These devices emit infrared light which is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood, allowing for easier visualization of the vasculature.

Complication rates from these peripheral access points increase quickly the longer they remain in place (such as inflammation of the veins), and thus are routinely removed and replaced every 3–4 days if possible.

They are used when intermediate-term access (one month) is needed or when administering medications that are highly irritating to smaller veins.

However, their use is declining in favor of PICC lines which have the added benefit of more central access and longer potential dwell-times.

Children also have thinner connective tissues than adults and thus some techniques used to illuminate veins may have a risk of causing burns.

These methods usually involve inserting an access device into the tibia or femur bones in the legs, humerus in the upper arm, or sometimes the sternum in the chest.

Venous cutdown procedures most commonly target the great saphenous vein in the leg because it is superficial, easily accessible, and consistently in the same anatomical location.