Blood vessel detection equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a blood vessel detection device. A blood vessel detection device includes a device module configured for placement on a skin surface of a patient, the device module including: a first light source configured to project first light having a first wavelength through the skin surface and into a detection region of the patient, the detection region being located below the device module; a second light source configured to project a second light having a second wavelength through the skin surface and into the detection region, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength; and a photodetector configured to receive first reflected light generated by the first light and second reflected light generated by the second light in order to determine the presence of the blood vessel within the detection region.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 216,046, filed on June 29, 2023, 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 specifically to blood vessel detection equipment. Background Art

[0004] The risk of harm to a patient when accessing a vein for IV therapy is generally low. However, for some patients, the risk may increase when the location of the vein may be difficult to identify. Patient characteristics such as weight or skin color can increase the complexity of locating a vein. Another common risk associated with vascular access is mistaking an artery for a vein. Some medical devices and systems utilize imaging technology to locate and identify blood vessels. However, such devices can be relatively bulky and expensive, and may require extensive training to use. It has been shown that devices are more likely to be used when they are simple and less costly. Therefore, there is a need for simple, small, and less costly devices that clinicians can use to locate and identify blood vessels.

[0005] Disclosed herein are devices and methods that solve the aforementioned problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to some embodiments, a blood vessel detection device is disclosed herein, comprising: a device module configured to be placed on a patient's skin surface. The device module comprises: a first light source configured to project a first light having a first wavelength through the skin surface and into a detection area of ​​the patient, the detection area being located below the device module; a second light source configured to project a second light having a second wavelength through the skin surface and into the detection area, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength; and a photodetector configured to receive a first reflected light generated by the first light and a second reflected light generated by the second light, so as to determine the presence of a blood vessel in the detection area.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first wavelength is within the red spectrum, and the second wavelength is within the infrared spectrum. In some embodiments, the first wavelength is 660nm, and the second wavelength is 940nm. In some embodiments, the first light source, the second light source and the photodetector are arranged in a linear array. In some embodiments, the first light source and the second light source are pulsed at a rate between 30 and 40 pulses per second. In some embodiments, the blood vessel detection device also includes an attachment mechanism connected to the device module, and the attachment mechanism is configured to fix the device module to the patient. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism includes a band or strip configured to extend around the patient's limbs. In some embodiments, the device module also includes at least one of a plurality of visual notification devices or a plurality of audio notification devices to provide at least one of a visual notification or an auditory notification when a blood vessel is present in the detection area.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a blood vessel detection device is disclosed herein, comprising: a device module configured to be placed on a skin surface of a patient, wherein the device module comprises: (i) a first light source configured to project a first light having a first wavelength through the skin surface and into a detection area of ​​the patient, wherein the detection area is located below the device module; (ii) a second light source configured to project a second light having a second wavelength through the skin surface and into the detection area, wherein the second wavelength is different from the first wavelength; (iii) a photodetector configured to receive a first reflected light generated by the first light and a second reflected light generated by the second light. The blood vessel detection device may also additionally comprise (iv) a console coupled to the first light source, the second light source and the photodetector. The console comprises a microcontroller having a processor and a memory, wherein the logic stored in the memory performs the operation of the device when executed by the processor. The operation comprises: (i) receiving first light data originating from the photodetector, the first light data comprising a first intensity of the first reflected light; (ii) receiving second light data originating from the photodetector, the second light data comprising a second intensity of the second reflected light; (iii) calculating a first parameter of the first intensity and the second intensity; and (iv) determining the presence of a blood vessel in the detection area according to the first parameter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first wavelength is within the red spectrum and the second wavelength is within the infrared spectrum, in some embodiments, the first wavelength can be about 660nm and the second wavelength can be about 940nm. The first light source, the second light source and the photodetector can be arranged in a linear array. In some embodiments, the first parameter is a combination of the first intensity and the second intensity.

[0010] In some embodiments, determining the presence of a blood vessel includes comparing a combination of the first intensity and the second intensity to an intensity limit stored in a memory, and determining that a blood vessel exists within the detection area when the combination of the first intensity and the second intensity is less than the intensity limit.

