Cannulight FAQs
General
Q: What is Cannulight?
A: Cannulight device is a small, lightweight, sterile, disposable device that attaches to existing marketed PIVCs. When the IV catheter is inserted, it illuminates green when it hits the chosen vein. If the IV catheter is advanced too far and exits the vein, it turns off. The clinician can reposition the catheter back inside the vein, and the device illuminates green again.
This differs from the existing practice of sighting blood in the 'Flashback' chamber of the catheter which only indicates first vein entry - not exit, re-entry nor correct positioning. This often results in a 'false-positive' which can contribute to a failed PIVC insertion and subsequent injury to patients. Using its patent-protected technology, Cannulight gives the user a real-time, accurate, binary signal of success, that results in confident and precise PIVC insertion, every time.
Q: How does Cannulight work?
A: Cannulight uses veinous pressure to detect when the catheter tip is inside the vein. It glows green when in and switches off if the catheter exits or double punctures the vein, helping clinicians reduce failed attempts and unnecessary escalation.
Q: Who can use Cannulight?
A: Cannulight is designed for nurses, doctors, medics, and paramedics trained in peripheral IV insertion. It integrates seamlessly with standard practice and requires minimal additional training.
Cannulite-Sim is specially designed for trainers and simulation companies to transform medical training by giving learners instant visual confirmation during catheterization.
Clinical Practice
Q: Does Cannulight fit with existing IV catheters?
A: Yes. Cannulight is designed to slip securely onto standard, marketed peripheral IV catheters with no modification required.
Q: How much training is required?
A: Minimal. If you are already trained in IV insertion, you can use Cannulight immediately with no change in technique.
Q: Can I dispose of Cannulight in the sharps bin?
A: Yes. Cannulight is single-use and should be discarded with the catheter into the sharps bin. The alkaline battery that powers the device is safe to be disposed of in this way.
Q: Does Cannulight contain a battery?
A: Yes. It contains a miniature sealed alkaline battery that powers the light. It is fully enclosed and safe to dispose of in sharps waste.
Q: Is there a risk of electrical shock?
A: No. The battery is isolated, and the device is designed to meet international electrical safety standards.
Q: Will the light distract the patient?
A: No. The green light is small and discreet, visible to the clinician without distracting the patient.
Q: What if the light doesn’t turn on?
A: We recommend that you test the Cannulight device in the pouch before you slip it on the catheter. When you compress the test balloon in the pouch, the Cannulight should glow green If it doesn’t replace the Cannulight with a new sterile unit and test that.
Q: How long does the light stay on?
A: The light remains on while the catheter tip is inside the vein and turns off immediately if it exits.
Q: How should I store Cannulight?
A: Store at room temperature in its sterile packaging until ready for use. Do not open until immediately before insertion.
Cannulight IR
Q: What is Cannulight IR?
A: Cannulight IR is the infrared version of Cannulight, designed for use with night vision equipment in low light conditions.
Q: Does Cannulight IR require special training?
A: No. If you can use Cannulight, you can use Cannulight IR. It slips on and works the same way. You will need night vision equipment to see the light glow, signalling you are correctly positioned in the vein.
Q: Can Cannulight IR be used in low-light or field conditions?
A: Yes. Infrared sensing makes it especially useful in military, pre-hospital, and disaster-response settings with night vision equipment.
Q: Is Cannulight IR safe for patients?
A: Yes. It is sterile, single-use, and disposable, with a fully enclosed power source.
Q: Does Cannulight IR cost more?
A: Pricing reflects the added technology. Contact us for details.
Simulation & Training (Cannulight-Sim)
Q: What is Cannulight-Sim?
A: Cannulight-Sim is the training version of Cannulight for use in manikins only.
Q: How does it benefit training providers?
A: It provides immediate feedback for learners, strengthens training programs, shortens time-to-competency, and builds readiness for real-world pressure.
Q: Does Cannulight-Sim require a new teaching method?
A: No. It integrates seamlessly with existing IV training approaches, requiring no change in curriculum.
Q: Is Cannulight-Sim reusable?
A: No. It is designed for single use, just like the clinical version, to maintain realism and ensure consistency with real practice.
Procurement & Economics
Q: What are the cost benefits of Cannulight?
A: Each failed IV attempt consumes catheters, gloves, flushes, and clinician time, and may escalate to ultrasound or central lines. Cannulight reduces these hidden costs by improving first-stick success and efficiency.
Q: Has Cannulight been independently tested?
A: Yes. Clinical and simulation studies demonstrate improved first-stick success and reduced escalation, particularly in emergency and military settings.
Q: What is the shelf life of Cannulight?
A: Shelf life is comparable to standard IV catheters. Please check packaging or contact us for region-specific details.
Q: How can I order Cannulight?
A: Contact us directly or through one of our distribution partners for pricing, supply, or trial packs.
Cannulight is currently available for purchase and use only in New Zealand. It has not yet been cleared or approved by the US FDA or other international regulatory authorities.
The information on this website is intended for New Zealand audiences only.