Portable intelligent auscultation instrument for internal arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis
By incorporating an AI noise recognition chip and signal amplification module into a portable smart stethoscope, the problem of relying on professional experience for arteriovenous fistula monitoring has been solved. This enables accurate monitoring and self-testing for the general population, reduces the risk of missed diagnoses, and improves the convenience and accuracy of monitoring.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE NAVAL MEDICAL UNIV OF PLA
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, auscultatory monitoring of arteriovenous fistulas relies on the experience of professional medical staff. Patients cannot monitor themselves, leading to missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses, making it difficult to detect potential risks such as fistula stenosis or thrombosis in a timely manner, especially in home settings where there is a lack of effective means.
A portable intelligent stethoscope was designed, which incorporates an AI noise recognition chip and a signal amplification module, combined with a noise reduction filter. It provides intuitive feedback through a three-color indicator light and an alarm, simplifying the auscultation operation and is suitable for general medical staff and patients' self-monitoring.
It enables accurate identification of fistula murmur status without professional experience, reduces the risk of missed and misdiagnosis, improves the convenience and accuracy of monitoring, is suitable for home self-testing, extends service life and improves patient comfort.
Smart Images

Figure CN121987239A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistulas used in hemodialysis. Background Technology
[0002] Hemodialysis is a core treatment for end-stage renal disease patients, requiring extracorporeal circulation to purify the blood. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), often referred to as the "lifeline" for hemodialysis patients, are the preferred long-term dialysis access method. These fistulas are created through surgical anastomosis of superficial arteries and veins in the patient's limbs, arterializing the veins to form a high-flow vascular access, providing sufficient and stable blood flow for dialysis treatment. The patency of the fistula directly determines the smooth progress of dialysis treatment and is crucial for ensuring the patient's quality of life. Clinically, AVFs are prone to failure due to problems such as vascular stenosis, thrombosis, and vasospasm. Regular monitoring of blood flow is necessary, and auscultation to detect blood flow murmurs is the core method for assessing fistula patency. A normal fistula will produce a uniform, continuous blowing murmur; abnormal murmurs directly indicate a risk of fistula lesions. Therefore, timely and accurate auscultation monitoring is essential for maintaining fistula function.
[0003] Currently, auscultatory monitoring of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in both clinical and home settings largely relies on experienced medical professionals. These professionals use specialized stethoscopes to pick up murmurs of blood flow within the fistula and assess the patency based on the pitch, loudness, and rhythm of the murmur. This method demands a high level of experience, and ordinary medical staff, lacking specialized auscultation skills, often struggle to accurately distinguish between normal and abnormal murmurs, leading to missed or incorrect diagnoses. Furthermore, hemodialysis patients require long-term home self-monitoring of their fistulas. However, lacking specialized auscultation knowledge and skills, they cannot independently perform auscultation procedures, making it difficult to detect potential problems such as fistula stenosis and thrombosis at home. Often, patency failure is only discovered during dialysis, missing the optimal intervention window.
[0004] Therefore, this application proposes a portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistulas used in hemodialysis, which solves the technical problems mentioned in the background art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis, comprising a stethoscope host, wherein the stethoscope host is equipped with an alarm, three different colored auscultation result indicator lights, a device switch and a power indicator light, wherein the stethoscope host is equipped with a device power supply, a control module, a wireless data transmission module and an AI noise recognition chip, wherein a stethoscope head and a conductive tube are disposed on the outside of the stethoscope host, wherein a connecting tube is connected to the stethoscope head, wherein the end of the connecting tube away from the stethoscope head is inserted into the inside of the end of the conductive tube away from the stethoscope host, wherein a signal amplification module is connected to the end of the conductive tube away from the connecting tube, wherein the output end of the signal amplification module is connected to the input end of the AI noise recognition chip, and wherein the stethoscope head has a built-in noise reduction chemical filter.
[0007] Preferably, the stethoscope head is made of stainless steel, the surface of the stethoscope head is treated to prevent condensation, and the AI noise recognition chip is pre-recorded with common arteriovenous fistula noise spectra.
