Intravenous treatment system for vascular detection

Abstract

The intravenous treatment system may include: a hollow needle including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a sharpened tip for insertion into a vein; an infrared (IR) camera disposed within a hollow portion of the hollow needle, the infrared camera including a first light source emitting a first wavelength of IR light, a second light source for emitting a second wavelength of IR light, and a comparator that, upon execution of a processor communicatively coupled to the comparator, compares the amount of reflected light received at the IR detector during activation of the first light and the second light to indicate light absorption within the vein.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure generally relates to vascular access devices and related systems and methods. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Needles may be used for various infusion therapies. For example, needles may be used to inject fluids such as saline, various drugs, and parenteral nutrition into a patient. Also, needles may be used to draw blood from a patient. To facilitate insertion into the body, the needle may include a distal tip that includes a bevel that is used to interface with the patient's skin when the bevel is oriented away from the patient's skin. During use of the needle, the needle is inserted at a shallow angle through the patient's skin into the patient's vein to collect a blood sample or introduce one or more drugs. 【0003】 Insertion of a needle into a vein has been difficult for phlebotomists, clinicians, and other healthcare providers because veins are difficult to visualize or palpate. Heat problems, dehydration, and the patient's age can all contribute to the inability to access the blood vessels of any given patient. Near-infrared (NIR)-based vein finders can, for example, display superficial veins up to 4-6 mm deep in the human arm. However, this depth in the human body may not be sufficient for a clinician to easily access a particular vein. Ultrasonic-based devices can identify veins much deeper than 4-6 mm. However, ultrasonic machines are expensive and bulky for use in all situations. As a result, clinicians may be forced to insert a needle into the subcutaneous layer of the patient's skin in an attempt to access a blood vessel. Such unaided insertions can cause significant pain, bruising, discomfort, and anxiety to the patient being inserted, especially when multiple sequential insertions are attempted. 【0004】 The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve a particular problem or embodiments that operate only in the environment described herein. Rather, the background art provided herein is intended to describe the environment in which the embodiments described herein may operate. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem] 【0005】 In some embodiments, an intravenous therapy system provides detection of veins within a patient. The intravenous therapy system may include a hollow needle having a distal and proximal end, the distal end having a sharp tip for insertion into the vein. In some embodiments, an infrared (IR) camera is positioned within the hollow portion of the hollow needle. In some embodiments, the IR camera includes an IR detector, a first light source emitting IR light of a first wavelength, and a second light source emitting IR light of a second wavelength. In some embodiments, a comparator may be communicatively coupled to the IR camera to compare the amount of blackbody radiation received by the IR detector when the first and second light sources are activated during processor execution, providing an index of maximum light absorption in the vein. Thus, the embodiments described herein enable a relatively easy and inexpensive method for inserting a needle into a patient's blood vessel. During operation of the intravenous therapy system, the clinician may more easily insert the needle into the patient's body, thereby limiting injury to the patient's body and simultaneously increasing the patient's physical and mental comfort. Due to the portability of the intravenous therapy system, clinicians may deploy the system whenever they draw blood from a patient or administer medication to a patient. 【0006】 In some embodiments, the intravenous treatment system may include an audio indicator. In some embodiments, the audio indicator may include a speaker that provides feedback to the user of the intravenous treatment system, indicating the optimal insertion trajectory of the hollow needle into the body based on the light absorption level detected by the IR detector. By providing an audio indicator, the clinician may receive input from the speaker regarding the needle position as the clinician is inserting the needle into the patient. 【0007】 In some embodiments, the intravenous treatment system may further include an armband communicatively coupled to a comparator. In some embodiments, the armband may include a visual indicator, including an indicator light, that provides feedback to the user of the intravenous treatment system, indicating the optimal insertion trajectory of the hollow needle into the body based on the light absorption level detected by an IR detector. Using the armband, the embodiments described may allow the clinician to visually confirm the position of the needle inside the patient's body during insertion. In some embodiments, the armband may include both a visual and an audible indicator. In these embodiments, one of the visual or audible indicators may indicate to the clinician the x and y positions of the needle inside the patient's body, while the other of the audible and visual indicators may indicate to the clinician the z position of the needle inside the patient's body. 【0008】 In some embodiments, the IR camera may be selectively removable from within the hollow portion of the hollow needle. In these embodiments, the clinician may insert the needle into the patient's body to direct the needle into the patient's blood vessels during the use of the intravenous treatment system. Once access to the vein is reached, the clinician may remove the IR camera from within the needle by, for example, withdrawing it from the distal end of the needle. This may result in some or additional blood flowing out of the needle. In another embodiment, the IR camera and its components may remain within the needle when blood is drawn from the patient or when a drug is administered to the patient through the needle of the intravenous treatment system. 