Vein visualization device

Abstract

To improve the efficiency and reliability of venipuncture. [Solution] A vein visualization device is provided, in which two swingable lamps are mounted parallel to each other with a gap just large enough for a fingertip to fit between them in the lower part of a dark area made in the depth of a gate shape, and light is shone into the skin between the parallel lamps to visualize the veins, and the brightness of the parallel lamps can be adjusted. This allows for puncture while confirming the relative position of the visualized vein and the opaque puncture needle that is placed on the skin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vein visualization device that irradiates light into the skin to see veins through the skin. (To see through the skin means a phenomenon in which the light irradiated into the skin is scattered, and the shadow of the vein caused by the difference in tissue density can be visually recognized with the naked eye from the outside. In this specification, it is referred to as visualization depending on the context.)

Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, vein puncture for administering a drug solution or collecting blood from a vein is routinely performed. The main puncture sites are often the inner side of the forearm and the back of the hand that can be easily exposed by rolling up the sleeve of the clothes.

[0003] It is known that the veins on the inner side of the forearm are located at a depth of about 10 millimeters from the skin surface depending on the physique, and a straight line portion up to a depth of about 3 millimeters with a short puncture distance is preferentially selected.

[0004] Medical staff (hereinafter, those who receive education and training on vein puncture and have qualifications in this specification are referred to as medical staff or, depending on the context, workers) wrap a tourniquet around the upper arm to increase the blood pressure of the forearm vein and make it distended, and can visually observe the bulge of the skin or identify the vein position suitable for puncture by touch and then perform the puncture. However, due to the inability to visually see the vein, medical staff with low proficiency have a low success rate and may cause pain to the patient such as re-puncturing. (In this specification, distension means a state in which the blood flow is blocked by temporary blood drive using a tourniquet, the blood stagnates, and the vein expands and swells.)

[0005] Depending on the physique, the vein may bulge on the skin surface or be visible through the skin. In such a case, it is possible to perform the puncture as it is, but generally a tourniquet is used.

[0006] The purpose of using a tourniquet is to make it easier to identify the course of the vein, as the vein becomes distended and bulges on the skin surface, and also to make puncture easier because the target area expands and becomes thicker. Compression is applied to the tissue surrounding the vein, making it less likely for the vein to move, thus making puncture easier.

[0007] Additionally, maintaining blood pressure during blood collection is another purpose.

[0008] Some cameras use near-infrared light to display images of veins on a monitor, which is suitable for understanding the course of veins. However, when used for venipuncture, the venipuncture must be performed while viewing the monitor, requiring skill. Furthermore, these systems are expensive.

[0009] To simplify this process, some systems project vein images onto the skin surface, overlaying them onto the veins.

[0010] This system has limitations in its use because the camera lens used to obtain the image and the lens used to project the image are in different positions, requiring precise positioning of the device relative to the target of puncture in order to superimpose the image onto the vein. Furthermore, it is expensive.

[0011] A simple method involves holding a small flashlight emitting white, orange, or red light in close contact with the skin's surface and shining the light into the skin, allowing the veins to be seen through the skin around the point of contact. However, this method has the inconvenience of requiring one hand to hold the flashlight and blocking out ambient light from reaching the skin. Furthermore, the vein shadows become larger as the distance from the light source increases, making it difficult to discern their true nature.

[0012] While ultrasound can be used to determine the course of veins and nerves, the point where the ultrasound sensor makes contact with the puncture site is primarily used to determine the depth and diameter of veins, and with experience, the course of nerves as well. It is used to ensure safety during puncture. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-064666 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-289400 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] (Task 1) To provide a device that visualizes veins in a room where procedures such as injections are performed (hereinafter also referred to as a treatment room or therapy room) without dimming the room's lighting or setting up a special darkroom.

[0015] [Patent Document 1] does not contain any description regarding indoor lighting when using a vein visualization device.

[0016] According to the Japanese Industrial Standard Z9110-2011 (General Principles of Lighting Standards), the recommended illuminance for areas in healthcare facilities where injections and vaccinations are administered is 1000 lux or more, and in practice, work is sometimes performed under high illuminance levels of 1500 lux or more.

[0017] Under such high illumination conditions, there is a challenge to overcome: the strong reflected light from the skin surface makes it difficult to see the shadows of veins.

[0018] (Task 2) To improve the efficiency and accuracy of venipuncture by visualizing the veins and performing punctures while observing them.

[0019] (Task 3) To provide a vein visualization device that does not cause discomfort to patients due to the heat emitted by the light source by using a vein visualization device.

[0020] [Patent Document 2] Paragraph 0007 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-289400 emphasizes the low heat generation of light-emitting diodes, but since light-emitting diodes convert power other than luminous efficiency into heat, a certain amount of heat generation is unavoidable.

[0021] Especially when it is closely attached to the skin, if the heat dissipation measures for the light-emitting diode are insufficient, there is a possibility of heat influence on the skin.