[0008] Preferably, the stethoscope head is provided with an auxiliary fixing mechanism, which includes a limiting band made of rubber material. The limiting band has a through hole, and the stethoscope head is located inside the through hole. The front and rear ends of the limiting band are respectively fixedly connected to a second binding band and a first binding band, which are engaged with each other by Velcro.
[0009] Preferably, a preheating mechanism is provided on the rear side of the stethoscope main unit. The preheating mechanism includes a limiting outer cylinder fixed to the rear end of the stethoscope main unit. A heating groove is provided on the front inner wall of the limiting outer cylinder. A flexible heating plate is provided at the bottom of the heating groove. A limiting ring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the limiting outer cylinder.
[0010] Preferably, the limiting ring is made of rubber material, and the inner diameter of the limiting ring is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the stethoscope head at the pickup surface end.
[0011] Preferably, the conductive tube is a silicone flexible tube, the outer wall of the connecting tube is provided with anti-slip protrusions, and the stethoscope main unit is provided with a hanging rope.
[0012] Compared with related technologies, the portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention provides a portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistulas used in hemodialysis. The stethoscope head has a built-in noise-reducing chemical filter to accurately filter interference, and the signal amplification module at the end of the conduction tube amplifies weak blood flow sounds. With the help of an AI murmur recognition chip with pre-recorded clinical murmur spectrum, it can automatically identify the state of fistula murmurs without relying on professional auscultation experience. The results are intuitively fed back through a three-color auscultation indicator light, and an alarm is linked for early warning. Ordinary medical staff can quickly complete the clinical screening, and patients can also perform self-examination at home, completely avoiding the risk of missed or misdiagnosis.
[0013] 2. This invention provides a portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistulas used in hemodialysis. The stainless steel stethoscope head is preheated by a flexible heating element inside the limiting outer cylinder. This preheating process prevents condensation caused by temperature differences between the stethoscope head and the skin, and, combined with anti-condensation treatment of the stethoscope head, ensures accurate sound pickup from the noise-reducing filter, avoiding misdiagnosis. Secondly, it prevents the cold stethoscope head from irritating the fistula vessels, preventing vascular spasm that interferes with auscultation, thus improving patient comfort and monitoring compliance. Thirdly, it is suitable for low-temperature environments, expanding the instrument's application range. Furthermore, the limiting outer cylinder and rubber limiting ring also function as a stethoscope head storage and limiting device, making it portable while protecting the stethoscope head and extending its service life.
[0014] 3. This invention provides a portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistulas used in hemodialysis. The stethoscope head is equipped with a rubber limiting strap and a Velcro restraint strap. The stethoscope head is fixed through a through hole, which can quickly fit the fistula site of the patient and securely restrain it, avoiding sound pickup deviation caused by shaking when holding the stethoscope. This not only improves the stability of auscultation, but also frees the hands of medical staff and patients, improves the convenience of operation and the comfort of use, and can meet the needs of short-term monitoring as well as some long-term monitoring needs. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention from another angle; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional structural diagram of the auscultatory head of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram from the rear view of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the limiting outer cylinder of the present invention.
