Fixed platform and imaging system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a fixed platform and an imaging system for vascular access device indwelling assessment. The fixed platform comprises a base layer; a vascular access device pocket formed in the base layer; a catheter insertion site window formed in the base layer distal to the vascular access device pocket; and an imaging device pocket. The imaging system includes an ultrasound imaging device configured to obtain one or more images of a catheter inserted into a vascular system of a patient; and a base unit configured to receive an image from the ultrasound imaging device when the ultrasound imaging device is positioned over a distal tip of a catheter inserted into a vascular system of a patient. The embodiment of the utility model provides an improved fixing platform and an imaging system for vascular access device indwelling evaluation. According to the embodiment of the utility model, the state of the indwelling integrated vascular access device and the overall feasibility of the vascular access in acute nursing and replacement part setting can be better evaluated and monitored, and the complications and experience of a patient, the burden of a clinician and the overall effectiveness of patient treatment and nursing are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present utility model relates to a fixed platform and an imaging system for evaluating the indwelling of a vascular access device. Background Art

[0002] Vascular access devices are commonly used for various infusion therapies. For example, a vascular access device can be used to infuse a therapeutic agent or fluid into a patient. A vascular access device can also be used to draw blood from a patient. There are a variety of vascular access devices commonly used in a medical setting, including, for example, peripherally inserted central catheters, midline catheters, central venous catheters, dialysis catheters, and arterial catheters.

[0003] A common type of vascular access device includes a catheter that is sleeved over a needle. As its name implies, the catheter sleeved over the needle can be mounted on a guiding needle having a sharp distal tip. The catheter and the guiding needle can be assembled such that the distal end of the guiding needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter, with the bevel of the needle facing upward away from the patient's skin surface. The catheter and the guiding needle are typically inserted into the patient's vascular system through the skin at a small angle. To verify the correct placement of the guiding needle and / or the catheter in the blood vessel, a clinician typically confirms the presence of "backflow" of blood in the reflux chamber of the catheter assembly. Once the placement of the needle is confirmed, the catheter can be left in place for future blood draws or infusions.

[0004] Although the catheter indwelling performance (i.e., how long the catheter can be safely left in the vascular system) has been improved in recent years, there are still a large number of complications that can develop during the entire intended indwelling period of the vascular access device. These complications can include infiltration, extravasation, displacement, occlusion, loss of patency, infection, catheter kinking, catheter movement, thrombosis, and phlebitis. These complications can also include local changes in the patient's physiology, such as changes in vein or artery size, collapse, hardening, injury, and other changes that can accelerate the further development of the complications.

[0005] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or operate only in environments such as those described above. Instead, this background art is provided only to illustrate an example technical field in which some of the embodiments described herein can be practiced. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide an improved fixed platform and an imaging system for evaluating the indwelling of a vascular access device.

[0007] The present disclosure generally relates to an imaging system for integrated vascular access device indwelling assessment and data integration. An effect of one embodiment according to the present disclosure is that such an imaging system can be used to better evaluate and monitor the status of indwelling integrated vascular access devices and the overall feasibility of vascular access in acute care and alternative site settings, and reduce patient complications and experience, clinician burden, and the overall effectiveness of patient treatment and care. Such an imaging system can also facilitate the use of an imaging device, such as an ultrasound device, to evaluate the current status of an indwelling vascular access device and compare it with a previous state or established clinical standards. This can facilitate predictive detection, identification, and / or diagnosis of the risk of occurrence of catheter-related complications, or intermittently and consistently detect actual complications.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as a fixed platform, including: a base layer; a vascular access device pocket formed in the base layer; a catheter insertion site window formed in the base layer distally of the vascular access device pocket; and an imaging device pocket.

[0009] In some embodiments, the shape and size of the vascular access device pocket can be set to correspond to the stable platform of the vascular access device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the vascular access device pocket can be an incision in the base layer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the vascular access device pocket can include an adhesive portion on the upper surface of the base layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the catheter insertion site window can overlap with the vascular access device pocket.

