Higher success rates and satisfaction in difficult venous access patients with a guide wire–associated peripheral venous catheter

Abstract Study objective This study compares first pass success rates and patient and physician satisfaction scores of using a guide wire–associated peripheral venous catheter (GAPIV) vs a traditional peripheral venous catheter in difficult to obtain venous access patients. Methods A total of 200 patients were enrolled prospectively from a convenience sample in a large urban academic emergency department. Patients were included when they were deemed difficult access per study criteria. Patients were alternated to receiving either a traditional peripheral venous catheter or a GAPIV. The number of attempts, the number of catheters used, and patient and physician satisfaction scores were recorded. Results A total of 100 patients were enrolled into each group. First attempt success was 85% with GAPIV vs 22% with the traditional peripheral venous catheter ( P P P Conclusion The GAPIV product demonstrated significantly higher first attempt success and patient satisfaction compared to a traditional peripheral venous catheter in difficult to obtain venous access patients. Physician satisfaction was also favorable due to ease of access, time, and efficiencies gained.