Bigger IV, same pain? new study challenges old belief

NCT ID NCT07629427

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compares two sizes of IV cannulas (18-gauge vs 20-gauge) in emergency patients to see if the larger one causes more pain or is harder to insert. About 204 adults with low-to-moderate difficulty for IV access will be randomly assigned to one size. Patients will wear goggles so they don't know which size they get. The goal is to find out if the larger cannula, which can deliver fluids faster, is as comfortable as the smaller one.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: peripheral intravenous cannula (18-gauge or 20-gauge)
What this could lead to: If larger cannulas cause no more pain, emergency staff may use them more often, improving care for patients who need fast fluids or contrast.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-center study. Results may not apply to all patients or settings. Pain is subjective and hard to measure precisely.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain vein disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PATIENT PAIN PERIPHERAL CATHETERIZATION PROCEDURAL DIFFICULTY VEINS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

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