[0013] In some embodiments, the catheter insertion site window can be spaced apart from the vascular access device pocket.

[0014] In some embodiments, the imaging device pocket can be formed in the base layer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the base layer can be formed in a component separate from the vascular access device pocket and the catheter insertion site window.

[0016] In some embodiments, the fixed platform can further include a guide member at least partially surrounding the imaging device pocket.

[0017] In some embodiments, the guide member can extend above the base layer.

[0018] In some embodiments, the imaging device pocket can include a gel cap.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fixed platform may further include a fixed dressing configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the fixed platform. The fixed dressing may have a transparent window positioned over the catheter insertion site window.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as an imaging system including a fixed platform and a base unit. The fixed platform may include a base layer, a vascular access device pocket formed in the base layer, a catheter insertion site window formed in the base layer away from the vascular access device pocket, and an imaging device pocket. The base unit may be configured to receive an image from an ultrasound imaging device positioned within the ultrasound imaging device pocket when the ultrasound imaging device pocket is positioned over the distal end of a catheter inserted into a patient's vascular system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the base unit may include an artificial intelligence engine configured to detect the depth of the distal end of the catheter based on the image.

[0022] In some embodiments, the imaging system may further include one or more monitoring devices for displaying display content derived from the image.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fixed platform may further include a fixed dressing.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fixed platform may include a first component and a second component, the first component including the vascular access device pocket and the catheter insertion site window, and the second component including the imaging device pocket.

[0025] In some embodiments, the imaging system may further include a vascular access device having a stable platform. The vascular access device pocket may be configured to receive the stable platform.

[0026] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claimed invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention unless so stated. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed as restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional features and details by using the drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1A A prior art vascular access device that may be used in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 1BShows a fixed platform configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 Shows an imaging system configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 Shows another fixed platform configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 Shows another fixed platform configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5A Shows another fixed platform configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5B Shows when used with a vascular access device Figure 5A the fixed platform;

[0035] Figure 5C Shows when a fixed dressing is used to secure a vascular access device Figure 5A the fixed platform;

[0036] Figure 6A Is a block diagram of components of an imaging system configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6B Is a flowchart showing how embodiments of the present disclosure are used in continuous care;

[0038] Figure 7A Is a cross-sectional view of a vascular system when using an imaging system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7B and Figure 7C is by Figure 7A the imaging system generated example images;

[0040] Figure 8 Is an example display that can be generated by an imaging system configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0041] Figure 9 Provides examples of electronic components that can be included in a basic unit or monitoring device of an imaging system in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0042] In this specification and the claims, the term "continuum of care" is intended to represent the entire duration of vascular access, including before insertion, during insertion, during dwell, and after removal. A "vascular access device" shall be construed to include an intravenous catheter device and any other device through which a patient's vascular system can be accessed. "Vascular access data" shall be construed to include any data related to access of a patient's vascular system using a vascular access device and includes images of the patient's vascular system, characteristics of the vascular access device, information regarding placement and / or removal of the vascular access device, information regarding events occurring during dwell of the vascular access device, detected complications, the patient's vital signs, fluid and blood flow characteristics, and the like.

[0043] Figure 1A An example of a vascular access device 100 is provided with which an imaging system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used. The vascular access device 100 includes a catheter adapter 110 from which a catheter 111 extends. The catheter adapter 111 may also include a side port 112 through which an extension kit 114 is connected to the catheter adapter 111. The vascular access device 100 may also include a stabilization platform 113 for stabilizing the catheter adapter 111 when positioned on a patient. The vascular access device 100 is only one example of many vascular access devices that can be used as part of an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with central venous catheters (CVCs), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), midline catheters, arterial catheters, peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs), long PIVCs, venipuncture devices, subcutaneous access devices, and other indwelling tubes, probes, sensors, or instrumentation devices.

