effect of near-infrared vein finder technology on success rate of cannulation in obese diabetic patients

Background: intravenous cannulation is needed in about 90% of patients admitted to hospitals to administer medications or replace fluids, which is difficult to perform in obese patients with diabetes. objectives: the present study aimed to assess the effect of using near-infrared vein finder technology on the success rate of cannulation in obese patients with diabetes. methods: this randomized controlled trial was conducted on 92 eligible patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity at al-rusafa hospitals in baghdad, iraq, in september 2021. the subjects were divided into the intervention (n =46) and control (n =46) groups. however, cannulation using near-infrared vein finder technology was only performed for the intervention group. the data were collected using a demographic and clinical data questionnaire and a chronometer. results: the success rates of cannulation for the first time were 60.9% and 15.2% in the intervention and control groups, respectively. the mean values of procedural time were 53.2 ± 28.9 and 94.3 ± 41.5 seconds in the intervention and control groups, respectively. the independent effects of patients’ body mass index (p = 0.002) and skin color (p = 0.040) on procedural time were significant. conclusions: the use of near-infrared vein finder technology in obese diabetic patients reduces procedural time and venipuncture attempts.