Abstract
Background:
Venipuncture is a fundamental but technically demanding skill in veterinary medicine, particularly in small animals with superficial veins. Conventional guidance recommends inserting the needle at a steep angle and then adjusting it after skin penetration; however, this maneuver may increase the risk of posterior vessel-wall injury and needle instability.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical characteristics and educational suitability of the press-assisted shallow-angle insertion (PASAI) technique compared with the conventional angle adjustment insertion (CAAI) technique.

Methods:
This study consisted of two phases. In Study 1, we qualitatively assessed skin–needle interactions during PASAI in 3 healthy beagle dogs using blunted needles to examine skin indentation and functional insertion angle. In Study 2, a crossover simulation-based evaluation was performed with 36 participants, including veterinary students, veterinarians, and veterinary nurses. After instruction and repeated practice with both PASAI and CAAI, performance was assessed using a venipuncture simulator by examining simulated posterior vessel wall injury, qualitative video analysis of needle and finger movement, and structured questionnaire responses.

Results:
Compared with CAAI, PASAI resulted in significantly fewer injuries to the opposite wall of the simulated vessel (5 vs. 72, p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis in beagle models showed that gentle skin indentation of approximately 1 mm created a localized skin slope and increased the functional insertion angle to an estimated 15°–30°, despite a shallow needle-shaft orientation. The video assessment demonstrated that PASAI was associated with less vertical needle-angle adjustment and reduced index-finger displacement during insertion. Experienced participants rated PASAI more favorably than CAAI in several categories, particularly regarding reduced need for post-entry angle adjustment and lower perceived risk of over-penetration, whereas novices initially found PASAI more difficult.

Conclusion:
PASAI appears to be a mechanically stable venipuncture technique associated with reduced simulated posterior vessel wall injury and unnecessary needle movement. Although this exploratory study warrants further validation, focused training may help beginners acquire the PASAI technique. The findings suggest that formal incorporation of PASAI into simulation-based veterinary training may improve procedural safety and help standardize instruction for SVA.

Key words: Procedural skills; Simulation-based training; Venipuncture; Veterinary education.