[0044] Figure 1B An example of a fixation platform 200 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The fixation platform 200 is configured to be used with the vascular access device 100 and can be positioned beneath the vascular access device 100 during use as Figure 2 shown. The fixation platform 200 includes a base layer 201 that may have an adhesive underside to allow the fixation platform 200 to adhere to the patient's skin. The base layer 201 may also include a vascular access device pocket 202 that can be shaped and sized to generally match the stabilization platform 113. In some embodiments, the vascular access device pocket 202 may be an incision that exposes the patient's skin, thereby allowing the stabilization platform 113 to be placed directly on the skin. In other embodiments, the vascular access device pocket 202 may be part of the base layer 201 and have an adhesive on its upper surface such that the stabilization platform 113 can adhere to the base layer 201.

[0045] The fixed platform 200 may also include a catheter insertion site window 203, which is positioned distal to the vascular access device pocket 202 to allow the catheter 111 to pass through the fixed platform 200 and enter the patient's vascular system when the catheter adapter 110 is positioned above the fixed platform 200. In some embodiments, the catheter insertion site window 203 may be shaped and sized to accommodate an antimicrobial patch or pad, or to enable the application and accommodation of a skin adhesive for sealing the insertion site. In some embodiments, slots (not shown) may be formed in the base layer 201 and may extend between the catheter insertion site window 203 and the perimeter of the base layer 201 to enable the fixed platform 200 to be placed under the vascular access device 100 after the catheter 111 is inserted.

[0046] The fixed platform 200 also includes an imaging device pocket 204, which is located distal to the catheter insertion site window 203. The imaging device pocket 204 may be spaced from the catheter insertion site window 203 by a distance corresponding to the length of the catheter 111. In other words, the imaging device pocket 204 may be positioned such that when the catheter 111 is inserted into the vascular system and the stabilization platform 113 is positioned in the vascular access device pocket 202, it will be above the distal end of the catheter 111. In some embodiments, the imaging device pocket 204 may be an incision that exposes the patient's skin. In other embodiments, the imaging device pocket 204 may be formed by a gel cap to facilitate imaging. The size and shape of the imaging device pocket 204 may be selected to accommodate a range of imaging device head shapes and orientations, including rectangular, square, or other shapes that extend in the transverse and / or longitudinal orientations. Figure 2 Two examples of imaging devices 210 that may be used are shown.

[0047] In some embodiments, the imaging device pocket 204 may be at least partially surrounded by a guide 205. In some embodiments, the guide 205 may rise from the base layer 201 to form a wall around the imaging device pocket 204. When positioned in the imaging device pocket 204, the guide 205 may facilitate controlled adjustment of the imaging device 210 to control (e.g., the probe angle of an ultrasound probe) or rotation across multiple degrees of freedom.

[0048] In some embodiments where the imaging device pocket 204 includes a gel cap, the gel cap may be a single-use, stand-alone device integrated into the fixed platform 200. In other embodiments, the gel cap may be attached to the patient or the imaging device 210 for easy access for use within the imaging device pocket 204. In some embodiments, the gel cap may have antimicrobial properties to allow the imaging device pocket 204 to remain clean during multiple uses of the imaging device 210. In some embodiments, the gel cap may be configured to be rehydratable such that the gel cap may be used multiple times within the imaging device pocket 204.

[0049] Figure 3 An example is provided where the fixed platform 200 is formed by two separate components 200a and 200b. Component 200a includes a vascular access device pocket 202 and a catheter insertion site window 203, while component 200b includes an imaging device pocket 204. This two-component structure of the fixed platform 200 can be used to accommodate catheters 111 of different lengths, such as long peripheral intravenous catheters and midline catheters. In some embodiments, component 200b may have an extended base layer 201 to facilitate adhesion of component 200b to the patient's skin.