[0011] In some embodiments, the operation further comprises calculating a second parameter of the first intensity and the second intensity, and determining whether the blood vessel present in the detection area is a vein or an artery based on the second parameter. In some embodiments, the second parameter is a difference between the first intensity and the second intensity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the operation further includes calculating a third parameter of the first intensity and the second intensity, and determining whether the blood vessel present in the detection area is a vein or an artery based on the third parameter.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third parameter is a ratio of the first intensity to the second intensity, the ratio being defined by dividing the first intensity by the second intensity.

[0014] In some embodiments, determining whether the blood vessel present in the detection area is a vein or an artery based on the third parameter includes comparing the ratio with a ratio limit stored in a memory, and determining that the blood vessel is a vein when the ratio is less than the ratio limit.

[0015] In some embodiments, operating includes pulsing the first light source and the second light source at a rate between 30 and 40 pulses per second.

[0016] In some embodiments, the device further comprises an attachment mechanism coupled to the device module, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to secure the device module to the patient. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism comprises a band or strap configured to extend around a limb of the patient.

[0017] In some embodiments, the device module further comprises at least one of a plurality of visual notification devices or a plurality of audio notification devices, and the operation further comprises providing at least one of a visual or an audible notification when a blood vessel is present within the detection region. In some embodiments, the operation further comprises providing at least a second of a visual or an audible notification when a blood vessel present within the detection region is determined to be a vein.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the present invention also discloses a method for detecting a blood vessel in a patient, comprising: (i) projecting a first light having a first wavelength through tissue of a detection area of ​​the patient; (ii) projecting a second light having a second wavelength through tissue of the detection area, wherein the second wavelength is different from the first wavelength; (iii) receiving a first reflected light generated by the first light, wherein the first reflected light defines a first intensity; (iv) receiving a second reflected light generated by the second light, wherein the second reflected light defines a second intensity; (v) calculating a first parameter based on the first intensity and the second intensity; (vi) comparing the parameter with a defined parameter limit; (vii) as a result of the comparison, determining that a blood vessel exists in the detection area when the parameter exceeds the defined limit; and (viii) providing a visual or auditory notification that a blood vessel exists in the detection area when the parameter exceeds the defined limit.

[0019] In some embodiments of the method, the first wavelength is in the red spectrum and the second wavelength is in the infrared spectrum.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first parameter is a combination of the first intensity and the second intensity.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further includes: (i) calculating a difference between the first intensity and the second intensity; (ii) comparing the difference to a defined difference limit; (iii) determining whether the blood vessel is a vein or an artery as a result of the comparison; and (iv) providing a visual or audible notification that a vein is present within the detection area when the difference exceeds the defined difference limit.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method further includes: (i) calculating a ratio of the first intensity and the second intensity; (ii) comparing the ratio to a defined ratio limit; (iii) determining that the blood vessel is a vein as a result of the comparison; and (iv) providing a visual or audible notification that a vein is present within the detection area when the ratio exceeds the defined ratio limit.

[0023] In some embodiments, calculating the ratio includes dividing the first intensity by the second intensity, and exceeding the defined ratio limit is defined by the ratio having a greater value than the defined ratio limit.

[0024] 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 describe in more detail specific embodiments of such concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1A A perspective view of a blood vessel detection device according to some embodiments is shown.

[0026] Figure 1BAccording to some embodiments, a method for use with a patient Figure 1A Cross-sectional side view of an equipment module.

[0027] Figure 2 An exemplary graph depicting the absorption coefficient associated with hemoglobin oxygen content as a function of wavelength is shown according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 3 According to some embodiments, Figure 1A A block diagram of the console of a device.

[0029] Figure 4 According to some embodiments, Figure 1A Example usage of the device.

