Strap for tracking device

Abstract

The invention relates to a strap (200) for securing a blood vessel locating device (10) to a limb of a living being, the device (10) comprising means (1) for determining the location of the blood vessel based on the emission of acoustic waves, characterized in that it comprises a first means for securing (201) to the device, in that it comprises a first strand (204) and a second strand (205) on either side of the first means for securing, and in that the first strand comprises a second means for securing (202) to the device and the second strand comprises a third means (203) for securing to the device. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Strap for a locating device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to techniques for locating blood vessels, and in particular to the corresponding devices. Technical background

[0002] The analysis of blood gases (or blood gasometry) is called "blood gas analysis." During such an analysis, the practitioner measures the acidity of the blood and the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Blood is preferably drawn from an artery.

[0003] The examination makes it possible to assess pulmonary exchanges and to detect changes in the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood, and in particular in the blood that flows to the tissues. Indeed, for example, when blood passes through the lungs, it becomes enriched in oxygen and depleted of carbon dioxide.

[0004] Blood gas analysis also makes it possible to assess the acid-base balance of a patient.

[0005] During the examination, a blood sample is taken from an artery. This is usually the radial artery (wrist), brachial artery (arm), or femoral artery (groin). Once the sample has been taken, a gauze or cotton pad should be placed over the puncture site and pressure should be applied firmly for a few minutes.

[0006] Therefore, it would be advantageous to accurately determine the location of the artery by non-invasive means before the blood draw, and to provide the practitioner with a visual indication of the location of the artery to facilitate the blood draw.

[0007] In particular, it would be advantageous to display the location of the artery over a sufficient length to allow the practitioner to determine its orientation, so that the needle or stylet can be positioned to cut the artery along its axis. It is generally desirable to cross the artery at an angle of between approximately 30 and 45 degrees. Once the artery is properly located, the practitioner can then align the needle at an appropriate angle for insertion into the blood vessel.

[0008] Prior art systems, for example systems for locating a blood vessel, have been described.

[0009] For example, U.S. patent application No. US2018325448A1 discloses an artery locating device that includes a sensor array configured to be attached to a skin surface covering a target artery.

[0010] The sensor network is a network of detectors, for example pressure detectors configured to generate signals sensitive to pressure or a change in pressure. A display device is arranged on the sensor network. A controller circuit is configured to receive signals generated by the sensor network, to identify from the received signals periodic pressure pulses that have a frequency within a predetermined frequency range corresponding to a pulse frequency and that define an elongated path through at least a portion of the sensor network, and to display on the display device an image that covers the elongated path through the sensor network, so that the display shows a projection of the two-dimensional position of the artery beneath the display.

[0011] However, such a localization device based on a sensor network does not have sufficient sensitivity to detect arteries under all conditions of use. Furthermore, slight displacements of the localization device relative to the limb on which it is placed lead to a decrease in the accuracy of the localization measurement. Summary of the invention

[0012] Based on this problem, the present invention aims to improve the sensitivity of blood vessel localization measurements. According to some of its embodiments, the invention also aims to provide such a measurement with improved accuracy. Furthermore, according to some of its embodiments, the invention aims to provide such a measurement that is easy and quick to implement.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the invention relates in particular to a strap intended to secure a device for locating a blood vessel of a limb of a living being to said limb, the device comprising means for determining the location of the blood vessel based on the emission of acoustic waves, characterized in that it comprises a first means of securing to the device, in that it comprises a first strand and a second strand on either side of the first means of securing, and in that the first strand comprises a second means of securing to the device and the second strand comprises a third means of securing to the device.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the first fastening means comprises a first orifice provided in a central position along the axis of the strap.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the second fastening means comprises at least two second openings provided in one end of the The first strand and / or the third means of securing comprises at least two third openings provided in one end of the second strand.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the strap is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0017] According to one embodiment, the invention relates in particular to a pellet for improving the transmission of acoustic waves between a device for locating a blood vessel in a limb of a living being and said limb, the pellet being configured to be placed between the locating device and a skin surface covering the blood vessel of said limb, the device comprising means for determining the location of the blood vessel based on the emission of acoustic waves. According to one embodiment of the invention, the pellet comprises a support layer coated with at least one adhesion layer intended to be in contact with the skin surface or with a surface of the locating device, and wherein the support layer is made of polyurethane.