[0050] Figure 3 Another example is also provided where the fixed platform 200 includes a fixation dressing 300 placed over the fixed platform 200 (in this case, on top of component 200a) to fix the vascular access device 100 in place relative to the fixed platform 200. The fixation dressing 300 may include a layer 301 that can be shaped and sized to match the proximal end of the fixed platform 200 (e.g., to match the size and shape of component 200a). Layer 301 may include a transparent window 303 that is aligned / overlapped with the catheter insertion site window 203 to facilitate viewing of the insertion site. In some embodiments, the transparent window 303 may be aligned / overlapped with at least a portion of the vascular access device pocket 202 to facilitate viewing of the catheter adapter 110. Layer 301 may also include a border 302. In some embodiments, the lower side of the border 302 may include an adhesive for fixing the fixation dressing 300 to the fixed platform 200. In some embodiments, a slot 304 may be formed in the border 302 to allow the extension kit 114 to pass through the fixation dressing 300. Figure 4 Same as Figure 3 but shows that component 200b can be longitudinally oriented relative to the catheter 111.

[0051] In some embodiments, the fixed platform 200 may consist only of component 200b. In such embodiments, the fixed platform 200 can be appropriately positioned to ensure that the imaging device pocket 204 is above the distal end of the catheter 111.

[0052] Figure 5A - Figure 5C Another example of the fixed platform 200 is provided, which is configured for use with a non-integrated vascular access device 100 having different configurations. These illustrations show how the dimensions, shapes, and relative positions of the vascular access device pocket 202, catheter insertion site window 203, and imaging device pocket 204 of the fixed platform 200, as well as the transparent window 303 and slot 304 of the fixation dressing 300, can be configured to accommodate different vascular access devices.

[0053] Figure 6AAn example of an imaging system 600 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The imaging system 600 includes one or more imaging devices 210, one or more base units 612, one or more monitoring devices 613, and a database 614. Each imaging device 210 can be used to capture images (e.g., via ultrasound, near-infrared, optical fluorescence, optical reflectance, LiDAR, or other modalities) and potentially other vascular access data related to a vascular access device placed in a patient's blood vessel. In some embodiments, the imaging system 600 can include one or more Doppler devices that can be used to capture flow characteristics. The Doppler device can be used in place of or as a supplement to the imaging device to provide the functions described below.

[0054] The base unit 612, which can be integrated into another component of the imaging system 600 in some embodiments, can represent a network-capable computing device configured to communicate with the database 614 and potentially with the (one or more) monitoring devices 613. For example, in some embodiments, the imaging device 210 can be directly interfaced with the base unit 612 (e.g., via Bluetooth or another short-range communication protocol) for transmitting vascular access data, which can then communicate with the database 614 for storing such vascular access data and / or communicate with the (one or more) monitoring devices 613 for displaying such vascular access data. In other embodiments, the imaging device 210 can have such networking capabilities and can thus be considered to include the base unit 612.

[0055] The monitoring device 613 can be any computing device configured to display data related to continuous care. For example, the monitoring device 613 can be a personal computer, a smartphone, a dedicated computing device / display for displaying images, etc., on which vascular access data related to a patient's continuous care is displayed using a web-based interface or a dedicated application. Such a monitoring device 613 can be located in the patient's room or at a nurse's station, carried by a clinician, etc. In some embodiments, the monitoring device 613 can include the base unit 612. For example, the monitoring device 613 can be placed next to the patient and can implement the functions of the base unit 612 to interface with the imaging device 210 and the database 614.

[0056] The database 614 is intended to represent any arrangement of computing components that can be used to store vascular access data for one or more patients. For example, the database 614 can be a dedicated server computing device or cloud storage configured to implement database functions.

