'Smart glasses' solution detects patient veins for precise IV placement

Vascular imaging technology developer Evena Medical (Los Altos, CA) has launched its Eyes-On glasses system, a point-of-care wearable unit that enables nurses at the bedside to see “through” a patient’s skin to the vasculature beneath.

The Eyes-On glasses incorporate multispectral imaging and wireless connectivity technology to deliver clear, anatomically accurate, real-time imaging in a wearable hands- and cart-free system. They are based on the Epson Moverio “smart glasses” technology platform and its “look-through” capabilities, and present one of the first healthcare applications of smart glasses commercially available on a global scale.

“Studies have shown that up to 40% of IV starts require multiple attempts to locate and access a vein, which not only wastes valuable nursing time but also delays therapy and causes patient discomfort and dissatisfaction,” says Frank Ball, Evena Medical president and CEO. The glasses enable location of and access to the best veins for each patient, including those in challenging clinical environments such as pediatric or neonatal units, he adds.

The glasses include digital storage to verify and document vein patency throughout a patient’s stay in the hospital, and telemedicine capability to share images remotely. The system also interfaces with hospital electronic medical records systems. The Epson Moverio offers a binocular design that projects overlays of digital content onto the real-world in the center of the wearer’s field of view.

Medica 2013 (November 20-22, 2013; Dusseldorf, Germany) conference attendees can see the Eyes-On glasses at Evena Medical's booth (Hall 15, Booth C03 in the Wearables Pavilion).

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