Ultrasound imaging system and minimum catheter length tool

Abstract

The present application relates to an ultrasound imaging system and a minimum catheter length tool. The ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound probe and a console having a display, the ultrasound probe being designed to generate an ultrasound image including one or more blood vessels below the surface of a patient's skin. The console is operably coupled to the ultrasound probe. The console includes a memory including instructions that enable a processor to determine a depth of a user-selected blood vessel and a selection of a medical device based on a user selection of one or both of a minimum indwelling length and an insertion angle. The processor can be configured to determine these parameters before inserting the user-selected medical device into a blood vessel selected by the user from among the one or more blood vessels below the surface of the patient's skin. The display depicts the ultrasound image, the user-selected blood vessel, and the user-selected medical device.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 083,684, filed September 25, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to an ultrasound imaging system and a minimum catheter length tool. Background Art

[0004] When placing a vascular access device (VAD), clinicians must select a catheter based on multiple different parameters. Current systems can force clinicians to first select a VAD ("VAD") and then use software and ultrasound imaging to assess the suitability of their selected VAD. However, the clinician's initial guess about the VAD during pre-assessment may be incorrect, forcing the clinician to repeatedly guess until they ultimately arrive at the correct VAD. Thus, the clinician must cycle through VAD options, assessing the parameters of each VAD and using ultrasound imaging to confirm that the VAD selected by the clinician will be the best fit for the target vessel. A tool that allows clinicians to select parameters (e.g., minimum catheter length in the vessel), image the vessel, display the most appropriate VAD option, and assess VAD options in real time using ultrasound imaging would be beneficial to the patient and time-efficient. Disclosed herein is a system and method for addressing the aforementioned issues. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Disclosed herein is a method for selecting a vascular access device for accessing a target vessel, comprising imaging one or more vessels, entering one or more parameter inputs, including a minimum catheter indwelling length or an insertion angle, into a vascular access device selection tool, selecting a target vessel from the one or more vessels, determining a depth of the target vessel, and providing selection of a vascular access device capable of accessing the target vessel based on the one or more parameter inputs.

[0006] In some embodiments, a method includes using an ultrasound imaging system comprising a console communicatively coupled to an ultrasound probe and a display.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method includes where the vascular access device selection tool includes parameter logic that receives one or more parameter inputs from a user.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method includes where the vascular access device selection tool includes target vessel selector logic that determines a target vessel depth.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes where the vascular access device selection tool includes catheter selection logic that provides selection of a catheter capable of accessing the target vessel.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method includes where the vascular access device selection tool includes minimum catheter length logic that determines selection of a catheter capable of accessing the target vessel based on the parameter.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method includes where the vascular access device selection tool includes a data store that stores selections of catheters including information about a length of each catheter.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method includes where the vascular access device selection tool includes communication logic that updates the selection of the catheter from a remote computing device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method includes where the vascular access device selection tool comprises ultrasound imaging logic that receives input from an ultrasound probe and depicts one or more ultrasound images on a display.

[0014] In some embodiments, providing selection of a vascular access device includes selecting a vascular access device to use on a display.

[0015] In some embodiments, providing selection of a vascular access device further comprises overlaying an ultrasound image on the display depicting the selected vascular access device in the target blood vessel.

[0016] Also disclosed herein is an ultrasound imaging system comprising a console communicatively coupled to an ultrasound probe and a display, the console having a processor and a vascular access device selection tool configured to receive one or more of a minimum catheter indwelling length parameter input or an insertion angle parameter input.

[0017] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system includes wherein the vascular access device selection tool comprises one or more logic modules coupled to a memory, the logic modules comprising parameter logic, target vessel selector logic, and catheter selection logic, wherein the parameter logic is configured to receive one or more minimum catheter indwelling length parameter inputs or insertion angle parameters from a user, the target vessel selector logic is configured to determine a depth of a target vessel, and the catheter selection logic is configured to provide a selection of a catheter capable of accessing the target vessel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system includes wherein the vascular access device selection tool includes minimum catheter indwelling length logic that is configured to determine a catheter capable of accessing a target vessel given one or more minimum catheter indwelling length parameter inputs or insertion angle parameter inputs from a user.

