| Posted July 15, 2015 | By Nate Karlin | Categorized under WMC Happenings |

Williamson Medical Center recently received a device that helps nurses easily and accurately locate hard-to-find veins when placing an IV.

The Vein Viewer Vision 2 technology uses near-infrared light, a digital camera and an image-processing unit to build an image of a patient's vascular structure.  The device then projects the image onto the patient's skin, illuminating the best vein for the nurse to place the IV.

"This device will definitely be a patient satisfier," said Ashley Perkins, R.N., associate administrator for nursing at Williamson Medical Center. "For our patients with small veins or those who have a history of receiving multiple sticks, the Vein Viewer should make the IV experience less stressful for the patient."

The Vein Viewer can be used on any patient regardless of age, body type or skin tone, but it is ideal for elderly patients, patients who are dehydrated, and patients with small veins that are not visible or palpable.

The device is non-invasive and poses no risk to the patients.

"We knew having this technology available for nurses will make IV placement more efficient and will decrease the potential of multiple sticks to the patient," Perkins said. "The visualization technology allows for an optimal and successful IV placement."

The purchase of the Vein Viewer was made possible through funds raised by Williamson Medical Center's Volunteer Auxiliary.