Twistlight

What it does

Twistlight is a light-assisted application aid to increase first stick success in vein-puncture. The handy device makes it easier to detect veins, even veins in bad condition, and helps you to quickly insert an IV line thanks to its integrated catheter feed.

Your inspiration

I got inspired, seeing how my nephew received an injection. The nurse had problems to find and puncture the vein, which made inserting the syringe a critical and painful experience. Although vein-puncture is the most common medical procedure in the world, 33% vein-puncture attempts fail at the first attempt. The risk of an infection and complication increases with every further attempt. Every abortive attempt prolongates the therapy and increases the cost, along with increasing pain and stress level of both patient and medical staff. Further discussions with medical staff proved, major difficulties occurring during the vein-puncture process.

How it works

Twistlight uses LED light in a diagnostically relevant wavelength to project it into the dermal tissue. It thus makes veins appear highly contrasted within its surrounding dermal tissue. Because the second hand is required to calm down the patient, undo the vein strap, tension the skin and fix the catheter in place when pulling out the steel stylet, the device incorporates an integrated catheter feed and catheter guidance, allowing the device to be operated single-handedly. Battery-powered and handy TWISTLIGHT can be used both in hospitals or doctor‘s office and emergency ambulance.

Design process

Several prototypes have been build in order to grant suited ergonomics, an efficient workflow, and to improve the engineering design in terms of product size and feasibility.

How it is different

The combination of illuminated guide control and catheter feed is patented. Twistlight is the only vein locator that also guides the catheter into the vein. The device is ergonomically based on the accustomed action sequence of the person performing the puncture. Reservations due to 're-learning' or 'complicating' the procedure are thus prevented. Twistlight is the only one-handed vein locator, that allows one-handed operation, which is crucial the application of an IV line.

Future plans

For the future I am looking for cooperating partners to go into clinical testings.

Awards

Red Dot Concept Award Winner 2015 German Design Award Winner 2017