[0019] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system includes wherein the vascular access device selection tool includes a data storage configured to store a list of catheters including information about a length of each catheter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system includes wherein the vascular access device selection tool further comprises communication logic configured to update the selection of the catheter from a remote computing device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system includes wherein the vascular access device selection tool includes ultrasound imaging logic configured to receive input transmitted by the ultrasound probe and provide an ultrasound image.

[0022] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system includes wherein the display is wirelessly coupled to the console.

[0023] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system includes wherein the display is a touch screen.

[0024] Also disclosed herein is a vascular access device selection tool comprising one or more logic modules coupled to a memory, the logic modules comprising parameter logic, target vessel selector logic, and catheter selection logic, wherein the parameter logic is configured to receive one or more parameter inputs from a user; the target vessel selector logic is configured to determine a depth of a target vessel; and the catheter selection logic is configured to provide a selection of catheters capable of accessing the target vessel. The vascular access device selection tool comprises minimum catheter indwelling length logic, a data memory, communication logic, and ultrasound imaging logic, wherein the minimum catheter indwelling length logic is configured to determine a catheter capable of accessing the target vessel given the one or more parameter inputs from the user; the data memory is configured to store a selection of catheters including information about each catheter; the communication logic is configured to update the selection of catheters; and the ultrasound imaging logic is configured to depict one or more ultrasound images on a display.

[0025] In some embodiments, the vascular access device selection tool includes one or more parameter inputs including a minimum catheter indwelling length, an insertion angle, or a combination of a minimum catheter indwelling length and an insertion angle.

[0026] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and the following description, which more particularly depict specific embodiments of these concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] A more detailed description of the disclosure will be presented by reference to specific embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and, therefore, should not be considered to limit its scope. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained in more detail using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1A A perspective view of an ultrasound imaging system including a minimum catheter length tool is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1B A block diagram is shown depicting various components of an ultrasound imaging system including a minimum catheter length tool, according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 2A An exemplary parameter input screen for a minimum catheter length tool is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 2B A method of identifying a catheter via a minimum catheter length tool is shown according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 3A A depiction of a display showing various components of a minimum catheter length tool is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 3B An exemplary screenshot of an ultrasound imaging system including a minimum catheter length tool is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 4 Various components of a minimum catheter length tool are shown, according to some embodiments.

[0035] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating a method of selecting a vascular access device for accessing a target vessel, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein may have multiple features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiments and optionally combined with or substituted for any of the features in many other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0037] About the terms used in this article, it should also be understood that these terms are for the purpose of describing some specific embodiments, and these terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a set of features or steps, and do not provide sequence or numerical limitations. For example, "first," "second," and "third" features or steps do not necessarily appear in order, and the specific embodiments including these features or steps are not necessarily limited to these three features or steps. For convenience, labels such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," and "back" are used, and these labels are not intended to imply, for example, any specific fixed position, orientation, or direction. On the contrary, such marks are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation, or direction. Unless the context clearly provides otherwise, the singular forms "a," "a," and "the" include plural references.

[0038] For example, the "proximal side," "proximal portion," or "proximal end portion" of a catheter disclosed herein includes the portion of the catheter that is intended to be near a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. Similarly, for example, the "proximal length" of a catheter includes the length of the catheter that is intended to be near a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. For example, the "proximal end" of a catheter includes the end of the catheter that is intended to be near a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. The proximal portion, proximal portion, or proximal length of a catheter can include the proximal end of the catheter; however, the proximal portion, proximal portion, or proximal length of a catheter need not include the proximal end of the catheter. That is, unless the context suggests otherwise, the proximal portion, proximal portion, or proximal length of a catheter is not the terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