[0057] Figure 6Bis a flowchart representing continuous care, during which embodiments enable the capture and connection of vascular access data. Continuous care can include connecting a patient's vascular access history. In other words, vascular access data related to previous vascular accesses can be retrieved to connect this data during the entire continuum of care for subsequent vascular accesses. Continuous care can also include collecting and / or connecting vascular access data during site assessment and vascular access device placement support. These phases may require the use of one or more imaging devices 210 to examine the position of the patient's veins before and during the placement of the vascular access device in order to identify and select the best vein for placement and determine the appropriate catheter gauge size and length for the target vein. One or more imaging devices 210 can be used to generate and / or present vascular access data during these two phases of continuous care. Continuous care can also include collecting vascular access data in the form of a record of the initial placement state baseline. Such a record can include the position of the vascular access device within the patient's vascular system, the extent to which the vascular access device is inserted into the patient's vascular system, etc. Continuous care can also include collecting vascular access data during the entire indwelling period of the vascular access device, such as a record representing the assessment or monitoring of the patient and / or the included vascular access device during a procedure, event, or other occurrence. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be primarily beneficial for this phase. Continuous care can additionally include collecting vascular access data that constitutes a record of the removal of the vascular access device. Finally, continuous care can include collecting vascular access data in the form of a vascular access experience and electronic health record entry (e.g., feedback from the patient and / or one or more clinicians involved in the vascular access).

[0058] Figure 7A is a partial cross-sectional view of the patient's vascular system 701 when using the fixed platform 200. As shown, the imaging device pocket 204 is located above the distal end 111a of the catheter 111. Thus, a clinician can place the head of the imaging device 210 within the imaging device pocket 204 to capture an image of the distal end 111a. For example, Figure 7B is an image capturing a lateral view of the vascular system 701, catheter 111, and distal end 111a, Figure 7C is an image capturing a cross-sectional view of the vascular system 701 and catheter 111. The guide 205 can facilitate properly positioning the imaging device 210 to clearly capture these views.

[0059] Figure 8 provides an example of how the images generated by the imaging device 210 can be integrated into a display along with various information derived from the images. As shown, the display can be generated and / or presented on the display of the base unit 612 and / or any number of monitoring devices 613. The display can include one or more images of the catheter 111 within the vascular system 701, such asFigure 7B a transverse view of and Figure 7C a cross-sectional view of. The transverse view can allow a clinician to see how the catheter 111 extends into the vascular system 701 and, thus, can facilitate quickly determining whether the catheter 111 is adequately inserted, whether the distal end 111a is properly positioned, whether there are any obstructions, or any other condition detectable via ultrasound or other modalities. The cross-sectional view can allow a clinician to see how a particular portion of the catheter 111 is positioned within the vascular system 701 and, thus, can facilitate quickly determining whether the catheter 111 might unduly restrict blood flow through the vascular system 701 or any other condition detectable via ultrasound. In some embodiments, the size and shape of the imaging device window 204 can be such that a user can adjust the position of the view generated by the imaging device 210. For example, the user can move the cross-sectional view along the length of the catheter 111 to determine whether there is an undue obstruction at any portion along the length of the catheter 111 by sliding the imaging device 210 within the imaging device window 204.

[0060] Figure 8 Also shown is a display that can include images that can be generated from the imaging device 210 or various vascular access data derived from an input. For example, the display includes an indicator 801a of the specifications of the catheter 111 and an indicator 801b of the length of the catheter 111. The indicators 801a and 801b can be obtained via user input or can be calculated from the images generated by the imaging device 210.

[0061] The display also includes indicators 802a, 802b, and 802c for different parameters. In some embodiments, these parameters can be selectable. For example, in Figure 8 the indicator 802a provides information on when the catheter 111 was last flushed. This information on the last flush can be calculated using the images generated by the imaging device 210. For example, Doppler techniques can be applied to the image data to detect when fluid flows out through the distal end 111a, and in response to such a detection, the base unit 612 (or the monitoring device 613) can automatically store an indication that a flush has occurred at that time. In Figure 8 the indicators 802b and 802c are not selected. However, as described below, these indicators and additional indicators can be selected to display information on any one of a number of different conditions, events, states, etc.