[0018] The localization device can be used to locate any type of blood vessel, such as veins, capillaries, or arteries. It can be advantageously used on humans but can also be used on animals (veterinary applications).

[0019] Preferably, the localization device according to the invention is used to locate an artery as part of an arterial blood sampling.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lozenge comprises, on one of its faces, a silicone adhesion layer intended to be in contact with the skin surface.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pellet comprises, on one of its faces, an acrylic adhesion layer intended to be in contact with the surface of the localization device.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pad comprises on one of its faces, a silicone adhesion layer intended to be in contact with the skin surface and on the other of its faces, an acrylic adhesion layer intended to be in contact with the surface of the localization device.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the adhesion layer(s) has an adhesive outer surface and in that a protective coating is provided on the adhesive outer surface.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the adhesion layers has an adhesive outer surface and in that a protective coating is provided on said adhesive outer surface.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the strap is adapted to ensure that the localization device is secured to the limb so that no movement No relative movement of the localization device with respect to the limb is possible. Thus, the accuracy of the blood vessel localization is ensured and is not disturbed by any relative movement of the localization device with respect to the limb.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the strap consists of a single, one-piece unit.

[0027] The invention according to at least one of its embodiments also relates to the use of a strap as previously described to secure a device for locating a blood vessel of a limb of a living being to said limb, the device comprising means for determining the location of the blood vessel based on the emission of acoustic waves.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the use according to the invention, the localization device comprises a main body, the main body comprising a first finger in contact with a first portion of skin of the limb and a second finger in contact with a second portion of skin of the limb, the first fastening means is provided to cooperate with a fastening means on the main body, the second fastening means is provided to cooperate with a fastening means on the first finger, the third fastening means is provided to cooperate with a fastening means on the second finger.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the use according to the invention, a first orifice is provided to cooperate with a first lug on the main body, second orifices are provided to cooperate with a second lug on the first finger and third orifices are provided to cooperate with a third lug on the second finger.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the use according to the invention, the first fastening means comprises the first orifice provided in a central position along the axis of the strap.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment of the use according to the invention, the second means of securing comprises the at least two second orifices provided in one end of the first strand and / or the third means of securing comprises the at least two third orifices provided in one end of the second strand.

[0032] The invention, according to at least one of its embodiments, also relates to a method for applying a strap as previously described, the method comprising the following steps:

[0033] - to link the first means of linking to the localization device;

[0034] - surround the member with the first strand;

[0035] - to link the second means of linking to the localization device;

[0036] - surround the member with the second strand;

[0037] - to link the third means of linking to the localization device.

[0038] The invention according to at least one of its embodiments also relates to a use of a pellet according to the invention as previously described. According to one embodiment of the invention, the use is to improve the transmission of acoustic waves between a device for locating a blood vessel of a limb of a living being and said limb, the pellet being disposed between the locating device and a skin surface covering the blood vessel of said limb, the device comprising means for determining the location of the blood vessel based on the emission of acoustic waves.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the use according to the invention, the localization device comprises at least one acoustic wave emitter configured to emit acoustic waves - hereinafter referred to as emitted acoustic waves - into the limb through the skin surface, at least one acoustic wave receiver configured to receive the acoustic waves reflected by the limb - hereinafter referred to as reflected acoustic waves, a module for measuring a parameter of the reflected acoustic waves or a difference in value of a parameter between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and a module for obtaining the localization of the blood vessel as a function of said parameter or said difference in value of said parameter.