【0009】 In some embodiments, the first and second light sources may each emit light of different wavelengths. In some embodiments, the first light source emits IR light of a first wavelength between 940 nm and 980 nm. In some embodiments, the second light source emits IR light of a second wavelength between 630 nm and 780 nm. In some embodiments, the IR camera may emit IR light of a first wavelength from the first light source, and when the comparator detects the presence of blood vessels, the IR camera emits IR light of a second wavelength from the second light source. 【0010】 In some embodiments, the components of the IR camera may further include an IR detector which further includes a photodiode optically coupled to an optical fiber passing through the hollow of a hollow needle. This may allow larger components of the IR camera to be placed in the hollow portion of the needle, potentially increasing the usable space within the hollow portion of the needle. 【0011】 In some embodiments, the components of the IR camera may further include a first light source, which includes a first light-emitting diode (LED) optically coupled to an optical fiber passing through the hollow of a hollow needle. This may allow larger components of the IR camera to be placed in the hollow portion of the needle, potentially increasing the usable space within the hollow portion of the needle. 【0012】 In some embodiments, the components of the IR camera may include a second light source, further comprising a second light-emitting diode (LED) optically coupled to an optical fiber passing through the hollow of a hollow needle. This may allow larger components of the IR camera to be placed in the hollow portion of the needle, potentially increasing the usable space within the hollow portion of the needle. 【0013】 It should be understood that the general description above, and the detailed description below, are illustrative and descriptive, and do not limit the claimed invention. It should be understood that various embodiments are not limited to the configurations and means illustrated in the drawings. Furthermore, it should be understood that embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise claimed. Therefore, the detailed description below should not be interpreted as restrictive. 【0014】 Exemplary embodiments will be described and illustrated with additional specificities and details through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0015】 [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a needle in an intravenous treatment system according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a needle in an intravenous treatment system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of a needle including an IR camera according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a needle including an IR camera according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an intravenous system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a top view of a needle in an intravenous treatment system inserted into a patient's arm, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a top view of a needle in an intravenous treatment system inserted into a patient's arm, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a top view of a needle in an intravenous treatment system inserted into a patient's arm, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a needle of an intravenous therapy system inserted into a patient's arm, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method of operating an intravenous therapy selection system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing an intravenous therapy system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 【BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION】 【0016】 As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the position on the needle of the intravenous therapy system that is closest to the clinician using the intravenous therapy system and farthest from the patient on whom the device is used during use of the system. Conversely, the term "distal" refers to the position on the needle of the intravenous therapy system that is farthest from the clinician using the intravenous therapy system and closest to the patient on whom the intravenous therapy system is used during use of the system. 【0017】 As used herein, the terms "upper", "upward", or "upwardly" refer to the position on the needle of the intravenous therapy system that is radially away from the longitudinal axis of the intravenous therapy system and away from the patient's skin during use of the system. Conversely, as used herein, the terms "lower", "downward", or "downwardly" refer to the position on the needle of the intravenous therapy system that is radially away from the longitudinal axis of the device and toward the patient's skin during use of the system. 【0018】 As used herein, the terms "into" or "inside" refer to the position on the needle of the intravenous therapy system that is directed toward the inside of the intravenous therapy system during use of the system. Conversely, as used herein, the terms "out" or "outside" refer to the position on the needle of the intravenous therapy system that is directed toward the outside of the intravenous therapy system during use of the system. 【0019】 In this specification, the description of the present invention is made using the same reference numerals for similar elements in different embodiments. The embodiments described herein are used in relation to use as an intravenous therapy system for receiving blood samples or introducing drugs into a patient's body, but it will be understood that this intravenous therapy system is applicable to other medical devices in which it is desirable for a needle to be inserted into a patient's blood vessel. In addition, embodiments of the intravenous therapy system are satisfied by many different forms of embodiments, but preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, within the scope of this disclosure as determined by the appended claims. 