[0030] Figure 5 A block diagram of a method for detecting and identifying blood vessels within a patient is shown, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] 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 features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiments, and these features may be optionally combined with or replace the features of any of the many other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0032] About the terms used herein, 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 restrictions.For example, "first", "second" and "third" features or steps do not necessarily appear in this order, and the specific embodiments including such features or steps are not necessarily limited to these three features or steps.For convenience, using labels such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", etc., these labels are not intended to imply, for example, any specific fixed position, orientation or direction.On the contrary, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation or direction.Singular forms of "a kind of", "one" and "the" include plural references, unless the context clearly stipulates otherwise.

[0033] The phrases "connected to," "coupled to," and "in communication with" refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including but not limited to physical, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, wireless, and thermal interactions. Two components may be coupled to each other even if they are not in direct contact or communication with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each other through an intermediate component.

[0034] 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 circuits having data processing and / or storage functions. Examples of such circuits may include, but are not limited to or constrained to, hardware processors (e.g., microprocessors, one or more processor cores, digital signal processors, programmable gate arrays, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits "ASICs", etc.), semiconductor memories, or combinational components.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the term "logic" may refer to or include software, such as one or more processes, one or more instances, an application programming interface (API), a subroutine, a function, an applet, a servlet, a routine, a source code, an object code, a shared library / dynamic link library (dll), or even one or more instructions. The software may be stored in any type of suitable non-transitory storage medium or transient storage medium (e.g., an electrical, optical, acoustic, or other form of propagating signal, such as a carrier wave, an infrared signal, or a digital signal). Examples of non-transitory storage media may include, but are not limited to or limited to: programmable circuits; non-persistent storage devices, such as volatile memory (e.g., any type of random access memory "RAM"); or persistent memory, such as non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory "ROM", power-powered RAM, flash memory, phase change memory, etc.), a solid-state drive, a hard drive, an optical drive, or a portable memory device. As firmware, the logic may be stored in a persistent storage device.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, the phrase "exceeds a limit" is non-directional. In other words, a parameter can exceed a limit by falling below a limit or by rising above a limit.

[0037] Any method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. These method steps and / or actions can be interchangeable with each other. In other words, unless the proper operation of the embodiment requires a specific order of steps or actions, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions can be modified. In addition, a subroutine or only a portion of the method described herein can be a separate method within the scope of the disclosed text. In other words, some methods can include only a portion of the steps described in the more detailed method. In addition, all embodiments disclosed herein are combinable and / or interchangeable, unless otherwise stated, or such combination or interchange will be contrary to the operability of any embodiment.

[0038] Figure 1A A vein (or blood vessel) detection device (device) 100 is shown according to one embodiment. The device 100 is generally configured for placement on a patient, such as on an arm. The device 100 may include an attachment mechanism 105, such as Figure 1A 1. The flexible armband shown. Other attachment mechanisms are also contemplated and therefore included in the present disclosure, such as straps, clamps, or adhesives. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 105 can be omitted, wherein according to some embodiments, a user (e.g., a clinician) can apply the device 100 to the patient and keep the device in contact with the patient.

[0039] The device 100 is generally configured to determine whether a vein is located in the patient's body below the device module 110 of the device 100. In other words, the device 100 is configured to determine whether the device module 110 is located above the patient's vein. The device 100 is configured to provide a notification to the user when the device 100 detects a vein below the device module 110. The notification may include a visual or auditory notification or both. According to the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 may include a plurality of (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or more) lighting devices 112 (e.g., LEDs), which illuminate (or, for example, provide another visual indication, such as a color change) when the device 100 detects a blood vessel below the device module 110 and / or identifies whether the blood vessel is a vein or an artery. Similarly, the device 100 may include a plurality of (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or more) audio devices 114, which provide or change sounds when the device 100 detects a blood vessel below the device module 110 and / or identifies whether the blood vessel is a vein or an artery.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the device module 110 may include a marker 116 (e.g., as shown by an arrow), and detecting a vein below the device module 110 may include detecting that the vein is aligned with (i.e., directly below) the marker 116. In use, the user may move or reposition the device module 110 on the patient (e.g., rotate it around the arm) until the notification indicates that the device module 110 (or more specifically, the marker 116) is located above the vein. In such a case, the user may be confident that the vein is disposed below the device module 110 and aligned with the marker 116.

