Illuminated Hypodermic Needle For Facilitating Venafuncture Under Poor Lighting Conditions

A fiber optic intravenous catheter placement unit was developed to facilitate venapuncture under poor ambient lighting conditions characteristic of the combat casualty care environment. Prototypes were tested on a bench model and in vivo on a swine ear using various visible and infrared light sources. These included small flashlights, miniature chemical lightsticks, and light emitting diodes (LEDs). Infrared light sources were used in conjunction with night vision goggles. small flashlights and LEDs provided adequate light intensity to transilluminate the vein. With appropriate light sources, the units would be useful under any battlefield lighting conditions and have civilian emergency medicine applications as well. Only the