Comparing techniques for placing IV lines in patients with difficult veins

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-guided Techniques and Infrared Illumination, Compared With the Standard Approach to Peripheral Venous Line Placement in People With Difficult Venous Access

Not applicable Interventional Poitiers University Hospital · NCT06838364

This study is testing whether using ultrasound or infrared light to place IV lines is better than the standard method for patients with hard-to-find veins who need a line for a CT scan.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment249 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPoitiers University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Poitiers)
Trial IDNCT06838364 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided and infrared illumination techniques against the standard method for peripheral venous catheterization (PVC) in patients with difficult venous access. The research will assess the success rates of these techniques on the first attempt, utilizing the A-DIVA clinical score to predict outcomes. Conducted at Poitiers Hospital, the study focuses on patients scheduled for CT scans who require a peripheral venous line. The goal is to identify the most effective method to enhance patient comfort and care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over with a CT scan appointment and an A-DIVA score of 2 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for IV line insertion, such as those with certain medical conditions or previous surgeries, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the success rate of IV line placements, reducing patient discomfort and anxiety.

How similar studies have performed: While there is literature on the effectiveness of ultrasound and infrared techniques, this specific comparison in Europe is novel and has not been previously tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 or over
* Patient with a CT scan appointment and a medical prescription requiring a peripheral venous line.
* Patient with an A-DIVA score greater than or equal to 2.
* Patient able and willing to comply with all study procedures.
* Patient covered by a social security scheme or covered through a third party.
* Patients who have given their free and informed written consent following clear and fair information about the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient with a contraindication to VVP insertion:
* Arm with arteriovenous fistula
* Limb with an orthopaedic or vascular prosthesis
* Previous mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection or homolateral radiotherapy of the arm
* Paralysed limb
* Presence of haematomas or puncture site wounds
* Limb with phlebitis or infection
* Patients already included in the study
* Persons benefiting from enhanced protection, i.e. minors, persons deprived of their liberty by a judicial or administrative decision, persons staying in a health or social establishment, pregnant or breast-feeding women, adults under legal protection and patients in emergency situations.

Where this trial is running

Poitiers

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Peripheral Venous Catheterizationultrasound guidedinfraredA-DIVA scale
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.