Automated vessel puncture device using three-dimensional(3D) near infrared (NIR) imaging and a robotically driven needle

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an automated vessel puncture device, methods of mapping three-dimensional views of subcutaneous vessels and methods for providing simultaneous real-time diagnostic assay.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Venipuncture is the process of obtaining a sample of venous blood for purposes of performing various tests. Most samples are commonly obtained from a vein or organ that lies close to the surface of the skin. For example, usually the median cubital vein on the anterior forearm for venipunture.[0002]Currently, venipunctures are executed manually by trained personnel, but there are problems inherent with these processes. Many times locating a vein is a challenge, especially in younger and elderly individuals. To complicate matters, multiple attempts at needle insertion may be required, due either to the inexperience of the person obtaining the sample, and / or from difficulty in locating the target vein, resulting in discomfort to the patient and bruising.[0003]It was first demonstrated in the 1930s that infrared light can be used to image subcutaneous veins, based on the principle that near infrared (NIR) light has the ability to penetrate human tissue b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, compact, portable device for autonomous venipuncture.

[0009]It is another object of the present invention to provide a compact, portable device adaptable for receiving feedback from pressure and visual sensors which aid in the puncture process.

Problems solved by technology

Currently, venipunctures are executed manually by trained personnel, but there are problems inherent with these processes.

Many times locating a vein is a challenge, especially in younger and elderly individuals.

To complicate matters, multiple attempts at needle insertion may be required, due either to the inexperience of the person obtaining the sample, and / or from difficulty in locating the target vein, resulting in discomfort to the patient and bruising.

Although this technology may provide methods of viewing veins externally, it does not provide any depth representation of the veins under the skin, leaving the question of how far and deep to insert the needle to a human estimation.

The actual venipuncture must therefore be performed manually, leading to the inevitable human error.

Therefore, when attempting to guide the needle into the vein, there is no accurate value as to how deep to drive the needle.

These methods, however, use cumbersome and non-portable devices for both the viewing and robotics.

Currently, there is no commercial technology that combines an imaging system with a robotically driven needle in a portable unit for the purpose of venipuncture.

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