[0022] Measures considering the heat dissipation area of the substrate, the heat dissipation effect due to the circuit pattern, and the heat conduction to the skin are necessary, and these are issues to be overcome. Means for Solving the Problems

[0023] Here, the means for solving the problems corresponding to the means for solving the problems (Problem 1)(Problem 2)(Problem 3) are described.

[0024] Means for Solving (Problem 1) The present invention makes the vein visualization device into a deep gantry (hereinafter referred to as a gantry), blocks the light from the ceiling lights and windows in the treatment room from reaching the skin surface in the upward and left-right directions, creates a dark part inside the gantry, and provides a lamp with a gap between opposite parallel planes with a gap large enough for a fingertip to enter. If light is irradiated into the skin, veins can be visualized between the parallel lamps regardless of the brightness of the illumination in the treatment room.

[0025] When the incident light from the open part at the rear of the gantry is strong and no dark part can be formed, change the orientation of the puncture site to block the incident light with the patient's body. Or, it can be covered with a hand, etc.

[0026] The direct light to the front of the gantry is blocked by the operator's body. (In the description of this specification, the light-emitting diode, substrate, lens, and the case for housing these, which are the light sources for irradiating the skin, are collectively referred to as a lamp, and the entire device including the lamp is referred to as this device) Means for Solving (Problem 2)​​​​​​​​​

[0029] The shadows of deep-seated veins cannot be seen through the skin tissue due to diffused light.

[0030] Furthermore, thin veins that are difficult to puncture do not have a clear outline, and capillaries are translucent, so only veins of a suitable thickness and depth for puncture are visualized, allowing for efficient visualization of veins suitable for puncture. (If the skin color is dark or brown, depending on the density, light transmission may be poor, and it may not be possible to visualize veins using this device.)

[0031] Since the puncture needle is straight, the puncture site must be chosen in a straight area.

[0032] The two parallel lamps can illuminate the straight veins within the skin evenly from both sides, allowing for visualization that closely resembles reality.

[0033] This allows for the selection of needle thickness, confirmation that the puncture site is a straight area of ​​the required length, checking the flexibility of the vein by inserting a fingertip between parallel lamps, and efficient disinfection.

[0034] Since the puncture needle is opaque, this device allows the contour of the needle within the skin to be visualized.

[0035] This device can be placed on the skin to allow for confirmation of the relative position of the vein and the puncture needle within the skin, and any displacement of the blood vessel or extravasation of blood during puncture can be visually detected and addressed early, enabling efficient and reliable venous puncture.

[0036] The curvature of the human epithelium, which is the primary puncture site, varies depending on body size, constitution, and location (such as the elbow or wrist side). By allowing the left and right lamps to swing, it can conform closely to both large and small curves. It can be used in a wide range of areas besides the back of the hand, the top of the foot, and the calf.

[0037] Because of its gate-like shape, the center of gravity is high, so if it is difficult for it to stand on its own on soft skin, it can be secured with adhesive tape.

[0038] Alternatively, the puncture needle can be operated with the dominant hand, while the fingers of the other hand prevent the vein from slipping and the device can be held in place with the other fingers.

[0039] The device is equipped with a mechanism that adjusts the pulse width of pulse width modulation control via a variable resistor to control the brightness of the left and right lamps in sync, so that they are easier to see depending on the light transmission within the skin.

[0040] The reason for using two lamps parallel to each other is that, since the puncture needle is straight, the puncture site is selected as a straight section of the vein. To visualize the straight section in a way that closely resembles reality, it is effective to illuminate it evenly from both sides.

[0041] When light shines on a vein from one side, the outline is visible on the side where the light is shining, but on the opposite side, the boundary between the vein's shadow and the vein itself becomes blurred and not clearly visible.

[0042] When light is shone from a straight direction, the outline is visible closer to the light source, but as you move away from the light source, the outline becomes blurred and the length necessary for venipuncture is no longer visible.

[0043] Means to solve (Problem 3) This section describes the parallel left and right lamps, which are the main power-consuming and heat-generating light sources of this device.

[0044] The individual outer casings of the left and right lamps are approximately 30 millimeters vertically and 15 millimeters horizontally.

[0045] Since the light from an LED spreads in a circular pattern, three to four LEDs are installed vertically in a straight line at equal intervals to create a pseudo-linear smooth light by overlapping multiple circles of light in a straight line.

[0046] The brightness is set to a level where visibility is possible between the centers of parallel lamps when lit, in order to minimize heat generation.

[0047] Specifically, for chip light-emitting diodes, the maximum output per unit should be around 20 to 25 lumens.

[0048] The copper plates constituting the circuit board's design should be at least 0.03 millimeters thick and have as large an area as possible to dissipate heat. If necessary, multiple through-holes should be used to conduct heat to the back of the board for further heat dissipation.

[0049] The combined maximum power supply of both lamps will be variable to 2 watts or less (approximately 100 lumens or less per lamp), and in the case of COB type lamps, the power supply will be the same for 5 to 8 light-emitting points.

[0050] The width between the parallel surfaces of the left and right lamps should be approximately 15 to 20 millimeters (enough space for a finger), and the light-emitting diodes should be positioned close to the parallel surfaces of the lamps.