[0041] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional side view of an apparatus module 110 for use with a patient 50. The apparatus module 110 is placed adjacent to (e.g., in contact with) a skin surface 52 of the patient 50. A blood vessel 60 is disposed below the apparatus module 110, the blood vessel having blood 62 passing therethrough. Tissue 55 is disposed between the apparatus module 110 and the blood vessel 60. The apparatus module 110 includes a first light source 120 and a second light source 140. The apparatus module 110 also includes a plurality of (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or more) photodetectors, such as a first photodetector 130 and a second photodetector 150. The apparatus module 110 also includes a console 115, which generally manages the operation of the apparatus module 110.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the first light source 120, the second light source 140, the first photodetector 130, and the second photodetector 150 are arranged linearly along the bottom surface 111 of the device module 110. In addition, the marking 116 can be positioned to point and align with the first light source 120, the second light source 140, the first photodetector 130, and the second photodetector 150. Figure 1B The order of placement of the first light source 120, the second light source 140, the first photodetector 130, and the second photodetector 150 shown is merely exemplary and therefore not limiting. Although the illustrated embodiment includes two photodetectors 130, 150, other embodiments may include more or less than two photodetectors. For example, the operation of the two photodetectors 130, 150 may be combined into a single photodetector.

[0043] The first light source 120 (which may include a light emitting diode (LED)) is configured to project a first light 122 downward from the bottom surface 111 of the device module 110, such that the first light 122 impinges on the skin surface 52 and travels through the tissue 55 to the blood vessel 60. The first light 122 includes a first wavelength equal to about 660 nm in the red spectrum. The second light source 140 (which may also include an LED) is configured to project a second light 142 downward from the bottom surface 111 of the device module 110, such that the second light 142 (similar to the first light 122) impinges on the skin surface 52 and travels through the tissue 55 to the blood vessel 60. The second light 122 includes a second wavelength equal to about 940 nm in the infrared spectrum.

[0044] The first light 122 and the second light 142 reflect off the tissue 55 and the blood 62, and the reflected light is detected and received by the photodetectors 130, 150. A relatively large portion of the total reflected light is composed of light reflected (scattered) by the tissue 55, as designated by the first scattered light 131 and the second scattered light 151. When the blood vessel 60 is present, a portion of the total reflected light is absorbed by the blood 62 (e.g., by pulsatile absorption), so that the amount of reflected light received by the photodetectors 130, 150 is greater when the blood vessel 60 is not present than when the blood vessel 60 is present. Therefore, a decrease in the reflected light detected by the photodetectors 130, 150 can indicate the presence of the blood vessel 60 below the device module 110.

[0045] Portions of the first light 122 and the second light 142 reflect off the blood 62 within the blood vessel 60 and are designated as first reflected light 132 and second reflected light 152. After the first reflected light 122 and the second reflected light 142, along with the first scattered light 131 and the second scattered light 151, return through the tissue 55, the first photodetector 130 and the second photodetector 150 of the device module 110 receive the first reflected light 132 and the second reflected light 152.

[0046] Figure 2 is a graph showing the optical absorption coefficient as a function of wavelength and oxygen level of blood 62, wherein the optical absorption coefficient defines the portion of light that is absorbed (i.e., not reflected). As shown, the first reflected light 132 and the second reflected light 152 can be affected by the properties / state of the blood 62 within the blood vessel 60. The blood vessel 60 can be an artery carrying oxygenated blood or a vein carrying deoxygenated blood. More specifically, arterial blood can generally include a higher concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (versus deoxygenated hemoglobin), wherein venous blood can include a higher concentration of deoxygenated hemoglobin (versus oxyhemoglobin). As shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in the curve graph of , the absorption coefficient 211 of deoxyhemoglobin for the first light 122 is generally greater than the absorption coefficient 212 of oxyhemoglobin. Therefore, compared with arterial blood, venous blood absorbs the first light 122 more. Figure 2 As shown in the graph of , the absorption coefficient 222 of oxygenated hemoglobin for the second light 142 is generally greater than the absorption coefficient 221 of deoxygenated hemoglobin. Therefore, arterial blood absorbs the second light 142 more than venous blood.