[0039] References to the "distal side," "distal portion," or "distal end portion" of, for example, a catheter as disclosed herein include the portion of the catheter that is intended to be near a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. Similarly, references to the "distal length" of, for example, a catheter include the length of the catheter that is intended to be near a patient or within a patient's body when the catheter is used on a patient. For example, the "distal end" of a catheter includes the end that is intended to be near a patient or within a patient's body when the catheter is used on a patient. The distal portion, distal portion, or distal length of a catheter can include the distal end of the catheter; however, the distal portion, distal portion, or distal length of a catheter need not include the distal end of the catheter. That is, unless the context suggests otherwise, the distal portion, distal portion, or distal length of a catheter are not the terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

[0040] The term "logic" may refer to hardware, firmware, or software configured to perform one or more functions. As hardware, the term logic may refer to or include circuitry that performs data processing and / or storage functions. Examples of such circuitry may include, but are not limited to, a hardware processor (e.g., a microprocessor, one or more processor cores, a digital signal processor, a programmable gate array, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), semiconductor memory, or a combination of these components.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the term logic may refer to or include software, such as one or more processes, one or more instances, application programming interface (API)(s), subroutine(s), function(s), applet(s), servlet(s), routine(s), source code, object code, shared library / dynamic link library (DLL), or even one or more instructions. Such software may be stored in any type of suitable non-transitory or transitory storage medium (e.g., electrical, optical, acoustical, or other form of propagated signal such as a carrier wave, infrared signal, or digital signal). Examples of non-transitory storage media may include, but are not limited to, programmable circuits; non-persistent memory, such as volatile memory (e.g., any type of random access memory "RAM"); or permanent memory, such as non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory "ROM," power-backed RAM, flash memory, phase-change memory, etc.), a solid-state drive, a hard drive, an optical drive, or a portable storage device. As firmware, logic may be stored in permanent memory.

[0042] As used herein, a "vascular access device" may include a catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter ("PICC"), a peripheral intravenous line ("PIV"), a central venous catheter ("CVC"), a midline catheter, and the like.

[0043] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0044] Figure 1AA perspective view of an ultrasound imaging system including a minimum catheter length tool, according to some embodiments, is shown. In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system 100 includes an ultrasound probe 106 coupled to a console 102. In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe 106 can be wired to the console 102 or can communicate wirelessly with the console 102. The ultrasound probe 106 can include a transducer component for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals to be transmitted to the console 102. In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system 100 includes the console 102 coupled to a display 104. In some embodiments, the console 102 can transmit ultrasound images for depiction on the display 104. In some embodiments, the display 104 can be a touch screen. In some embodiments, the display 104 can communicate with the console 102 either wired or wirelessly. Exemplary wireless communication modes may include WiFi, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), cellular Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM"), electromagnetic (EM), radio frequency (RF), combinations thereof, and the like.

[0045] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system 100 includes a minimum catheter length tool ("Tool") 110 that can be configured to determine a selection of multiple catheters that can achieve a minimum catheter indwelling length based on the depth of the target vessel. As used herein, the minimum catheter indwelling length is the length of the portion of the catheter that remains within the target vessel. The tool 110 can identify and depict on the display 104 all potential catheters that meet the minimum catheter indwelling length criteria for a given target vessel. The clinician can use the ultrasound imaging system 100 to evaluate each potential catheter and select a catheter based on the results of the tool 110, as well as other factors. When selecting a catheter, the clinician must evaluate the depth of the target vessel, the desired minimum catheter indwelling length in the target vessel, the total catheter length, and the preferred angle at which the catheter should be inserted into the target vessel, among other factors.

[0046] Figure 1B A block diagram depicting various components of an ultrasound imaging system including a minimum catheter length tool, according to some embodiments, is shown. In some embodiments, the console 102 can include various components necessary for receiving, displaying, and analyzing ultrasound images of a target vessel from the probe 106. In some embodiments, these various components can include a processor 150 and one or more logic modules coupled to a memory 152, the memory 152 being configured to perform at least one of the following steps: receiving one or more parameter inputs from a user, calculating a depth of the target vessel, providing a selection of a catheter capable of accessing the target vessel, displaying one or more ultrasound images, determining a catheter capable of accessing the target vessel given the user input, measuring vessel area and vessel diameter, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0047] In some embodiments, the one or more logic modules may include parameter logic 170, minimum catheter indwelling length logic 172, ultrasound imaging logic 174, data storage 176, target vessel selector logic 178, catheter selector logic 180, communication logic 182, etc. In some embodiments, the parameter logic 170 may be configured to receive one or more parameter inputs from a user (e.g., insertion angle, desired minimum catheter indwelling length in a vessel, etc.). In some embodiments, given the user input, the minimum catheter indwelling length logic 172 may be configured to determine the selection of a catheter capable of accessing the target vessel.