【0020】 Referring here to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the intravenous treatment system described herein includes a needle 100. The needle 100 may be any type of needle that can be introduced into the patient's body to access one or more blood vessels of the patient. The needle 100 includes a sharp distal tip 105 defined by a bevel and a proximal end connected to the distal end of a needle hub 110. In some embodiments, the needle 100 may be formed from stainless steel. Materials that can be used to form the needle hub 110 include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic polymer resins such as polycarbonate, polystyrene, and polypropylene. However, it is understood in this disclosure that other materials may be used to form the needle hub 110 and the needle 100. 【0021】 The needle hub 110 may be formed in a funnel configuration where a smaller diameter portion of the funnel configuration is connected to the proximal end of the needle 100. This configuration may facilitate inserting another medical device within the hollow of the needle 100, such as an IR camera described herein, or another type of device such as a guide wire, at the proximal end of the needle 100. Further, the smaller portion of the funnel configuration may enhance the initial visualization of blood as it exits the proximal end of the needle 100 due to a faster blood flow front caused by the smaller portion of the funnel configuration. In some embodiments presented herein, the IR camera may allow passage of a fluid such as blood or a drug through the hollow of the needle 100 during insertion into the hollow of the needle 100. In this embodiment, the components of the IR camera may be adapted within the hollow of the needle 100 to allow passage of blood, a drug, or both. The needle hub 110 may be attached, for example, to communicatively couple to any of several connections to a fluid reservoir. The needle hub 110 may include, in some embodiments, a pair of finger grips or other knurling disposed around the needle hub 110. The knurling may allow for easier interaction by a clinician when interfacing the needle 100 with another medical device. Thus, the needle hub 110 may provide a comfortable grip surface for the clinician and a readily distinguishable finger placement position that keeps the clinician's fingers away from the needle 100 or its distal tip 105. 【0022】 As described herein, in some embodiments, the needle 100 may house an infrared (IR) camera within the hollow portion of the needle 100. In some embodiments, the IR camera may include an IR detector. The IR detector may be any device that detects reflected or emitted light. In one embodiment, the IR detector may detect this light through active illumination by a first or second light source. In one embodiment, the light detected by the IR detector may be near-infrared, mid-infrared, or far-infrared. In some embodiments, the detected light may have a wavelength spectrum extending from the nominal red edge of the visible spectrum from 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. In one embodiment, the light detected by the IR detector may have a wavelength between 940 nm and 980 nm. In one embodiment, the light detected by the IR detector may have a wavelength of 960 nm. In one embodiment, the light detected by the IR detector may have a wavelength between 620 nm and 980 nm. In one embodiment, the light detected by the IR detector may have a wavelength of 660 nm. 【0023】 As described herein, the light detected by the IR detector may depend on the light source associated with the IR camera, the operating mode of the IR camera, or both. This specification intends for the IR camera to be able to detect any infrared light suitable for specific applications of the principle described herein, including the detection of infrared light when inserting a needle 100 into the body or a blood vessel. 【0024】 The needle 100 may incorporate any number of devices that allow for the selective passage of blood or a drug into and out of the body, respectively. Examples of these additional devices may include, among others, vent plugs, fluid leads, and valves. Thus, this specification intends for the use of these other devices coupled to or incorporated into the needle 100 to be suitable for specific applications of the principles described herein. 【0025】 In one embodiment, the IR camera housed within the hollow of the needle 100 may further include one or more light sources. In certain embodiments, the light sources may include a first light source and a second light source. Each of the first and second light sources may be arranged within the hollow of the needle 100 together with an IR detector, as described herein. Each of the first and second light sources may emit IR light at a specific wavelength. In certain embodiments, the first light source may emit first IR light at a first wavelength or wavelength range, while the second light source emits second IR light at a second wavelength or wavelength range. In some embodiments, the wavelength range of the IR light emitted by the first IR light source may overlap with the wavelength or wavelength range emitted by the second IR light source. In some embodiments, the wavelength range of the IR light emitted by the second IR light source may overlap with the wavelength or wavelength range emitted by the first IR light source. 【0026】 In one embodiment, the IR camera may communicate wirelessly with a processor to provide feedback to the processor regarding the detected wavelength of IR light. In this embodiment, the IR camera may be retained within the needle 100 as the needle is inserted into and removed from the patient's body. In some embodiments, after the needle 100 has been inserted into the patient's body, the IR camera may be used to detect the position of the needle 100 within the patient's body relative to blood vessels such as veins or arteries. For example, in the human body, the blood vessels of the circulatory system transport blood throughout the body. Arteries are blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart, while veins are blood vessels that transport blood to the heart. In some examples, a distinctive feature of veins is that they contain several valves formed within them to prevent backflow of blood from the heart. During the use of the needle 100, certain infusion fluids, drugs, parenteral nutrition, or other drugs can be introduced intravenously to introduce these drugs into the bloodstream where the heart receives and distributes them throughout the body. In some cases, it is desirable to distribute these drugs throughout the body by introducing them intravenously rather than injecting them into other soft tissues or arteries in the body. Because