[0016] In the diagram: 1. Stethoscope main unit; 2. Hanging rope; 3. Stethoscope result indicator light; 4. Equipment switch; 5. Conducting tube; 6. Signal amplification module; 7. Stethoscope head; 8. Noise reduction filter; 9. Connecting tube; 10. Alarm; 11. Power indicator light; 12. Limiting outer cylinder; 13. Heating tank; 14. Flexible heating element; 15. Limiting ring; 16. Limiting strap; 17. Restraint strap one; 18. Restraint strap two; 19. Through hole. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0018] Please see Figures 1-6 This invention provides a technical solution: a portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistulas used in hemodialysis, comprising a stethoscope host 1, an alarm 10, three different colored auscultation result indicator lights 3, a device switch 4, and a power indicator light 11. The stethoscope host 1 contains a device power supply, a control module, a wireless data transmission module, and an AI noise recognition chip. The device power supply uses a rechargeable lithium battery. A stethoscope head 7 and a conduction tube 5 are located on the outside of the stethoscope host 1. A connecting tube 9 is connected to the stethoscope head 7. The end of the connecting tube 9 furthest from the stethoscope head 7 is inserted into the inner side of the conduction tube 5 furthest from the stethoscope host 1. A signal amplification module 6 is connected to the end of the conduction tube 5 furthest from the connecting tube 9. The output of the signal amplification module 6 is connected to the input of the AI noise recognition chip. The stethoscope head 7 has a built-in noise reduction filter 8. Pressing and holding the device switch 4 activates voice prompts (such as "Currently, normal fistula noise" or "Stenosis warning detected, please contact medical staff"), making it suitable for elderly patients with poor vision and novice nurses. The stethoscope head 7 is made of stainless steel and has an anti-condensation treatment. The AI murmur recognition chip is pre-recorded with common arteriovenous fistula murmur spectra. A uniform and continuous "blowing" murmur indicates that the arteriovenous fistula has sufficient blood flow and a patent duct. A "high-pitched and sharp" murmur with decreasing volume indicates that the arteriovenous fistula may have mild stenosis and requires immediate medical attention. Intermittent or absent murmurs suggest that the arteriovenous fistula may have thrombosis, triggering a high-frequency buzzer alarm. The stethoscope head 7 is equipped with an auxiliary fixation mechanism, which includes a limiting band 16 made of rubber material. The limiting band 16 has a through hole 19, and the stethoscope head 7 is located inside the through hole 19. The front and rear ends of the limiting band 16 are respectively fixedly connected to a second binding band 18 and a first binding band 17. The second binding band 18 and the first binding band 17 are connected by Velcro. When long-term monitoring is required, the stethoscope head 7 is fixed by the auxiliary fixation mechanism, inserted into the through hole 19 of the limiting band 16, and fitted to the auscultation site of the patient's arm fistula. The first binding band 17 and the second binding band 18 are fastened by Velcro, freeing the hands and preventing the stethoscope head 7 from shaking. A preheating mechanism is provided on the rear side of the stethoscope main unit 1. The preheating mechanism includes a limiting outer cylinder 12 fixed to the rear end of the stethoscope main unit 1. A heating groove 13 is opened on the front inner wall of the limiting outer cylinder 12. A flexible heating element 14 is provided at the bottom of the heating groove 13. A limiting ring 15 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the limiting outer cylinder 12. After the device is turned on, the control module drives the flexible heating element 14 in the heating groove 13 to work, and preheats the stainless steel stethoscope head 7 evenly, so that the temperature of the stethoscope head 7 is close to the temperature of human skin. This not only prevents the generation of condensation water mist during subsequent use, but also avoids vascular spasm caused by cold stimulation. At the same time, the power indicator light 11 displays the remaining power of the device in real time to ensure normal use. The limiting ring 15 is made of rubber material. The inner diameter of the limiting ring 15 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the stethoscope head 7 at the pickup surface. When not in use, the stethoscope head 7 passes through the limiting ring 15 and is inserted into the limiting outer cylinder 12 of the preheating mechanism. The limiting ring 15 prevents the stethoscope head 7 from falling off. The conduction tube 5 is a silicone flexible tube, and the outer wall of the connecting tube 9 is provided with anti-slip protrusions. The stethoscope main unit 1 is provided with a hanging rope 2. The connection between the stethoscope head 7 and the conduction tube 5 is achieved through the connecting tube 9. At the same time, the anti-slip protrusions prevent the conduction tube 5 from falling off after it is connected to the connecting tube 9.
