Optical Detection Infiltration/Extravasation in Neonates, a Continuous Monitoring for Peripheral Venous Accesses.

Peripheral intravenous (PIV) therapy is one of the most common invasive procedures performed in hospitals. PIV failures often occur when fluids leak out of the vein into surrounding tissue. This failure is usually called infiltration if the leakage involves non-vesicant solutions or extravasation in case of vesicant solutions. In this clinical study both infiltration and extravasation events are indicated by the term "infiltration".

neonatal intensive care unit patients are an high-risk population for infiltration due to their intrinsic characteristic: poor and fragile vein asset, frequent and uncontrolled movements, need for prolonged intravenous drug and fluid administration. Current nursing practice involves regular PIV site assessments for continuous infusions; particular attention is payed to the identification of swelling, pain, redness, warmth, or coolness. As infiltration represents a leading cause of iatrogenic injury, an early identification, an early identification can minimize its consequences.

The ivWatch Model 400 is a device that assists medical professionals in monitoring patients for PIV infiltrations using an optical sensor. This device received FDA clearance and European Conformity Mark for use in the adult and pediatric age groups. ivWatch enhanced the Model 400 to support a new disposable electronic sensor (SmartTouch sensor). In this study, the SmartTouch Sensor will be tested in a neonatal population in a NICU setting. The new sensor design includes optical components in the sensor package, similar to a typical pulse oximeter.

Primary study objective is to investigate whether the ivWatch SmartTouch sensor may be helpful in early identification of any kind of infiltration, if compared with our current standards of care.