A pilot randomised controlled trial assessing the impact of sharp short bevelled catheters on first-time insertion success

Getting an intravenous (IV) drip inserted can be difficult in some patients — for example, people with hard-to-find veins due to kidney disease, prior IV drug use, or previous failed attempts. Standard IV catheters have a particular needle tip shape, and a newer type called a short-bevel catheter has a different tip design that may be easier to insert successfully on the first try. This pilot study will randomly assign 100 hospital patients who are known to be difficult to cannulate to receive either the new short-bevel catheter or a standard catheter. Researchers will track whether the needle is successfully inserted on the first attempt, and how long the IV line lasts. The study will also help determine whether a larger, definitive trial is worth running. You may be eligible if you are 16 or older, need an IV line for at least 24 hours, and have been identified as someone who is difficult to cannulate — for example, you have no visible veins, a history of difficult access, or a prior failed insertion attempt.