[0062] The display also includes indicators 803a and 803b, which provide information about the portion of the catheter 111 within the vascular system 701. Indicator 803a defines the catheter-to-vein ratio (i.e., the ratio of the catheter diameter to the vein diameter at a particular location). Indicator 803b defines the acquisition of the catheter 111 (i.e., the length of the catheter 111 within the vascular system 701 or the percentage of the catheter length within the vascular system). The display also includes an indicator 804 that defines the open state of the catheter 111 (i.e., whether the catheter 111 can be safely maintained within the vascular system 701). The base unit 612 (or the monitoring device 613) can calculate the open state using the images provided by the imaging device 210 (e.g., to detect the extent to which the catheter 111 and / or the vascular system 701 around the catheter 111 may be blocked).

[0063] As described above, the imaging system 600 can be configured to monitor and / or display information related to the status of the catheter 111, the vascular system 701, or the surrounding tissue, as well as various related physiological or procedural parameters, by utilizing the images provided by the imaging device 210. This information includes catheter geometry information (e.g., catheter-to-vein ratio, catheter acquisition, flow restriction around the catheter), catheter position information (axial position of the catheter within the vein, position or angle of the distal end of the catheter relative to the vein wall, valve, branch, or other physiological features), catheter movement or displacement, catheter kinking, displacement events, extravasation, infiltration detection (e.g., by monitoring the tissue around the vascular system 501), thrombus development, phlebitis (visual or related cumulative movement), open indicator, blood flow characteristics (e.g., by using Doppler to detect the velocity and / or volume of blood flowing into the catheter 102), fluid infusion flow characteristics (e.g., by using Doppler to detect the velocity, volume, direction, and / or duration of fluid flow), surgical events (e.g., flushing, aspiration, fluid infusion), and / or the position of the probe or sensor in the line suction conduit, in the vein, or relative to the distal end of the catheter or physiological features (e.g., thrombus, valve, wall, branch, etc.).

[0064] The imaging system 600 can provide a display of indicators including any of the above information and can provide corresponding alerts. For example, the base unit 612 or the monitoring device 613 can be configured to output visual, audible, tactile, or digital alerts when a condition or event is detected from the ultrasound images.

[0065] Figure 9 An example of how the base unit 612 (or possibly the monitoring device 613) is configured to generate display content from the images generated by the imaging device 210 is provided. The display content can include any of the above information, indicators, status, events, alerts, etc. (collectively referred to as "parameters"). Figure 8 is an example of the display content.

[0066] The basic unit 612 can be configured to receive images from the imaging device 210 continuously, periodically, on demand, etc. The basic unit 612 can include an image processor 612a, which is configured to process the images to generate processed image data. The processed image data can be input into an artificial intelligence engine 612b, which can be configured to detect and / or generate parameters from the processed image data. The parameters, together with the image, can be provided to a display module 612c, which can generate display content including the image and the parameters.

[0067] In some embodiments, the image processor 612a can be configured to determine various status information from an image or a sequence of images, such as catheter geometry or position information or the presence of thrombus, kink, or other blockages. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence engine 612b can be trained to detect when a parameter is present in the image stream. For example, the artificial intelligence engine 612b can detect when an ultrasound image sequence indicates a flushing event, a withdrawal event, the occurrence of extravasation, a displacement or movement event, etc. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence engine 612b can be used to predict the development or increased risk of potential complications or events. For example, the artificial intelligence engine 612b can process images to detect that the catheter purchase changes or decreases over time. If such a trend is detected or a threshold acquisition amount is reached (e.g., when less than a certain percentage of the catheter length remains in the vein), the artificial intelligence engine 612b can cause an alarm to be triggered so that a clinician can prevent catheter failure.

