Medical Monitor Continuously Scans Intravenous Therapy

A novel intravenous (IV) therapy monitor improves patient safety through early detection of peripheral venous infiltration (PVI) and extravasation.

The ivWatch model 400 is a noninvasive sensor that uses a near-infrared (NIR) optical sensor to illuminate the tissue near the IV insertion site. The sensor is placed in a disposable receptacle and fixed next to the IV site, so that it can continuously monitor the tissue’s optical properties. The optical sensor is coupled to a highly intuitive, pole-mounted monitor equipped with a color liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen to continuously display patient IV status.


The optical sensor both emits NIR light and detects it returning from the skin. The optical data is then processed using a proprietary diagnostic algorithm to determine patient status. Status and status changes are displayed on-screen, along with an audible notification, alerting staff when conditions suggest that a PVI or extravasation has occurred, thus reducing patient harms. The ivWatch 400 is a product of ivWatch (Williamsburg, VA, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“It’s like a seatbelt; since it’s difficult to predict when an accident will occur, people wear their seatbelt for the duration of their travel,” said Gary Warren, President and CEO of ivWatch. “Similarly, since it’s difficult to predict when an infiltration will occur, and we know it occurs too frequently, the ivWatch Model 400 represents a seat belt for patients with an IV. Our continuous monitoring device not only improves patient safety, but can help minimize the risk and avoidable costs for health care provider organizations.”

Complications of PVI are usually restricted to pain and redness, but in severe cases may result in tissue necrosis, loss of function, amputation or even death. To avoid potential failure, clinicians have defaulted to using often more intrusive vascular access devices, such as peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). Unfortunately, these devices can carry other serious risks, such as central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

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