Medical Center. (Photo: Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
A new prototype device for rapid and safe IV insertion reduces pain
in hospitalized children. The semi-automatic handheld device, called
SAGIV, identifies veins, inserts a needle and withdraws it in a single
movement. It was developed by students and clinicians in the Biodesign
program of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah Medical
Center.
Administering fluids to patients is carried out through intravenous
(IV) catheters, inserting a needle in a vein in a common medical
procedure. However, the motor coordination required to insert an IV
catheter is very demanding, particularly in children and infants. This
often causes pain, distress and frustration.
To address this need, Hebrew University of Jerusalem students and
Hadassah Medical Center clinicians, attending the joint Biodesign
program, created a semi-automatic handheld device for rapid and safe IV
insertion. Called SAGIV, the device uses infrared sights and electrical
sensing to identify veins, insert the needle into the correct location,
and withdraw it in a single, rapid robotic movement.
Watch a video about SAGIV at http://youtu.be/pQ9dJpCdYKs.
“Inserting an IV is a demanding procedure, and many times children
need to be pricked 5, 6 or more than 10 times for successful insertion,”
said Dr. Yotam Almagor, the group’s clinical expert. “This leads to a
lot of pain and frustration.” The group’s prototype, developed by
engineering graduate student Lev Lavy, has already been tested
successfully on children at the pediatric ward of Hadassah Medical
Center. “We had a lot of excited parents asking that we use the device,”
said Almagor. “Children that used to be pricked numerous times in every
visit can now be connected in a single attempt.”
Other students in the group include Gahl Levy, founder of EnergySmart
Solutions, as well as Yifat Castel and Alex Wainshtok, who are
completing their MBA degrees.
Biodesign is a multi-disciplinary, team-based approach to medical
innovation, created by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah
Medical Center in partnership with Stanford University. The program
takes outstanding medical fellows, bioengineering and business graduate
students, and tutors them in the science and practice of bringing a
medical innovation to the market. The program is directed by Dr. Yaakov
Nahmias, head of the Bioengineering program at the Hebrew University,
and Prof. Chaim Lotan, director of the Heart Institute at Hadassah
Medical Center.
Other teachers include, Prof. Dan Galai, Dr. Niron Hashai, and Dr. David Planer.
Source: Hebrew University of Jerusalem via AlphaGalileo