[0051] The brightness required for irradiation into the skin is sufficient because it is in a light-shielded environment.

[0052] To protect the light-emitting diode (LED), the lamp has a transparent, plate-shaped lens, approximately 0.5 to 1 mm in diameter, placed about 1 mm away from the surface of the LED's light-emitting part.

[0053] Furthermore, the frame surrounding the lens extends approximately 1.5 millimeters downward from the bottom edge of the lens, preventing the lens from directly contacting the skin and reducing radiant heat and heat conduction to the skin.

[0054] If heat accumulates over time, causing the temperature to rise and resulting in discomfort, the instruction manual should include a guideline for the time frame in which discomfort may occur and how to address it.

[0055] Because the size of the arc on the surface of human skin varies depending on body size, constitution, and body part, making the left and right lamps oscillate allows the lamps to make close contact with a wide range of human body arcs.

[0056] If the left and right lamps were fixed horizontally, in order to prevent light leakage into the curved section, the parallel side of the lamp would have to press firmly against the skin, which could cause light leakage or make it easier to conduct heat.

[0057] By structuring the device in this way, the parallel lamps in contact with the skin suppress the temperature rise of the light-emitting diodes, and the heat from the light-emitting diodes is less likely to be conducted to the skin, thus preventing discomfort to the patient. Effect of the Invention

[0058] This device can be made small, lightweight, and portable.

[0059] This device can visualize veins by irradiating light into the skin at a depth of approximately 3 millimeters from the skin surface, which is a suitable depth for venipuncture. (If the skin color is dark or brown, depending on the density, light transmission may be poor, and it may not be possible to visualize veins using this device.)

[0060] Veins can be visualized regardless of the illumination level in rooms where injections and other procedures are performed in healthcare facilities, under the expected design illumination conditions.

[0061] Because the relative position of the vein and the puncture needle can be visually observed during puncture, reliable puncture is possible. Furthermore, vascular displacement and extravasation of blood during puncture can be visually detected, allowing for early detection and resolution of technical problems during puncture, resulting in efficient and reliable work.

[0062] The part of the lamp that emits light into the skin does not get hot when it comes into contact with the skin, so it does not cause discomfort to the patient. If heat accumulates over time, causing the temperature to rise and resulting in discomfort, the instruction manual should include a timeframe that indicates the likelihood of discomfort occurring.

[0063] The oscillating parallel ramp can accommodate differences in the curve of the skin depending on body size and location, making it applicable to a wide range of areas. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0064] In this embodiment, the device is gantry-shaped to block light from above and from the sides, creating a dark area on the skin surface. Light is then shone into the skin from parallel lamps placed within the dark area, making the shadows of veins inside the skin easier to see.

[0065] Parallel lamps make it easier to see the straight sections of the veins and illuminate both sides of the veins with equal light, making it easier to see the actual structure of the veins.

[0066] Because the parallel lamps oscillate, they can adhere closely to the skin surface and irradiate light into the skin regardless of the size of the arc on the skin surface.

[0067] The brightness of the left and right lamps can be adjusted synchronously according to the light transmission conditions within the skin.

[0068] By using the device of this embodiment to perform vein puncture while observing the vein, it is possible to confirm the relative position of the vein and the puncture needle during the procedure. [Examples]

[0069] [Figure 1] shows a device that, by making it gate-shaped, blocks light from above and from the sides, creating a dark area on the skin surface. By illuminating the inside of the skin from two oscillating, parallel lamps spaced apart within the dark area, with enough space for a fingertip to fit through, veins can be visualized even under the ambient room light between the parallel lamps.

[0070] By positioning the straight sections of the veins near the center of parallel lamps, even light can be shone from both sides of the veins, resulting in a visualization of the veins that closely resembles their actual appearance.

[0071] Because the parallel lamps oscillate, they can adhere closely to the skin surface and irradiate light into the skin regardless of the size of the arc on the skin surface.

[0072] The device is equipped with a mechanism that adjusts the pulse width of pulse width modulation control via a variable resistor to control the brightness of the left and right lamps in sync, so that they are easier to see depending on the light transmission within the skin.

[0073] By using the device of this embodiment to perform vein puncture while observing the vein, it is possible to confirm the relative position of the vein and the puncture needle during the procedure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0074] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the method of operation of this vein visualization device. (Example 1) 1 Device body 2 Variable resistor knob (for pulse width modulation control) 3 Charging port 4 Left lamp 5 Left lamp pivot point 6 Lamp power connection 7 Right lamp pivot point 8 Right lamp

Claims

[Claim 1] This vein visualization device is designed to visualize veins between parallel lamps, with two swingable lamps mounted parallel to each other in a dark area at the bottom of a deep, gate-shaped structure, with a gap just wide enough for a fingertip to fit through. The light emitted from the lamps into the skin allows for adjustment of the brightness of the parallel lamps. The device is placed on the skin, allowing for puncture while confirming the relative position of the visualized vein and the opaque puncture needle.

Images