[0048] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging logic 174 can be configured to depict one or more ultrasound images on the display 104. In some embodiments, the data storage 176 can be configured to store one or more of the following: ultrasound image data, catheter data capable of accessing the target vessel, user input data, a selection of all catheters including information about each catheter, and the like. In some embodiments, the target vessel selector logic 178 can be configured to calculate the depth of the target vessel from the skin surface. In some embodiments, the catheter selection logic 180 can be configured to provide a selection of catheters capable of accessing the target vessel. In some embodiments, the communication logic 182 can be configured to update the catheter selection from a remote computing device. In some embodiments, the remote computing device can include a cloud network, an Internet network, an intranet, a server network, and the like.

[0049] The minimum catheter length tool 110 allows a clinician to use the ultrasound imaging system 100 to select one or more target vessels and provide the clinician with a selection of suitable catheters for the procedure that meet various parameters, including insertion angle or minimum catheter indwelling length. This contrasts with previous systems, which require the clinician to first select a catheter and then provide a recommendation on whether it is suitable, i.e., whether it meets the minimum catheter indwelling length requirement. Advantageously, the minimum catheter length tool 110 eliminates the clinician's guesswork about which catheters might be suitable and instead provides a selection of suitable catheters.

[0050] The minimum catheter length tool 110 requires one or more parameter inputs provided by the user, the console 102, or a combination thereof. The one or more inputs may include parameter inputs including minimum catheter indwelling length, catheter length, insertion angle, depth of the target vessel, units of measurement, and the like. In some embodiments, the one or more parameter inputs may be input into the minimum catheter length tool 110 qualitatively or quantitatively, or a combination thereof. As used herein, quantitative information may include an input value, optionally within a range of predetermined values, and the like. As used herein, qualitative information may include selection of predetermined values, groupings, and the like.

[0051] Figure 2A An exemplary parameter input screen for the minimum catheter length tool 110 is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the minimum catheter length tool 110 may include a minimum catheter length tool parameter input screen ("Parameter Input Screen") 112 depicting a plurality of icons on the display 104. In some embodiments, the parameter input screen 112 may depict the catheter within a blood vessel icon 114. In some embodiments, the icon 114 may include an indicator icon 116 corresponding to a specified minimum catheter indwelling length (unit of measurement) for the catheter within the blood vessel. The indicator icon 116 may be configured to change to match a user's desired minimum catheter indwelling length. In one embodiment, the minimum catheter indwelling length may be selected by a clinician and input into the tool 110 via the parameter input screen 112. In one embodiment, the minimum catheter indwelling length may be predetermined by the tool 110.

[0052] In one embodiment, the clinician can adjust the minimum catheter indwelling length. The indicator icon 116 can be configured to increase or decrease in standard measurement units via a positive icon 118A or a negative icon 118B. For example, selecting the positive icon 118A will increase the catheter indwelling length in the blood vessel icon 114, while selecting the negative icon 118B will decrease the indwelling length of the catheter in the blood vessel icon 114. The standard measurement units can be modified by the user by selecting the measurement increment icon 120. The measurement increment icon 120 can be configured to allow the user to change the standard increment of the measurement units depicted on the display 104. For example, the measurement unit increment can be 0.5 inches, and the user can change the measurement unit increment to 1.0 inches, 0.1 inches, 0.01 inches, etc. However, it should be understood that larger or smaller increments are also contemplated.