[0040] The invention, according to at least one of its embodiments, also relates to a method for applying a pellet according to the invention as previously described. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the following steps:

[0041] - removal of a first part of the protective coating from the outer surface adhesive of the acrylic bonding layer;

[0042] - placement of the part of the pad, on the side with the acrylic adhesion layer, corresponding to the part removed from the protective coating on the surface of the locating device;

[0043] - removal of the remaining protective coating from the adhesive outer surface of the acrylic adhesion layer;

[0044] - placing the rest of the pad, acrylic adhesion layer side, onto the surface of the location device;

[0045] - application of pressure to smooth the pellet placed on the surface of the device location ;

[0046] - removal of the protective coating from the adhesive outer surface of the layer silicone adhesion;

[0047] - placement on the skin surface of the localization device on the pad side.

[0048] Preferably, the blood vessel is an artery, the living being a human being and the limb a wrist. Brief description of the figures

[0049] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for the understanding of which one will refer to the attached drawings in which:

[0050] [Fig.1] schematically shows a localization device and a strap positioned on the wrist of a patient according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0051] [Fig.2] schematically shows a top view of the localization device of the [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention

[0052] Different aspects of different embodiments of a pellet intended to improve the transmission of acoustic waves between a device for locating a blood vessel of a limb of a living being and the limb are described below, the pellet being configured to be disposed between the locating device and a skin surface covering the blood vessel of said limb.

[0053] For example, according to one embodiment of the invention, the localization device is used for example to detect and locate the radial artery in the wrist of a human patient.

[0054] Of course, according to other embodiments, any other localization device according to the invention can be used to locate any blood vessel such as capillaries, veins, or arteries in any living being such as a human being or an animal. Similarly, they can be used for such detection in any limb such as, for example, the wrist, arm, groin, leg, or paw.

[0055] In the present embodiment of the invention, the localization device is used by a caregiver or practitioner during an arterial blood draw to perform a blood gas analysis of the patient. Thus, in the present example, the target artery is the radial artery of the patient's wrist.

[0056] Fig. 1 schematically shows a localization device 10 and at least one strap 200 positioned on the wrist of a patient according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0057] As described below in relation to [Fig. 2], in the present embodiment, the localization device 10 comprises a main body with two fingers, each finger being in contact with the skin. It is therefore desirable to use a strap 200 according to the invention to secure the localization device 10 to the patient's wrist.

[0058] Thus, the strap 200 is intended to secure the localization device 10 of a blood vessel (for example in the context of this embodiment, the radial artery) of a limb (for example in the context of this embodiment, the wrist) of a living being (for example in the context of this embodiment, the patient) on the limb which is the patient's wrist.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the location device 10 comprises means for determining the location of the radial artery based on the emission of acoustic waves. According to one embodiment of the invention, the strap 200 includes a first means 201 for securing it to the device. According to another embodiment of the invention, the strap 200 includes a first strand 204 and a second strand 205 on either side of the first means 201 for securing it. For example, the first strand includes a second means 203 for securing it to the device and the second strand includes a third means 204 for securing it to the localization device 10.

[0060] For example, the strap is symmetrical with respect to the first fastening means 201 and does not have a preferred direction or sense.

[0061] For example, the first fastening means 201 includes a first orifice provided in a central position along the axis of the strap 200. Of course, it can include any number of orifices or any other fastening means.

[0062] For example, the second fastening means 202 comprises at least two second openings provided at one end of the first strand. For example, it comprises 10 second openings. Of course, it can comprise any number of openings or any other fastening means.

[0063] For example, the third fastening means 203 comprises at least two third openings provided at one end of the second strand. For example, it comprises 10 second openings. Of course, it can comprise any number of openings or any other fastening means.

[0064] Thus, the fact that the strap includes several second and third holes allows the user to adapt the length of the strap, for example, to the dimensions of the patients' wrists.

[0065] For example, the 200 strap is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0066] Indeed, the use of thermoplastic elastomer for the strap offers the following advantages: • adaptation to human skin; • less risk of allergy than other materials such as latex for example; • elasticity; • anti-slip properties (which eliminates the need for the application of anti-slip powder, for example).

[0067] The invention also relates to the use of a strap 200 according to the invention to secure a localization device 10 of a blood vessel of a limb of a living being to said limb, the device 10 comprising means for determining the location of the blood vessel based on the emission of acoustic waves.

[0068] The invention also relates to a method for applying the strap 200, the process comprising the following steps:

[0069] - to solidify the first means of solidarity 201 to the localization device 10;

[0070] - surround the member with the first strand 204;

[0071] - to link the second means of linking 202 to the localization device 10;

[0072] - surround the member with the second strand 205;

[0073] - to link the third means of solidarity 203 to the localization device 10.

[0074] Thus, the strap is adapted to ensure that the locating device is securely attached to the wrist so that no relative movement of the locating device with respect to the wrist can occur. Therefore, the accuracy of the blood vessel localization is ensured and is not affected by any relative movement of the locating device with respect to the wrist.

[0075] Figure [Fig. 2] schematically shows a top view of the localization device 10 of Figure [Fig. 1],

[0076] According to this embodiment of the invention, the localization device 10 comprises a main body 41 including means for determining the location 1 of the blood vessel, the main body 41 being positioned so as to bring the localization means 1 into alignment with the skin surface covering the blood vessel of the limb. The localization device 10 may also include means for securing the main body to the patient's wrist (for example, a second arm provided to hold the first arm 41 against the limb or any other means, for example, an elastic strap or a leather strap, which is attached to the main body 41 and which holds the main body against the wrist).

[0077] For example, the localization device 10 includes means for supplying power to the means 1 for determining the location of the artery. For example, these power supply means are a rechargeable battery. For example, the battery is positioned in the first branch. Of course, the battery, or more generally, any means for supplying power to the localization device 10 or to the means 1 for determining the location of the localization device 10, can be located in any part of the localization device 10 or even outside the localization device 10, and in this case, electrical energy can be supplied to the localization device 10 by any means such as an electrical cable or wire, by induction, or by any other means.

[0078] For example, a portion of the main body 41 has a shape substantially in the form of an arc of a circle so as to conform to the morphology of the limb.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body 41 comprises a first finger 411 in contact with a first portion of wrist skin and a second finger 412 in contact with a second portion of wrist skin.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first means of securing 201 is intended to cooperate with a fastening means on the main body, and the second fastening means 202 is intended to cooperate with a fastening means on the first finger. Preferably, the third fastening means 203 is intended to cooperate with a fastening means on the second finger.

[0081] Advantageously, the first orifice is provided to cooperate with a first lug on the main body 41, the second orifices are provided to cooperate with a second lug on the first finger 411 and the third orifices are provided to cooperate with a third lug on the second finger 412.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the means for determining the location of the artery comprise at least one acoustic wave emitter configured to emit acoustic waves - hereinafter referred to as emitted acoustic waves - into the limb through the skin surface, at least one acoustic wave receiver configured to receive the acoustic waves reflected by the limb - hereinafter referred to as reflected acoustic waves, a module for measuring a parameter of the reflected acoustic waves or a difference in value of a parameter between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and a module for obtaining the location of the blood vessel as a function of said parameter or said difference in value of said parameter.

[0083] Of course, the determination means 1 may employ any other blood vessel localization technology. For example, they may employ emitted and received optical waves (e.g., emitted by diodes, lasers, or any other light source, and received by photodiodes or any other light-detecting devices). Alternatively, they may employ detection by pressure measurement, radio frequency wave emission, or any other technology. Or, they may employ only optical, acoustic, radio frequency, or pressure wave detection means without any means of emitting such waves or pressure.

[0084] The determination means 1 are configured to be positioned substantially opposite a skin surface covering the wrist artery. According to one embodiment of the invention, the determination means 1 are configured to be positioned substantially in contact with a skin surface covering the wrist artery. However, according to variations of this embodiment of the invention, the determination means 1 may be positioned at a distance (for example, a few millimeters or a few centimeters) from the skin surface.

[0085] For example, the first finger 411 includes at least one first acoustic wave emitter and at least one first acoustic wave receiver and the second finger 412 includes at least one second acoustic wave emitter and at least one second acoustic wave receiver.

[0086] For example, the determination means 1 include at least one acoustic wave emitter configured to emit acoustic waves (hereinafter emitted acoustic waves) in the limb through the skin surface, at least one acoustic wave receiver configured to receive the acoustic waves reflected by the wrist (hereinafter reflected acoustic waves).

[0087] For example, the determination means 1 include a first matrix of acoustic wave emitters and receivers located in the first finger 411 and a second matrix of acoustic wave emitters and receivers located in the second finger 412.

[0088] Of course, according to variants of the invention, the determination means 1 can include in the first finger 411 any number of emitters and receivers of acoustic waves arranged in a matrix or not and they can also include in the second finger 412 any number of emitters and receivers of acoustic waves arranged in a matrix or not.

[0089] For example, the determination means 1 have, in top view, a substantially square or rectangular shape. Preferably, the distance between the first matrix in the first finger and the second matrix in the second finger is less than 2 cm, and even more preferably less than 1.5 cm, so that the artery can be considered substantially straight between the first matrix and the second matrix.

[0090] According to one embodiment, each acoustic wave emitter and receiver can be reconfigured into an acoustic wave receiver and / or emitter, respectively. Of course, according to variations of this embodiment, only some of the emitters and / or receivers (for example, at least one of them) can be reconfigured. According to yet another variation, none of the receivers or emitters are reconfigurable.

[0091] For example, each of the acoustic wave emitters and receivers comprises a piezoelectric element, for example, a piezoelectric disc with a diameter, for example, between 0.5 mm and 1 cm, and more preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. For example, each of the piezoelectric discs has a diameter of 1 mm. Of course, the invention can be implemented with any other diameter value for the piezoelectric discs. Furthermore, any other shape of piezoelectric element can be implemented within the scope of the invention. Moreover, other types of emitters and receivers besides piezoelectric solutions can be implemented within the scope of the invention.

[0092] For example, the determination means 1 of the localization device 10 also include means for controlling the transmitters and receivers. These control means are, for example, implemented in the form of an electronic circuit. Thus, According to a preferred implementation of the invention, the electronic circuit can power some of the emitters and receivers of the first and second matrices in a predetermined sequence. For example, such a sequence may include the simultaneous implementation of the following four steps: - configure as emitter the first piezoelectric disk of the first matrix starting from the left on the outer line of the first matrix (the line of piezoelectric disks furthest from the center of the means of determination 1); - configure as a receiver the first piezoelectric disk of the first matrix starting from the left on the inner line of the first matrix (the line of piezoelectric disks closest to the center of the means of determination 1); - configure as emitter the first piezoelectric disk of the second matrix starting from the left on the inner line of the second matrix (the line of piezoelectric disks closest to the center of the means of determination 1); - configure as receiver the first piezoelectric disk of the second matrix starting from the left on the inner line of the second matrix (the line of piezoelectric disks furthest from the center of the means of determination 1).

[0093] Then, the simultaneous implementation of the same four steps with the second piezoelectric disk of each row of each matrix and so on so as to horizontally scan all the piezoelectric disks of the first matrix and second matrix.

[0094] Such a scan makes it possible to measure the acoustic waves reflected by the wrist over the entire length of the piezoelectric disk matrices.

[0095] For example, the length of the first and second matrices is identical, and the spacing between the discs in each row is also identical. Thus, for example, each row of each matrix comprises the same number of piezoelectric discs. For example, the length of the first and second matrices is provided in the determination means 1 so that each matrix in the device overhangs the artery in the wrist.

[0096] The electronic circuit includes a module for measuring a parameter of reflected acoustic waves or a difference in value of a parameter between reflected acoustic waves and emitted acoustic waves.

[0097] The electronic circuit also includes a module for obtaining the location of the blood vessel as a function of the parameter or the difference in value of the parameter.

[0098] Preferably, the measurement module for the parameter of reflected acoustic waves or for a difference in value of a parameter between reflected acoustic waves and emitted acoustic waves includes a filter and an amplifier.

[0099] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the measurement module is a module for measuring the phase shift between reflected acoustic waves and emitted acoustic waves.

[0100] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the measuring module is a module for measuring the amplitude of reflected acoustic waves.

[0101] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the measuring module is a module for measuring the frequency difference between reflected acoustic waves and emitted acoustic waves.

[0102] For example, the phase shift between the emitted and reflected acoustic waves will be measured as a function of time t over the duration of a sweep of a piezoelectric disk array of the localization device 10 in the context of the first embodiment mentioned above. The phase shift Af is equal to the phase difference Phi 1 - Phi between the reflected and emitted waves.

[0103] Thus, for example, during the scanning of the piezoelectric disk matrices implemented by the previously described electronic circuit, the phase shift measurement means will measure the phase shift between the emitted waves and the reflected waves at the level of each pair of piezoelectric disks on the two lines of each matrix.

[0104] Thus, for each of the first matrix and second matrix, a sweep is for example implemented.

[0105] In a given matrix, when the emitted acoustic waves reach or approach the artery, the phase shift between the emitted and reflected waves will exhibit one or more maximum values ​​that are characteristic of the presence of the artery (generally, a pair of maximum values ​​will be obtained indicating that the artery is located between the relevant pairs of discs). Thus, the electronic circuit of the determination means 1 can identify, from the measured phase shift, maximum values ​​that are characteristic of the presence of the artery under the relevant pairs of piezoelectric discs in the wrist.

[0106] In the second embodiment, the amplitude of the reflected waves is measured instead of the phase shift and, similarly, the maximum value of the amplitude is characteristic of the presence of the artery.

[0107] In the third embodiment, the frequency difference between the reflected and emitted waves is measured instead of the phase shift and, similarly, the maximum value of the frequency difference is characteristic of the presence of the artery.

[0108] The electronic circuit also includes a module for obtaining the localization of the artery as a function of the phase shift measured in the first embodiment mentioned above (or as a function of the amplitude of the acoustic waves reflected in the second embodiment mentioned above or as a function of the frequency difference between the reflected waves and the emitted waves in the third embodiment mentioned above).

[0109] This module will therefore identify the maximum phase shift measured by the phase shift measurement module in the first embodiment (or the maximum amplitude of reflected acoustic waves in the second embodiment or the maximum frequency difference in the third embodiment) during the scan on each of the first and second matrices, which allows it to determine which pairs of piezoelectric disks are concerned by the maximum at the level of each of the first and second matrices.

[0110] This allows it to locate the artery at two points: one in the first matrix and the other in the second matrix. Then, for example, the artery localization module performs a linear interpolation between the two points and determines the location of a portion of the artery between these two points.

[0111] Thus, as described above, the localization device 10 and in particular its determination means 1 implement: - A scan of the first matrix's emitters and receivers identifies the two emitter / receiver pairs that exhibit the strongest response (e.g., phase shift) (the artery is therefore located between these two pairs). Once these two pairs are identified, for example, based on the delay and reception strength between them, the device can calculate the distance between the artery and each pair. Using this information, the artery's position within the first matrix's reference frame can be determined (localizing a first point on the artery). - the same scan is performed with the second matrix which allows the localization of a second point of the artery.

[0112] According to the present embodiment, the localization device 10 also includes means for projecting 100 onto the skin surface at least one image 50 of the artery localization.

[0113] For example, an artery localization image 50 comprises at least one of the following images:

[0114] - information representative of the depth of the artery in the wrist;

[0115] - a representation of a portion of the artery.

[0116] For example, the localization image(s) 50 is / are projected onto the skin surface so that it / they is / are located substantially in line with the artery.

[0117] For example, projection means 100 include at least one projector and a tiltable mirror.

[0118] According to one embodiment of the invention, an artery localization image 50 is a portion of the artery which is constructed from a first localization determined from the localization of the artery at two points by means of the first and second matrices as indicated above.

[0119] For example, a localization image 50 according to the invention also includes a number (or even any other information representative of the depth) disposed near (in the localization image 50) the portion of the artery (mentioned above) which is the depth of the artery in the wrist.

[0120] Of course, according to variants of this embodiment, image 50 may include only the depth or only a portion of the artery.

[0121] Thus, the location information (for example the locations of the first and second points mentioned above) is transmitted to the image projection means.

[0122] At the level of the image projection means, a program will transpose the artery location information obtained into a virtual matrix representing a display area (in which the image is displayed) by assigning it coordinates. Indeed, because the first matrix and the second matrix are fixed relative to the display area, the location information is transposed into them.

[0123] Once this location information (for example, the first and second points mentioned above) has been transposed into the display area, the location device draws a straight line between these two points. This line represents the path of the radial artery in the working area. Once this is done, the resulting image is projected onto the wrist.

[0124] For this purpose a projector is placed in the upper part of the device and an angle reflection by mirror is made to redirect the image into the final projection area.

[0125] According to one embodiment of the invention, the localization device 10 includes means for detecting displacement of the artery. For example, the means for determining the location of the artery 1 and the projection means 100 are activated by the means for detecting displacement of the artery.

[0126] Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, a loop can be implemented which aims to correct any displacement of the artery relative to the image projected onto the wrist, for example, during the intervention by the practitioner on the artery (during the procedure). For example, according to such a loop, if the artery does not move, then no correction of the image is performed. On the other hand, if the device If the system detects a displacement of the artery relative to the image, its location is then re-searched (as described above) using the first and second matrices (for example, based on the three transmitter / receiver pairs generating the strongest response). In this way, a new image representing the artery's new location is projected. This allows for continuous tracking of the radial artery and updates the information provided to the operator. List of reference signs

[0127] 1 means of location

[0128] 200 strap

[0129] 201 first means of solidarity

[0130] 202 second means of solidarity

[0131] 203 third means of solidarity

[0132] 204 first strand

[0133] 205 second strand

[0134] 41 main body

[0135] 411 first finger

[0136] 412 second finger

[0137] 50 image

[0138] 10 location device

[0139] 100 means of projection

Claims

Demands

1. A strap (200) intended to secure a localization device (10) of a blood vessel of a limb of a living being to said limb, the device (10) comprising means for determining the location of the blood vessel based on the emission of acoustic waves, characterized in that it comprises a first means of securing (201) to the device, in that it comprises a first strand (204) and a second strand (205) on either side of the first means of securing (201), and in that the first strand comprises a second means of securing (203) to the device and the second strand comprises a third means of securing (204) to the device,in that the second fastening means (202) comprises at least two second openings provided in one end of the first strand and / or the third fastening means (203) comprises at least two third openings provided in one end of the second strand and in that the strap consists of a single, monobloc piece.

2. Strap (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fastening means (201) comprises a first orifice provided in a central position along the axis of the strap (200).

3. Strap (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

4. Use of a strap (200) according to any one of the preceding claims for securing a blood vessel localization device (10) of a limb of a living being to said limb, the device (10) comprising means for determining (1) the location of the blood vessel based on the emission of acoustic waves.

5. Use according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locating device (10) comprises a main body (41), the main body (41) comprising a first finger (411) in contact with a first portion of skin of the limb and a second finger (412) in contact with a second portion of skin of the limb, in that the first fastening means (201) is provided to cooperate with a fastening means on the main body, in that the second fastening means (202) is provided to cooperate with a fastening means on the first finger, and in that the third fastening means (203) is provided to cooperate with a fastening means on the second finger. finger.

6. Use according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a first orifice is provided to cooperate with a first lug on the main body (41), second orifices are provided to cooperate with a second lug on the first finger (411) and third orifices are provided to cooperate with a third lug on the second finger (412).

7. A method for applying a strap according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - securing the first securing means (201) to the locating device (10); - encircling the limb with the first strand (204); - securing the second securing means (202) to the locating device (10); - encircling the limb with the second strand (205); - securing the third securing means (203) to the locating device (10).

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