San Andreas, CA…Patients at Mark Twain’s Cancer Center are now benefiting from a new piece of technology reducing the likelihood for multiple venipunctures, otherwise known as a needle stick for blood draws or to insert intravenous therapy. The AccuVein, vein illuminator, was purchased by the hospital Foundation for use in the cancer center. “Often chemotherapy treatments can reduce the visualization of peripheral veins making it difficult to locate the vein and successfully insert the IV in one attempt. Vein visualizers use near-infrared (NIR) technology to aid the clinical staff. It is easy and simple to use,” comments Dr. Shiva Signhal, Oncologist at the Cancer Center. “The NIR is also useful for patients with easily collapsible veins, a condition that many non-cancer patients suffer from as well.”

Mark Twain Medical Center Foundation recently purchased the Accuvein for the Cancer Center. The near infrared (NIR) technology reduces the occurrence of patients receiving multiple needle sticks to locate the vein for IV therapy.

Kathie Grover, RN at MTMC’s Cancer Center demonstrates the near-infrared technology (NIR) purchased by the hospital Foundation.

As the only cancer center in Calaveras County, Mark Twain provides comprehensive, compassionate, advanced diagnosis and treatment of blood and cancer disorders. Board certified physicians, and nurses who are specialty trained in drug infusion and certified oncology and cancer treatment are on staff to help patients fight against cancer diagnosis. The center averages 3,100 patient visits annually. Without the center patients would need to travel out of the community for care increasing the hardship already caused by their illness.

“The hospital Foundation was honored to meet this need. Our Board unanimously voted to release funds and purchase the Accuvein. It is what the Foundation is all about, supporting the needs and increasing the hospital’s resources so patients can be cared for close to home,” stated Julie Eckardt-Cantrall, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Mark Twain Medical Center Foundation. The Foundation hopes to fund an additional Accuvein for use in the inpatient setting and outpatient laboratory. “We could not have purchased the Accuvien without the support of our donors, they generously give to ensure patients and families at Mark Twain have the best care possible” added Eckardt-Cantrall.

The Cancer Fund at the hospital Foundation provides funding for technology, patient support programs and equipment at the cancer center. To donate to the cancer fund, or another area of the hospital, donors can visit www.supportmarktwain.org or mail gifts to Mark Twain Medical Center Foundation, 768 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas CA 95249. All gifts stay in Calaveras County and 100% of the gift benefits the direct program or area of the hospital. For more information about the mission and what programs are supported please call Julie Eckardt-Cantrall at 209-754-2624 or via email at Julie.eckardt@dignityhealth.org

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