Little Reed Cannula Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparison of 24 G versus 26 G peripheral intravenous safety cannula and a 24 G non- safety cannula in a population of neonates of less them 32 weeks gestation and less then 1.5 kg birth weight
IRAS ID
226643
Contact name
Michelle Parr
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 22 days
Research summary
Insertion of peripheral cannulae in neonates is a painful and stressful procedure and it is therefore desirable to minimize the number of procedures by increasing the survival time of each cannula. The incidence of phlebitis is variously described as 20 – 80%. Failure of venous access is often due to thrombi, phlebitis and extravasation. Mechanical phlebitis can be avoided by using the smallest gauge cannula capable of delivering the prescribed drug. Mechanical phlebitis occurs where there is movement of a foreign object (cannula) within a vein causing friction and subsequent inflammation. Success rates for cannulation depend on a range of factors including the clinician’s experience, gauge of cannula and infants weight as well as the condition of veins. Median survival of 24G Teflon intravenous cannulae was described as 40 hours in one study. There are few studies on the appropriate sizing of intravenous cannulae in children.
In this study the proposed non-safety 24 G cannula achieves a flow rate of 25 ml/min whereas the safety 24G and 26 G cannula achieve 22ml/ min and 15ml/min respectively.
Within the EU safety devices are mandatory since 2010. Needle stick injuries during venepuncture pose a risk for healthcare professionals and other staff due to the transmission of blood borne pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. This has cost implications for the NHS.
Safety cannulae in both 24 and 26 G have been trialed on our NICU in 2017 and are felt to be an important addition providing both safe and reliable cannulation. The design of the safety cannula is very similar to cannulae already used on the unit and handling does not require change in practice.
Due to the winged design of both safety and non-safety cannulae fixation of the line post insertion can be standardized.REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0083
Date of REC Opinion
19 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion