DEVICE FOR FIXING SKIN VEINS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for fixating skin veins, as well as a set of corresponding devices.

[0002] For certain medical procedures, such as blood sampling or the intravenous administration of medication, a cannula must be inserted into a cutaneous vein through which blood can be drawn or a liquid drug injected. A cutaneous vein is a vein located directly beneath the skin of a living being, which, usually bluish, translucent through the skin and is therefore generally visible to the naked eye.

[0003] To ensure successful placement of a cannula in a vein, the position of the vein must remain constant even while the cannula is being inserted into the skin. However, especially if the vein runs through an area of ​​loose connective tissue, the vein shifts slightly, making it difficult to reach with the cannula. Such veins are also called convoluted veins.

[0004] Document DE 92 03 502 U1 describes a type of vein forceps that clamps rolled veins between two jaws and secures them in place to facilitate the placement of a cannula in the clamped vein. Due to the mechanical nature of the forceps, the manufacturing process is complex, and their use also requires practice and skill.

[0005] Document DE 10 2013 101 551 A1 describes a device for puncturing a blood vessel using a cannula. Two blades of the device, on which the cannula is also arranged in a defined position, are positioned alongside a vein. The puncture is performed by sliding the entire device while the blades slide over the skin. To facilitate this sliding, the blades cannot press deeply into the skin adjacent to the vein, making it impossible to securely hold and puncture at least extreme rolling veins.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for fixating skin veins and a set of corresponding devices in which the disadvantages known from the prior art do not occur or only occur to a reduced extent.

[0007] This object is achieved by a device according to the main claim and a set of devices according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] Accordingly, the invention relates to a device for fixation of skin veins to facilitate the intravenous placement of cannulas, comprising a handle and a boom extending from the handle, at the free end of which a fixation unit is provided with at least four fixation pins arranged in two rows along a fixation axis and running parallel to one another for fixation of a skin vein between the two rows of fixation pins when applied to the skin.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention relates to a set of at least two embodiments of the device according to the invention, wherein the at least two embodiments differ in the free distances between the two rows of fixing pins.

[0010] The device according to the invention offers the possibility of temporarily fixing skin veins for the placement of cannulas therein. For this purpose, the device is positioned on the skin overlying the vein using the handle so that the fixation axis of the fixation unit – and thus in the area of ​​the fixation pins – runs parallel to the vein and the rows of fixation pins are arranged on both sides of the vein. When the device is then pressed down, the fixation pins gently press the skin on both sides of the vein, preventing the vein in question from shifting sideways or rolling and greatly simplifying the placement of a cannula therein. Due to their small contact area with the skin – particularly compared to the sliding skids known from the prior art – the fixation pins can be pushed so far into the skin with little force, if necessary, that even difficult rolled veins can be securely fixed.Once the cannula is in place, the device can be removed.

[0011] Since the at least four fixation pins are to be arranged in two rows and parallel to one another in order to fix a vein as described, it is inevitable that the fixation pins or their axes run at an angle to the axis of the cantilever on which the fixation pins are arranged. Furthermore, the described use results in the free ends of the fixation pins generally being arranged in a common plane, which, when used properly, runs essentially parallel to the fixation axis, thus ensuring the fixation of the vein by the fixation pins.

[0012] The brief, light indentation of the skin to fix a vein is generally irritation-free, i.e. the light indentation neither causes pain nor damage to the skin or the underlying tissue.

[0013] Since the device according to the invention operates entirely without any mechanical components, its manufacture is very simple and cost-effective. In particular, it is possible for the device to be constructed in one piece, for example, from plastic.

[0014] It is preferred if the fixing axis runs parallel to a longitudinal extension of the boom. With a corresponding design of the boom with a visible longitudinal extension and a parallel arrangement of the fixing axis, the boom serves directly as a visual aid for correctly positioning the device during use. The specific design of the boom is arbitrary, as long as a specific longitudinal extension is recognizable.

[0015] Irrespective of this, the cantilever can preferably be designed in two parts, so that a row of fixation pins is arranged on each of the two parts of the cantilever. This results in a gap between the two cantilever gaps, which generally runs parallel to the fixation axis. The gap can then serve as an optical alignment aid and also allows a direct view of a vein fixed with the device. Depending on the design of the cantilever and / or its material, it is also possible to change the width of the gap and thus the free distance between the two rows of fixation pins by plastic deformation by bending at least part of the cantilever in order to improve the fixation effect of the device with regard to a specific vein.

[0016] It is preferred if the extension arm and / or the fixing pins are made of a transparent or translucent material. If the extension arm and / or the fixing pins are designed accordingly, any unfavorable shadows cast in the area of ​​the fixing pins during use of the device can be avoided or at least significantly reduced. If the device is constructed in one piece, the handle is also transparent or translucent.

[0017] The handle preferably comprises a holding surface designed for grasping and holding with a tweezer grip. Holding the device with a tweezer grip is sufficient for proper use. By designing the handle for a tweezer grip, the handle can be essentially limited to the required holding surface, which is preferably no larger than a fingertip. If the holding surface is elliptical, the semi-axes can be, for example, 0.9 mm and 0.6 mm.

[0018] As an alternative to a holding surface designed for grasping and holding with a tweezer grip, the handle can also comprise a sleeve designed for insertion of a human finger and, similar to a ring or thimble, can be placed against an inserted finger to create a connection. By making the device connectable to a finger in this way, the use of the device can be simplified. The sleeve can be tubular or ring-shaped. The sleeve can be open on both sides; however, particularly in the case of a tubular design, it is also possible for one side of the sleeve to be closed.

[0019] The sleeve can be formed integrally with the device. However, it is also possible for the sleeve to be formed separately from the rest of the device and to be connectable to the device as needed, for example, via a snap-in connection. In particular, it is possible for the sleeve to be designed for a snap-in connection with a holding surface provided on the device. The device can then be held optionally using a tweezer grip and – after attaching a sleeve to it – slipped onto a finger.

[0020] It is preferred if the holding surface of the handle and / or the sleeve is arranged at an angle relative to a longitudinal extension of the cantilever. If the holding surface is arranged at an angle, a nearly parallel alignment of the cantilever to the vein to be fixed can often be achieved, even when the holding surface is grasped with a forceps grip. A similar situation applies to a sleeve. The angle is preferably at least 10°, more preferably at least 20°.

[0021] It is preferred if the holding surface of the handle is arranged essentially only on one side of the longitudinal extension of the boom. Compared to the boom, the handle therefore extends essentially only in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension. This can often prevent a potentially unfavorable shadow from being cast by the hand holding the device when placing cannulas in a vein under typically prevailing lighting conditions. Different designs of the device can be provided for use by left- and right-handed persons, in which the handle extends in different directions relative to the longitudinal extension of the boom. If a sleeve is provided, this is preferably arranged centrally relative to the axis of the boom.Although four fixation pins on the fixation unit may be sufficient to fix a vein, it is preferable for the fixation unit to comprise a total of six or eight fixation pins, resulting in two rows of three or four fixation pins. A corresponding number of fixation pins has proven sufficient for most applications. A design with six fixation pins has proven particularly advantageous.

[0022] The fixing pins can have any cross-section. However, a circular cross-section is preferred.

[0023] It is preferred if the free distance between the two rows of fixation pins is 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, or 3 mm to 4 mm, more preferably 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3.5 mm. These distances are suitable for fixation of a large number of skin veins.

[0024] It should be noted that skin veins can have different diameters and widths. To ensure proper fixation of skin veins of different diameters, the invention also relates to a set of devices according to the invention. The devices of the set are available in at least two design variants, which differ at least in the free spacing between the two rows of fixation pins. To fixate a vein, the device from the set can then be selected whose free spacing between the fixation pins is greater than the diameter or width of the vein, but nevertheless lies as close to it as possible.The first condition ensures that, when used properly, the device does not press on the vein itself with one of its fixation pins; the latter condition ensures that the vein is actually sufficiently fixed and that nothing can still move between the rows of fixation pins.

[0025] The free distances between the two rows of fixing pins in the individual embodiments of the device of the set can preferably be 1 mm to 2 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm or 3 mm to 4 mm, more preferably 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm.

[0026] It is preferred if the set comprises devices in at least three embodiments, wherein the three embodiments can have the above-mentioned free spacings between the two rows of fixation pins. With a set comprising these free spacings, a large proportion of human skin veins can be fixed.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the set may include devices in which the holding surfaces are arranged on different sides of the longitudinal extension of the respective arm, or in which sleeves of different diameters are provided. The set then includes devices that are particularly suitable for right- and left-handed users, or for fingers of different sizes.

[0028] The invention will now be described by way of example using advantageous embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1: a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention; Figure 2: a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a set of devices according to the invention; Figure 3: a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the device according to Figure 1; and Figure 4: a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0029] In Figure 1 A first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention is shown schematically. Its functionality during use is also outlined.

[0030] The device 1, which is made in one piece from transparent plastic, comprises a handle 10, a boom 20 extending therefrom and a fixing unit 30 arranged at the free end 21 of the boom 20.

[0031] The handle 10 is designed for tweezer-style gripping and includes a suitably equipped holding surface 11, the size of which essentially corresponds to the average size of a human fingertip. The handle 10 itself is only slightly larger than the holding surface 11.

[0032] On one side of the handle 10, the arm 20 is arranged at an angle of approximately 25°, extending in the longitudinal direction—indicated by the double arrow 21. Starting from the arm 20, the holding surface 11 of the handle 10 is thus arranged at an angle of approximately 25° and extends essentially only to one side of the longitudinal direction 21 of the arm 20.

[0033] The boom 20 is divided into two parts 22, 23 in the longitudinal direction 21, resulting in a gap 24 extending in the longitudinal direction 21. In the initial position, the gap 24 has a predetermined width; by bending at least one of the two parts 22, 23 of the boom 20 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction 21, resulting in a plastic deformation of the transparent plastic from which the entire device 1 and thus also the boom 20 is made, the width of the gap 24 can also be slightly changed, particularly in the region of the free end 25 of the boom 20. As can be seen directly from the Figure 1 As can be seen, the fixing pins 31 run perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 21 of the boom 20; moreover, the free ends of the fixing pins 31 lie in a common plane which runs parallel to the fixing axis 34.

[0034] The fixing unit 30 is provided at the free end 25 of the boom 20. The fixing unit 30 comprises six mutually parallel fixing pins 31, which are arranged in two rows 32, 33 on either side of the fixing axis 34 running centrally between them. The fixing axis 34 runs parallel to the longitudinal direction 21 of the boom 20, with the fixing pins 31 of one row 32 being arranged on one part 22 of the boom 20, while the fixing pins 31 of the other row 33 are arranged on the other part 23 of the boom 20.

[0035] Between the two rows 32, 33 of fixing pins 31 there is a free distance 35 which in the initial state of the device 1 is 1.5 mm, but can be readjusted in the range of ± 0.5 mm if necessary by bending the parts 22, 23 of the boom 20 as described above, in accordance with the change in the width of the gap 24.

[0036] In Figure 1The use of the device 1 is also outlined: To fix a vein 90, which is located directly beneath the skin 91 of a living being and therefore translucent through the skin 91 - usually with a bluish hue - the device 1 (not shown), which is held on the handle 10 using a tweezer grip, is arranged on the skin 91 in such a way that the vein 90 runs in the region of the fixation unit 30 essentially parallel to the fixation axis 34 and in particular between the two rows 32, 33 of fixation pins 31. Due to the transparent design of the device 1 and the gap 24 in the boom 20, the correct arrangement can generally be easily checked using the lighting normally provided for placing a cannula in the vein 90.

[0037] If the device 1 is correctly positioned opposite the vein 90, the fixing pins 31 can be easily pressed into the skin 91 by applying appropriate force to the handle 10 of the device 1, so that the skin 91 - as in Figure 1 indicated - deformed in the area of ​​the fixing pins 31. The pressing in is so light that basically no pain occurs and the skin 91 in the area of ​​the fixing pins 31 is not damaged by them.

[0038] By pressing the fixation pins 31 into the skin 91, the vein 90 is fixed in such a way that it can no longer "roll away" sideways, even when a cannula is inserted into it. The device 1 thus facilitates the placement of a cannula in the vein 90, for example, to draw blood or administer a medication intravenously.

[0039] In Figure 2a set of 2 devices 1 according to the invention is shown. The two devices 1 are basically designed according to Figure 1 trained, which is why reference is made to the relevant explanations.

[0040] The difference between the two devices 1 of set 2 lies in the different free distances 35 between the two rows 32, 33 of the fixing pins 31. This distance is 1.5 mm for one device 1 and 3.5 mm for the other. Set 2 can also be supplemented by another device 1 according to the invention, in which the said distance 35 is 2.5 mm (not shown).

[0041] For the fixation of a vein 90 (cf. Figure 1) From the set 2 of devices 1, the one can be selected in which the free distance 35 between the two rows 32, 33 of the fixing pins 31 is greater than the diameter or the width of the vein 90 to be fixed, whereby the excess should, however, be as small as possible in order to ensure the best possible fixation of the vein 90.

[0042] In Figure 3 is an alternative embodiment of the device 1 according to Figure 1 shown.

[0043] In this alternative embodiment, the side to which the holding surface 11 of the handle 10 is arranged relative to the longitudinal extension 21 of the boom 20 is, in comparison to the embodiment according to Figure 1 This allows an alternative hand position when using the device 1 according to Figure 3 compared to the device 1 according to Figure 1This allows for various adjustments – be it, for example, using the left hand instead of the right or swapping the two fingers when using the forceps. The user can determine the most comfortable position for a device 1 according to the invention, while simultaneously minimizing the shadowing of the area where the cannula is to be placed.

[0044] It is possible that the alternative design of the device according to Figure 3 Part of a sentence according to Figure 2 It is conceivable, for example, that set 2 comprises three variants of the device 1, each with different free distances 35 between the two rows 32, 33 of fixing pins 31, as described in connection with Figure 2 described, and an arrangement of the holding surface 11 according to Figure 1 as well as three further embodiments of the device 1 with comparable distances 35, but an arrangement of the holding surface 11 according to Figure 3 .

[0045] Such a set 2 provides increased flexibility in the use of a device 1 thereof.

[0046] In Figure 4 a second embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention is shown, which, apart from the design of the handle 10, corresponds to those of Figures 1 to 3 so that reference is made to the above explanations and only the different design of the handle 10 is discussed below.

[0047] The handle 10 is in the embodiment according to Figure 4 designed as a sleeve 12 into which a user of the device 1 can insert a finger. The sleeve 12 is basically tubular, whereby the length of the sleeve 12 can also be chosen to be so small that a ring shape results.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 12 is open on both sides. However, it is also possible for the sleeve 12 to be closed on the side closest to the arm 20, resulting in a design comparable to a thimble.

[0049] Is comparable to Figures 2 and 3 a set of devices 1 according to the invention is provided, then in an embodiment according to Figure 4 As an additional variance, the angle of the sleeve 12 relative to the arm 20 and / or the diameter of the sleeve 12 can be taken into account. The former allows for various application variants of the device 1, e.g., which finger of which hand the device 1 is attached to, while the latter allows for different finger sizes.

Claims

1. Device (1) for fixing skin veins (90) to facilitate the intravenous placing of cannulas, comprising a handle (10) and a cantilever arm (20), which extends from the handle (10), characterized in that a fixing unit (30) with at least four mutually parallel fixing pins (31), arranged in two rows along a fixing axis (34), for fixing a skin vein (90) between the two rows (32, 33) of the fixing pins (31) when placed on the skin (91) is provided at the free end (25) of the cantilever arm (20).

2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fixing axis (34) runs parallel to a longitudinal extent (21) of the cantilever arm (20).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cantilever arm (20) is of two-part configuration in such a way that in each case one row (32, 33) of the fixing pins (31) is arranged on one of the two parts (22, 23) of the cantilever arm (20) .

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cantilever arm (20) and / or the fixing pins (31) is / are made from a transparent or translucent material.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (10) comprises a holding surface (11) configured for grasping and holding in a pincer grip.

6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the holding surface (11) of the handle (10) is arranged substantially only on one side of a longitudinal extent (21) of the cantilever arm (20).

7. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the handle (10) comprises a sleeve (12) which is designed to allow a human finger to be inserted.

8. Device according to Claim 5 to 7, characterized in that the holding surface (11) or the sleeve (12) of the handle (10) is arranged at an angle of at least 10° relative to a longitudinal extent (21) of the cantilever arm (20).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that six or eight fixing pins (31) are provided.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clearance (35) between the two rows (32, 33) of fixing pins (31) is 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm or 3 mm to 4 mm, as a further preference 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm.

11. Set (2) of at least two variant embodiments of the device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two variant embodiments differ in the clearances (35) between the two rows (32, 33) of fixing pins (31).

12. Set according to Claim 11, characterized in that the clearances (35) between the two rows (32, 33) of the fixing pins (31) in the individual embodiments of the device (1) in the set (2) are preferably 1 mm to 2 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm or 3 mm to 4 mm, as a further preference 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm.

13. Set according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the set (3) comprises devices (1) in at least three variant embodiments.

14. Set according to one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the set (3) comprises devices (1) in which the holding surfaces (11) are arranged on different sides of the longitudinal extent (21) of the respective cantilever arm (20), or in which sleeves (12) with different diameters are provided.