[0047] Applying the light absorption phenomenon to the illustrated embodiment, the blood 62 is exposed to the first light 122. A first portion of the first light 122 is absorbed by the blood 62, and a second portion of the first light 122 defines a first reflected light 132. In the case where the blood vessel 60 is a vein, the relatively high absorption coefficient 211 of the venous blood allows a relatively low portion of the first light 122 to be included in the first reflected light 132. Conversely, in the case where the blood vessel 60 is an artery, the relatively low absorption coefficient 212 of the arterial blood allows a relatively high portion of the first light 122 to be included in the first reflected light 132. In summary, when the blood vessel 60 is a vein, the first reflected light 132 will have a lower intensity than when the blood vessel 60 is an artery.

[0048] In a similar manner to the application of the light absorption phenomenon to the illustrated embodiment, the blood 62 is exposed to the second light 142. A first portion of the second light 142 is absorbed by the blood 62, and a second portion of the second light 142 defines a second reflected light 152. In the case where the blood vessel 60 is a vein, the relatively low absorption coefficient 221 of the venous blood allows a relatively high portion of the second light 142 to be included in the second reflected light 152. Conversely, in the case where the blood vessel 60 is an artery, the relatively high absorption coefficient 222 of the arterial blood allows a relatively low portion of the second light 142 to be included in the second reflected light 152. In summary, when the blood vessel 60 is a vein, the second reflected light 152 will have a higher intensity than when the blood vessel 60 is an artery.

[0049] Figure 3 1 is a block diagram of a console 115 coupled to a first light source 120 and a second light source 140 and a first photodetector 130 and a second photodetector 150. The console 115 is generally configured to manage the operation of the device module 110. The console 115 includes a processor 310 and a memory 320 (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium) having logic modules stored thereon, such as a light source control logic 321 and a vein detection logic 322. In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 310 and the memory 320 may be incorporated into a microcontroller 305. The console 115 is powered via a power source 330, such as a rechargeable battery.

[0050] The console 115 includes an interface module 340 coupled between the microcontroller 305 and the first and second light sources 120, 140 and the first and second photodetectors 130, 150. The interface module 340 includes electrical components (e.g., transistors) that enable the microcontroller to control the operation of the first and second light sources 120, 140. The interface module 340 also includes electrical components (e.g., filters, amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters) configured to convert electrical signals from the first and second photodetectors 130, 150 into digital data that can be processed by the vein detection logic 322.

[0051] The light source control logic 321 is configured to manage the operation of the first light source 120 and the second light source 140, i.e., to power on and off the first light source 120 and the second light source 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source control logic 321 can cause either or both of the first light source 120 and the second light source 140 to pulse at a rate of 30 to 40 pulses per second.

[0052] The vein detection logic 322 is generally configured to receive and process light data originating from the first photodetector 130 and the second photodetector 150 and related to the first scattered light 131 and the second scattered light 151 and the first reflected light 132 and the second reflected light 152. The operation of the vein detection logic 322 may include determining one or more parameters of the first reflected light 132 and the second reflected light 152.

[0053] Figure 4 An exemplary use of the device 100 according to some embodiments is shown. The device module 110 is shown placed at three different locations 410, 411, and 412 along the patient's skin surface 52. At location 410, the device module 110 is positioned so that the detection area 415 below the device module 110 does not include a blood vessel. At location 411, the detection area 415 includes the artery 402, and at location 412, the detection area 415 includes the vein 404. Figure 4 Further shown is an exemplary graph having a horizontal axis 421 extending along the skin surface 52 including the locations 410, 411, and 412 and a vertical axis 422 indicating the intensity level of the reflected light. A first line 431 of the graph indicates the intensity of light in the red spectrum received by the first photodetector 130 at the three locations 410, 411, and 412, and a second line 432 of the graph indicates the intensity of light in the infrared spectrum received by the second photodetector 150 at the three locations 410, 411, and 412.