[0053] In some embodiments, the parameter input screen 112 includes a unit system icon 122 that allows the user to select between the imperial or metric measurement system for the indicator icon 116. In some embodiments, the user can select the desired measurement unit displayed for the indicator icon 116. For example, the indicator icon 116 can be configured to display in metric units by selecting centimeters from the unit system icon 122A. However, the user can select inches from the unit system icon 122B, which will display the indicator icon 116 in imperial units. In some embodiments, the unit system icon 122 can be configured to change the measurement units displayed on all user interfaces of the display 104.

[0054] In some embodiments, the icons 114 may further include a catheter indwelling length icon 124 that indicates the indwelling length of the catheter in the blood vessel, for example, by an arrow or similar graphical representation. In some embodiments, when the indicator icon 116 is increased or decreased by the positive icon 118A or the negative icon 118B, the catheter indwelling length icon 124 may be modified to increase or decrease the displayed length accordingly.

[0055] The parameter input screen 112 may include an insertion angle selection panel 126 that includes selecting a predetermined insertion angle, such as "45°," "30°," "20°," and the like. However, it should be understood that other predetermined angles may also be considered. In one embodiment, the user can select a specified insertion angle by selecting "Other" and entering the insertion angle. Optionally, the insertion angle entered by the user can be limited to a predetermined range. As used herein, the insertion angle can be defined as the angle of the catheter relative to the patient's skin surface at the insertion point. In some embodiments, the "Other" option can be configured to allow the user to specify an insertion angle if the angle is not listed on the insertion angle selection panel 126.

[0056] In some embodiments, the parameter entry screen 112 includes one or more arrow icons 128A / B to assist the user in navigating through the user interface of the minimum catheter length tool 110. In some embodiments, the one or more arrow icons 128A / B can be indicated by text including "Continue" or "Return." In some embodiments, the parameter entry screen 112 can include a home icon 130 configured to return the user to a home screen, a navigation page, the displayed ultrasound image screen 200, etc.

[0057] Figure 2BA method for identifying catheters using the Minimum Catheter Length tool, according to some embodiments, is shown. In some embodiments, the Minimum Catheter Length tool 110 can be configured to use various dimensions to identify catheters with total catheter lengths that meet a desired minimum catheter indwelling length in a target vessel at different vessel depths. In some embodiments, the target vessel 203 has a vessel depth ("vD"). In some embodiments, the catheter 224 has a desired minimum catheter indwelling length ("dL") and a travel length ("tL"), which is the length that the catheter 224 travels to reach the target vessel at a specific insertion angle. The Minimum Catheter Length tool 110 will only display catheters with a minimum total catheter length of the desired minimum catheter indwelling length (dL) + travel length (tL). For example, if the target vessel depth vD is 1.5 cm, the desired minimum catheter indwelling length is 1.5 cm. The Minimum Catheter Length tool 110 can be configured to calculate a travel length (tL) of 2.1 cm and only display catheters with a minimum total catheter length of 3.6 cm. A catheter having a minimum total catheter length of at least 3.6 cm is capable of accessing a target vessel depth of 1.5 cm while allowing at least 1.5 cm of catheter 224 to remain in the target vessel 203 .

[0058] Figure 3A An ultrasound image screen 200 of the minimum catheter length tool 110 is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the ultrasound image screen 200 of the minimum catheter length tool 110 includes a dynamic ultrasound image of one or more blood vessels 202. In some embodiments, the ultrasound image screen 200 includes a static ultrasound image of one or more blood vessels 202. The ultrasound image screen 200 may include a vessel depth indicator 212 that displays segmented depth markings to indicate the depth of a target vessel 203. The ultrasound image screen 200 includes a target vessel selector 204 for selecting a target vessel 203 from the one or more blood vessels 202 on the display 104. The target vessel selector 204 is used to identify a particular target vessel 203 from the displayed one or more blood vessels 202. The tool 110 may then display the depth of the selected target vessel 203 as indicated by a target vessel depth icon 206.

