Novarix - Vein Visualisation Aid

One of the world’s most common medical procedures is a major source of infection risk and
discomfort to patients. If it is not performed quickly it can lead to increased healthcare costs
and extended treatment times. The procedure in question is the insertion of a cannula into a
vein for the delivery of IV Therapy or to collect blood samples.
An estimated 90% of all hospital admissions in the USA have a cannula inserted for drug
administration, saline drips, blood sampling etc. with over 1bn cannulations performed
annually worldwide. Finding good quality veins to cannulate in patients is often not
straightforward and studies have shown that 1 in 4 patients require 3 or more attempts, with
some having to endure 10 or more.
Novarix is developing a hand-held viewing device that uses near infrared light to display a
patient’s vascular structure. This patented device identifies difficult to find veins so that first
stick success rate improves significantly and in so doing reduces costs, infection risks and
treatment times. Proof of concept devices have been evaluated by hospitals and clinicians in
the UK, France and Denmark and the response is characterised by the following quote:
“The Novarix device proved to be excellent at locating peripheral veins and has benefited
experienced nurses in my team. I think it will be a greater help for more inexperienced
personnel “ - S Henneberg, Head of Dept of Anaesthesia, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen
Novarix believes that there is a substantial medical need and economic argument for the
device which his exciting interest from a number of major medical device companies and
distributors. In light of this positive validation of the device Novarix is now at a stage where a
major upgrading of the existing unit is required before taking the device into manufacture and
further evaluations. We are seeking funding to complete all development work before
launching the product in 12 months’ time.