[0054] At position 410, where there are no blood vessels that absorb light, first line 431 indicates a "high" intensity detected by first photodetector 130, and second line 432 indicates a "high" intensity detected by second photodetector 150. At position 411, where there are arteries 402 within detection region 415, the intensity detected by first photodetector 130 is proportional to the absorption coefficient 212 ( Figure 2 ) is reduced. Similarly, the intensity detected by the second photodetector 150 is reduced according to the absorption coefficient 222 ( Figure 2 At position 412, where vein 404 exists in detection region 415, the intensity detected by first photodetector 130 is reduced according to absorption coefficient 211 ( Figure 2 ) and further significantly decreases relative to the intensity at position 411. In contrast, the intensity detected by the second photodetector 150 is proportional to the absorption coefficient 221 ( Figure 2 ) and the intensity increases relative to that at position 411.

[0055] The vein detection logic 322 is configured to determine the presence of a blood vessel disposed below the device module 110. According to one embodiment, the vein detection logic 322 may determine: (i) a first intensity of reflected light including the first scattered light 131 and the first reflected light 132 received by the first photodetector 130; and (ii) a second intensity of reflected light including the second scattered light 151 and the second reflected light 152 received by the second photodetector 150. The vein detection logic may use the first intensity, the second intensity, or a combination of the first intensity and the second intensity to determine whether a blood vessel is present below the device module 110. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the first intensity and the second intensity at positions 411 and 412 decrease relative to the first intensity and the second intensity at position 411. Therefore, the vein detection logic 322 can determine the presence of the artery 402 or the vein 404 in the detection area 415 based on the decrease in the reflected light intensity (i.e., the decrease in the first intensity, the decrease in the second intensity, or the decrease in the combination of the first intensity and the second intensity).

[0056] In an exemplary use case, the clinician may shift the device module 110 across the skin surface 52 while searching for a vein. When the device module 110 is positioned over a blood vessel, the vein detection logic 322 may detect a decrease in reflected light intensity, as described above. According to one embodiment, the vein detection logic 322 may compare the instantaneous reflected light intensity to an intensity limit stored in the memory 320, and provide a notification when the instantaneous reflected light intensity drops below the intensity limit stored in the memory 320. According to another embodiment, the vein detection logic 322 may monitor the trend of the instantaneous reflected light intensity as the device module 110 moves across the skin surface 52 (i.e., across positions 410, 411, and 412), and provide a notification when a minimum instantaneous reflected light intensity is detected.

[0057] The vein detection logic 322 is configured to determine that the blood vessel disposed below the device module 110 is a vein rather than an artery. According to one embodiment, the vein detection logic 322 may determine: (i) a first intensity of the first scattered light 131 combined with the first reflected light 132 (i.e., light received by the first photodetector 130 including a wavelength within the red spectrum (e.g., a wavelength of 660 nm)); and (ii) a second intensity of the second scattered light 151 combined with the second reflected light 152 (i.e., light received by the second photodetector 150 including a wavelength within the infrared spectrum (e.g., a wavelength of 940 nm)). The vein detection logic 322 may then compare the first intensity with the second intensity, and if the second intensity is greater than the first intensity, the vein detection logic 322 may determine that the blood vessel is a vein. Conversely, if the first intensity is greater than the second intensity, the vein detection logic 322 may determine that the blood vessel is an artery. In other words, the vein detection logic 322 may determine whether the disposed blood vessel is a vein or an artery based on the difference between the first intensity and the second intensity.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the vein detection logic 322 may calculate a ratio of the first intensity to the second intensity (e.g., the first intensity divided by the second intensity). The vein detection logic 322 may then compare the calculated ratio with a ratio limit stored in the memory 320 to determine whether the blood is a vein or an artery as a result of the comparison. For example, when the calculated ratio is less than the ratio limit, the vein detection logic 322 may determine that the blood vessel is a vein, and when the calculated ratio is greater than the ratio limit, the vein detection logic 322 may determine that the blood vessel is an artery. Calculating the ratio and making a determination based on the ratio may provide increased reliability of the result compared to directly comparing the intensities by reducing the effects of variations associated with the first scattered light 131 and the second scattered light 151.