[0019] Working Principle: After power-on, the control module drives the flexible heating element 14 in the heating tank 13 to work, uniformly preheating the stainless steel stethoscope head 7, making the temperature of the stethoscope head 7 close to the temperature of human skin. This prevents condensation during subsequent use and avoids vascular spasm caused by cold stimulation. At the same time, the power indicator light 11 displays the remaining power of the device in real time to ensure normal use. After the stethoscope head 7 has been preheated, place the pickup surface of the stethoscope head 7 at the arteriovenous fistula location. The weak blood flow sound signal collected by the stethoscope head 7 is transmitted through the connecting tube 9 to the silicone conductive tube 5. The anti-slip protrusion on the outside of the connecting tube 9 ensures a secure connection with the conductive tube 5 and prevents signal leakage. The signal amplification module 6 at the end of the conductive tube 5 is activated, amplifying the weak blood flow sound signal to a stable and identifiable range. The amplified electrical signal is then transmitted to the AI noise recognition chip inside the host, providing a clear signal foundation for subsequent intelligent analysis. The noise recognition chip calls up the pre-recorded spectrum of common arteriovenous fistula noises in clinical practice, compares and analyzes the received amplified signals, and accurately grades and judges the status of the arteriovenous fistula. If it is a uniform and continuous blowing-like normal noise, the control module drives the green auscultation result indicator 3 to light up; if it is a high-pitched, sharp, and weakened stenosis warning noise, it drives the yellow indicator to light up; if it is an intermittent or disappearing thrombosis risk noise, it drives the red indicator to light up, and at the same time, the alarm 10 is linked to trigger a high-frequency buzzer alarm. No human experience is required for judgment throughout the process, reducing the operation threshold.
[0020] When long-term monitoring is required, the stethoscope head 7 is secured by an auxiliary fixing mechanism. It is inserted through the through hole 19 of the limiting strap 16, conforming to the auscultation site of the patient's arm fistula. The Velcro fasteners of the first binding strap 17 and the second binding strap 18 are used for secure fastening, freeing the hands and preventing the stethoscope head 7 from shaking. After intelligent recognition, the control module synchronously activates the wireless data transmission module to upload data such as the auscultation time, noise level, and signal waveform to a dedicated terminal for data storage. Medical staff can remotely retrieve the data to create a health curve for the patient's fistula, facilitating long-term follow-up and early intervention. After use, the stethoscope head 7 is reinserted into the preheating mechanism's limiting outer cylinder 12 for storage and preheating before the next use, ensuring convenient cycle operation.
[0021] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis, comprising a stethoscope main unit (1), characterized in that: The stethoscope host (1) is equipped with an alarm (10), three different colored auscultation result indicator lights (3), a device switch (4) and a power indicator light (11). The stethoscope host (1) is equipped with a device power supply, a control module, a wireless data transmission module and an AI noise recognition chip. The stethoscope host (1) is equipped with a stethoscope head (7) and a conduction tube (5) on the outside. A connecting tube (9) is connected to the stethoscope head (7). The end of the connecting tube (9) away from the stethoscope head (7) is inserted into the inside of the end of the conduction tube (5) away from the stethoscope host (1). The end of the conduction tube (5) away from the connecting tube (9) is connected to a signal amplification module (6). The output end of the signal amplification module (6) is connected to the input end of the AI noise recognition chip. The stethoscope head (7) has a built-in noise reduction filter (8).
2. The portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stethoscope head (7) is made of stainless steel and the surface of the stethoscope head (7) is treated with anti-condensation. The AI noise recognition chip is pre-recorded with common arteriovenous fistula noise spectra.
3. The portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stethoscope head (7) is provided with an auxiliary fixing mechanism, which includes a limiting band (16). The limiting band (16) is made of rubber material and has a through hole (19). The stethoscope head (7) is located inside the through hole (19). The front and rear ends of the limiting band (16) are respectively fixedly connected to a second binding band (18) and a first binding band (17). The second binding band (18) and the first binding band (17) are connected by Velcro.
4. The portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stethoscope host (1) is provided with a preheating mechanism on the rear side. The preheating mechanism includes a limiting outer cylinder (12) fixed to the rear end of the stethoscope host (1). A heating groove (13) is provided on the front inner wall of the limiting outer cylinder (12). A flexible heating plate (14) is provided at the bottom of the heating groove (13). A limiting ring (15) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the limiting outer cylinder (12).
5. The portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis according to claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting ring (15) is made of rubber material, and the inner diameter of the limiting ring (15) is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the stethoscope head (7) at one end of the pickup surface.
6. The portable intelligent stethoscope for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive tube (5) is a silicone flexible tube, and the outer wall of the connecting tube (9) is provided with anti-slip protrusions. The stethoscope host (1) is provided with a hanging rope (2).