PAINLESS INJECTIONS, DEVICE MAY MAKE IT REALITY
Imagine no tears
during infant vaccines and no fear of the needle for those old enough to know
what's coming. Such painless injections could be possible with a device that
applies pressure and vibration while the needle is inserted in the skin,
according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2014 annual meeting.
"As
many as 1 in 10 people experience needle phobia, which may have negative
consequences, such as decreasing the rate of vaccinations and blood
donation," said William McKay, M.D., lead author of the study and a
professor of anesthesiology in perioperative medicine and pain management at
the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. "Our early research
suggests that using a device that applies pressure and vibration before the
needle stick could help significantly decrease painful sensations by closing
the 'gate' that sends pain signals to the brain."
Researchers studied the use of pressure, vibration, and cooling
or warming in 21 adults poked in the shoulder by a plastic needle that doesn't
break the skin but produces needle-like pain. They tested different levels of
pressure, vibration and temperature to determine the amount that provided the
most benefit. The perception of pain was significantly decreased when a
specific amount of pressure and vibration was applied to the site for 20
seconds prior to using the plastic needle. The addition of heat added a small
benefit, but it wasn't significant. The study should be repeated in children,
who may experience pain differently, said Dr. McKay. The addition of heat or
cold might be more beneficial, he said.
While commercial devices that include some of these features are
available, they could be improved by incorporating the additional features
tested in this and other studies, he said. They could be used to prevent pain
prior to providing intravenous (I.V.) treatment, the drawing or donating of
blood, or administering vaccinations.
The concept likely works by distraction as well as employing the
gate-control theory of pain, in which these sensations (pressure, vibration and
potentially temperature) close the gate that allows the brain to register pain.
Comments
Post a Comment