[0059] In some embodiments, the tool 110 can automatically determine a designated target vessel 203 from the displayed one or more vessels 202. In one embodiment, a user can select the designated target vessel 203, for example, by selecting the target vessel 203 on a touch screen display, manipulating a cursor on the display, etc. In some embodiments, selecting the target vessel 203 using the vessel selector 204 will bring up a Figure 2A Parameter input screen 112. In some embodiments, selecting the minimum length icon 248 will call up Figure 2AParameter input screen 112.

[0060] In some embodiments, tool 110 can be configured to display multiple " minimum catheter length " icons 210A to 210E, which depict the minimum catheter length required to meet the minimum catheter indwelling length in the blood vessel at the corresponding blood vessel depth. Multiple " minimum catheter length " icons 210A to 210E can be configured to correspond to the blood vessel depth indicator 212 depicted on the display. In some embodiments, one of multiple " minimum catheter length " icons 210C corresponding to the target blood vessel depth indicated by blood vessel selector 204 can be configured to be highlighted. The user can select the highlighted " minimum catheter length " icon 210C, which can be configured to transition the user to the catheter options user interface 220 that will be described in more detail herein.

[0061] In one embodiment, one of the depth icon 206 or the length icon 210 can be displayed near the selected target vessel 203 and dynamically updated as the target vessel selector 204 is moved on the display 104. In one embodiment, when the target vessel 203 is selected, the depth icon 206 or one of the length icons 210A through 210E can be displayed near the target vessel 203.

[0062] In one embodiment, when the user selects different options, or when the user requires different input, the tool 110 may be displayed on different screens, such as a parameter input screen ( Figure 2A ) or ultrasound image screen ( Figure 3A Alternatively, the user can use arrows 128A / B or similar icons to navigate between different screens.

[0063] In some embodiments, the catheter options user interface 220 can be selected via a "catheter options" icon 240. In some embodiments, the minimum catheter length tool 110 can include a "gain" icon 242, which can be configured to depict the strength of the received ultrasound signal. In some embodiments, the minimum catheter length tool 110 can include a "settings" icon 244, which can be configured to display and adjust settings for all components of the minimum catheter length tool 110. In some embodiments, the minimum catheter length tool 110 can include a "home" icon 130, which is configured to return the user to the home screen, ultrasound image screen 200, etc. It should be understood that other icons used in the ultrasound imaging system can be included.

[0064] Figure 3BAn exemplary screenshot of an ultrasound imaging system on the display 104 including the minimum catheter length tool 110 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the tool 110 can be configured to display an ultrasound image screen 200 including an insertion angle icon 127 and a minimum catheter indwelling length indicator icon 116. As previously described, the tool 110 can also be configured to display one or more of a plurality of "minimum catheter length" icons 210A to 210E, a target vessel depth icon 206, or a vessel depth indicator 212. The tool 110 can also be configured to display a display selection icon 306. In some embodiments, the display selection icon 306 can be configured to switch between a static ultrasound image and a dynamic ultrasound image. The tool 110 can be configured to display a display adjustment icon 308. In some embodiments, the display adjustment icon 308 can be configured to adjust the brightness of the display 104.

[0065] Figure 4 The catheter options user interface 220 of the minimum catheter length tool on the display 104 is shown according to some embodiments. Figure 2A ) and ultrasound image screen ( Figure 3A ), the catheter options user interface 220 can display a selection of catheters 222 available for accessing the target vessel 203. These catheters 222 meet user-selected criteria for accessing the target vessel at a given depth, including the catheter insertion angle and minimum catheter indwelling length within the target vessel. In some embodiments, each catheter option includes specific information derived from the user-selected criteria, including one or more of the target vessel depth, the minimum catheter length within the user-selected vessel, or the catheter model. In some embodiments, selecting one of the catheter options can provide additional information about the specific catheter, including one or more of the following: catheter diameter, catheter cross-sectional area, an indicator of whether the selected catheter will fit within the target vessel, vessel occupancy for the specific catheter, procedures for which the catheter is used, purchase price, current inventory, ordering information, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the user can select additional catheter options not displayed on the catheter options user interface 220 or adjust the number of catheter options displayed on the catheter options user interface 220 by selecting the "More" icon 250. Additionally, as described herein, in some embodiments, multiple icons may be depicted, including one or more of a “minimum length” icon 248, a “home” icon 246, a “settings” icon 244, a “gain” icon 242, or a “catheter options” icon 240 as described therein.