[0059] Figure 5is a block diagram of a method 500 of detecting a blood vessel in a patient, according to some embodiments, the method including all or any subset of the following actions, steps, or operations. Figure 5 Each box shown in represents an operation of the method 500 performed by a blood vessel or vein detection device, and is generally a result of executing one or more logic modules disclosed herein and deploying a specific device such as the blood vessel detection device 100. The method 500 may include projecting a first light and a second light having different wavelengths through tissue of a detection area of ​​a patient (box 510). In some embodiments of the method 500, the first wavelength is within the red spectrum (e.g., 660nm) and the second wavelength is within the infrared spectrum (e.g., 940nm). The method 500 may also include receiving a first reflected light and a second reflected light generated by the first light and the second light, wherein the first reflected light and the second reflected light define a first intensity and a second intensity, respectively (box 520).

[0060] The method 500 may also include calculating a first parameter based on the first intensity and the second intensity, and comparing the parameter to a defined parameter limit (block 530). In some embodiments of the method 500, the first parameter is a combination of the first intensity and the second intensity. The method 500 may also include, as a result of the comparison, determining that a blood vessel is present within the detection region when the parameter exceeds the defined limit (block 540). The method 500 may also include providing a visual or audible notification that a blood vessel is present within the detection region when the parameter exceeds the defined limit (block 550).

[0061] The method 500 may also include calculating a difference between the first intensity and the second intensity, and determining whether the vessel is a vein or an artery based on the difference (block 560). In some embodiments of the method 500, determining based on the difference may include comparing the difference to a defined difference limit, and determining that the vessel is a vein as a result of the comparison. The method 500 may also include providing a visual or audible notification that a vein is present within the detection area when the difference exceeds the defined difference limit.

[0062] The method 500 may also include calculating a ratio of the first intensity and the second intensity, and determining whether the vessel is a vein or an artery based on the ratio (block 570). In some embodiments, the method 500 may include comparing the ratio to a defined ratio limit, and determining that the vessel is a vein as a result of the comparison. The method 500 may also include providing a visual or audible notification that a vein is present within the detection area when the ratio exceeds the defined ratio limit.

[0063] In some embodiments of method 500, calculating the ratio includes dividing the first intensity by the second intensity, and exceeding a defined ratio limit is defined by the ratio having a greater value than the defined ratio limit.

[0064] Although some specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although these specific embodiments have been disclosed in considerable detail, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations and / or modifications may be envisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art, and in broader aspects, these adaptations and / or modifications are also encompassed. Therefore, changes may be made to the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. A blood vessel detection device, characterized in that: include: A device module configured to be placed on a skin surface of a patient, the device module comprising: a first light source configured to project a first light having a first wavelength through a skin surface and into a detection area of ​​a patient, the detection area being located below the device module; a second light source configured to project a second light having a second wavelength through the skin surface and into the detection region, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength; A photodetector is configured to receive a first reflected light generated by the first light and a second reflected light generated by the second light so as to determine the presence of a blood vessel within the detection area.

2. The blood vessel detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first wavelength is in the red spectrum, and The second wavelength is in the infrared spectrum.

3. The blood vessel detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first wavelength is 660 nm, and The second wavelength is 940 nm.

4. The blood vessel detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first light source, the second light source and the photodetector are arranged in a linear array.

5. The blood vessel detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first light source and the second light source are pulsed at a rate between 30 and 40 pulses per second.

6. The blood vessel detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is an attachment mechanism coupled to the device module, the attachment mechanism configured to secure the device module to the patient.

7. The blood vessel detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The attachment mechanism includes a strap or band configured to extend around the patient's limb.

8. The blood vessel detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device module further includes at least one of a plurality of visual notification devices or a plurality of audio notification devices to provide at least one of a visual notification or an audio notification when a blood vessel is present within the detection area.

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