Potential of modified puncture method to decrease intravenous indwelling needle-related complications in inpatients with cardiovascular disease

Objective This study was performed to investigate the potential of a modified puncture method to decrease the incidence of intravenous indwelling needle-related complications in inpatients with cardiovascular disease. Methods From February 2017 to July 2017, 436 consecutive inpatients with cardiovascular disease requiring infusion treatment were recruited and randomly divided into the control group and the treatment group. The standard infusion puncture method was applied in the control group, and a modified puncture method was applied in the treatment group. The incidence of complications and necessary positional adjustments of the intravenous indwelling needle in the two groups were observed. Results The incidence of necessary positional adjustments of the intravenous indwelling needle was significantly lower in the treatment group than control group (16.5% versus 5.0%, respectively). The incidences of redness at the puncture point and oozing of blood or fluid at the puncture point were also significantly lower in the treatment group than control group (18.6% versus 4.5% and 12.7% versus 5.5%, respectively). Conclusions The modified puncture method for intravenous indwelling needles can significantly decrease the incidence of complications and positional adjustments during application, which relieves patients’ pain and lightens nurses’ workload.