[0068] In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence engine 612b (or another artificial intelligence solution) can be used to automatically detect the depth of the distal end 111a from the images generated by the imaging device(s) 210. Then, the detected depth can be used to enhance the accuracy of the images. For example, to facilitate the use of C-mode ultrasound, the imaging device 210 can generate images at a predetermined depth, and then the artificial intelligence engine 612b can evaluate the images to identify which of the images include the catheter 111. Then, the known depth of the identified image can be used as the depth for generating additional C-mode ultrasound images.

[0069] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as a method for obtaining images of a patient's vascular system. A fixed platform can be positioned on the patient. The fixed platform can include an imaging device pocket. The imaging device pocket can be positioned over a catheter inserted into the patient's vascular system. The imaging device can be positioned in the imaging device pocket to obtain one or more images of the catheter.

[0070] In some embodiments, the fixed platform may also include a base layer, a vascular access device pocket formed in the base layer, and a catheter insertion site window formed in the base layer distal to the vascular access device pocket.

[0071] All of the examples and conditional language recited herein are for the purpose of illustration only to help the reader understand the present utility model and the concepts that the inventors have contributed to further the art, and are to be construed as not being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A fixed platform, characterized in that Comprising: A base layer; A vascular access device pocket formed in the base layer; A catheter insertion site window formed in the base layer distal to the vascular access device pocket; and An imaging device pocket.

2. The fixed platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape and size of the vascular access device pocket are configured to correspond to the stable platform of the vascular access device.

3. The fixed platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vascular access device pocket is an incision in the base layer.

4. The fixed platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vascular access device pocket includes an adhesive portion on the upper surface of the base layer.

5. The fixed platform according to claim 1, wherein The catheter insertion site window overlaps with the vascular access device pocket.

6. The fixed platform according to claim 1, wherein The catheter insertion site window is spaced apart from the vascular access device pocket.

7. The fixed platform according to claim 1, wherein The imaging device pocket is formed in the base layer.

8. The fixed platform according to claim 7, characterized in that The base layer is formed in a component separate from the vascular access device pocket and the catheter insertion site window.

9. The fixed platform according to claim 1, characterized in that Further comprising: A guide member at least partially surrounding the imaging device pocket.

10. The fixed platform according to claim 9, characterized in that, The guide member extends above the base layer.

11. The fixed platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging device pocket includes a gel cap.

12. The fixed platform according to claim 1, wherein Further comprising: A fixation dressing configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the fixation platform, the fixation dressing having a transparent window positioned over the catheter insertion site window.

13. An imaging system, characterized in that Comprising: An ultrasonic imaging device configured to obtain one or more images of a catheter inserted into a patient's vascular system; And A basic unit configured to receive images from the ultrasonic imaging device when the ultrasonic imaging device is positioned over the distal end of a catheter inserted into a patient's vascular system.

14. The imaging system according to claim 13, wherein Further comprising: A fixation platform including a base layer, a vascular access device pocket formed in the base layer, a catheter insertion site window formed in the base layer away from the vascular access device pocket, and an imaging device pocket, wherein The basic unit is configured to receive images from the ultrasonic imaging device positioned within the ultrasonic imaging device pocket when the ultrasonic imaging device pocket is positioned over the distal end of a catheter inserted into a patient's vascular system.

15. The imaging system according to claim 13, wherein, The basic unit includes an artificial intelligence engine configured to detect the depth of the distal end of the catheter based on the images.

16. The imaging system according to claim 13, wherein Further comprising: A display for displaying the images, wherein the images include a lateral view of the catheter and a cross-sectional view of the catheter.

17. The imaging system according to claim 14, wherein The fixation platform includes a first component and a second component, the first component including the vascular access device pocket and the catheter insertion site window, and the second component including the imaging device pocket.

18. The imaging system according to claim 14, characterized in that Further comprising: A vascular access device having a stable platform, the vascular access device pocket being configured to receive the stable platform.

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