[0066] Figure 5A block diagram illustrates a method for selecting a vascular access device for accessing a target vessel, according to some embodiments. Method 400 includes imaging a target region of one or more vessels (block 402). In some embodiments, imaging includes using an ultrasound imaging system 100 having a console 102 communicatively coupled to an ultrasound probe 106 and a display 104. In some embodiments, console 102 may include a minimum catheter length tool 110. In some embodiments, minimum catheter length tool 110 may be configured to receive user parameter input to determine the selection of a catheter capable of accessing the target vessel at a specified depth. Method 400 also includes inputting a plurality of parameters (block 404). In some embodiments, inputting includes inputting an insertion angle and a minimum catheter indwelling length as parameters for selecting a catheter. In some embodiments, inputting includes inputting the insertion angle and the minimum catheter indwelling length on a parameter input screen 112. Method 400 includes selecting one or more target vessels (block 406). In some embodiments, selecting includes selecting using a target vessel selector 204 on an ultrasound image screen 200. Method 400 includes determining the selection of a catheter 222 (block 408). In some embodiments, determining the catheter selection includes using the minimum catheter length tool 110 to determine a catheter 222 capable of accessing the target vessel 203 based on the insertion angle, the target vessel depth, and the minimum catheter indwelling length. Method 400 includes selecting a catheter to be used (block 410). In some embodiments, selecting the catheter to be used includes selecting from the selection of catheters 222 generated by the minimum catheter length tool 110. Method 400 includes overlaying an ultrasound image depicting the selected catheter in the target vessel (block 412). In some embodiments, the user can move between entering parameters (block 404) and selecting one or more target vessels (block 406) until the user is satisfied with the results.

[0067] Although some specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific embodiments have been disclosed in detail, the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art may envision additional adjustments and / or modifications, and in broader aspects, these adjustments and / or modifications are also included. Therefore, departures from the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic imaging system, characterized in that: include: an ultrasound probe designed to produce an ultrasound image including one or more blood vessels beneath the patient's skin surface; and a console operably coupled to the ultrasound probe, the console comprising: processor; a memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the following operations: A first display screen is generated, which shows the ultrasound image and is configured to receive user input, wherein the user input selects a blood vessel display in the ultrasound image, and a second display screen is generated, which is different from the first display screen, wherein the second display screen shows: a user selection element configured to receive a first user input selecting an insertion angle of a medical device within a target blood vessel, a graphical representation of the medical device at the selected insertion angle, and a user input element configured to receive a second user input that increases or decreases a minimum dwell length of the medical device, wherein the graphical representation of the medical device visually represents the first user input and the second user input; and (i) determining a depth of a selected blood vessel, and (ii) determining a selection of a medical device that complies with the constraint based on a user selection of one or both of the minimum dwell length or the selected insertion angle; and A third display, configured to depict the ultrasound image, a user-selected blood vessel, and a user-selected medical device, shows the user selection of one or both of the minimum dwell length or the insertion angle.

2. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The user-selected medical device is a catheter, and wherein the selection of the medical device is a selection of the catheter.

3. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 2, wherein: The instruction includes a logic module, and the logic module includes: parameter logic configured to receive one or both of the second user input indicating the minimum dwell length or the first user input selecting the insertion angle; target vessel selector logic configured to determine a depth of a selected vessel; and Catheter selection logic is configured to provide for selection of a catheter based on the depth of the selected blood vessel, the first user input, and the second user input.

4. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 3, wherein: The memory includes a data store configured to store a list of catheters including information regarding a catheter length for each of the catheters in the list of catheters.

5. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 4, wherein: The instructions also include communication logic configured to update the catheter list from a remote computing device.

6. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The ultrasound probe is wirelessly coupled to the console.

7. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The display includes a touch screen.

8. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The second display screen receives both the first user input and the second user input.

Images