the introduction of drugs into arteries may not allow for effective and uniform distribution of these drugs throughout the body, the IR cameras described herein may enable the reception of feedback regarding whether the needle is inserted into a vein or an artery. During use, the needle 100 may be inserted into the human body at a location where a vein is expected to be located. During insertion, the IR camera may emit IR light from one or both of the first and second IR light sources. The reflected IR light may be reflected and captured by the IR detector of the IR camera and analyzed for signal intensity (intensity, wavelength, frequency, etc.). When the distal tip 105 of the needle 100 is directed towards a blood vessel, the signal intensity from the reflected IR light may indicate the type of blood vessel in front of the IR camera. In certain embodiments, the signal intensity received by the IR camera may be weaker if the absorption of IR light by the blood is higher. In some examples, the relative levels of absorbed / reflected light detected by the IR camera may indicate whether the vessel is a vein or an artery due to the level of oxygen present in the blood maintained in these types of vessels.For example, oxygenated blood in an artery absorbs more IR light than deoxygenated blood in a vein at wavelengths above 800 nm. This absorption behavior is reversed at wavelengths below 800 nm. In one embodiment, differences in light reflection at one or more different wavelengths may indicate the position of the needle 100 relative to a vein or artery. 【0027】 As described herein, an IR camera including an IR detector and two separate IR wavelength or near-IR wavelength light-emitting diodes may be used to first scan a target area along the patient's body at a near-IR wavelength (e.g., 960 nm) to detect areas of low reflected light associated with high absorption of light indicating the presence of blood vessels. The IR camera may then be switched to emit IR light of different wavelengths (e.g., 650 to 760 nm). In this embodiment, when the absorption coefficient increases, the detected blood vessel is a vein. When the absorption coefficient decreases, the blood vessel is an artery. 【0028】 In one embodiment, the first scan of the target area along the patient's body may be performed by emitting wavelengths between 650 nm and 760 nm. In this embodiment, the second scan is performed using a diode emitting IR light at a wavelength of 960 nm. In this particular embodiment, a detected increase in the absorption coefficient indicates an artery, and a detected decrease in the absorption coefficient indicates a vein. 【0029】 In some embodiments described herein, any initial scan of the area of ​​interest along the patient's body may be performed before the needle 100 penetrates the patient's skin. This may be done if a clinician or other healthcare provider (HCP) can visually detect superficial veins in the area of ​​interest. If the clinician or other HCP cannot visually detect veins, the scan can be performed after the needle 100 has penetrated the patient's skin. Accordingly, this specification describes vein and artery detection devices that may be used on the patient's skin and inside the patient's body. 【0030】 In one embodiment, the orientation of the needle and the IR or near-infrared camera within it provides a two-dimensional image of the vein and / or artery in front of the needle. If the detected vessel is not in the center of the image, the needle orientation is adjusted. Other types of visual, auditory, and tactile indicators may be used to indicate the location and presence of the vessel being accessed. 【0031】 Figure 2 is a perspective view of a needle 100 of an intravenous treatment system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the needle 100 may have a number of leads 115, 120, 125. In the embodiments shown in Figure 2, the leads 115, 120, 125 may include an IR detector lead 115, a first light source lead 120, and a second light source lead 125. 【0032】 In one embodiment, the components of the IR camera formed within the hollow of the needle (i.e., an IR detector, a first IR light source, and a second IR light source) may be removed when the needle 100 is inserted into the patient and when the needle 100 is accessed by a vein in the patient's body. In this embodiment, the IR detector lead 115 may be a draw wire physically coupled to the IR detector to allow the clinician to selectively remove the IR detector from within the hollow of the needle 100 via the proximal end of the needle 100 after insertion of the needle 100 and access to a vein. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first light source lead 120 may be a draw wire physically coupled to the first light source to allow the clinician to selectively remove the first light source from within the hollow of the needle 100 via the proximal end of the needle 100 after insertion of the needle 100 and access to a vein. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second light source lead 125 may be a draw wire physically coupled to the second light source to allow a clinician to selectively remove the second light source from within the hollow of the needle 100 via the proximal end of the needle 100 after insertion of the needle 100 and access to the vein. In these embodiments, the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source may be removed by a clinician by pulling the IR detector lead 115, the first light source lead 120, and the second light source lead 125 individually or together from the opening. In these embodiments, removal of the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source may allow a fluid, such as blood or medication, to pass through the hollow of the needle. In this particular example, the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source include their own power supplies built in therein to operate according to the operating methods described herein. 【0033】 In one embodiment, the IR detector lead 115, the first light source lead 120, and the second light source lead 125 may be electrically and communicatively connected to the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source, respectively. In one embodiment, the IR detector lead 115 may supply power to the IR detector and enable the IR detector to communicate the data it receives to, for example, a processor in an information handling system. Similarly, the first light source lead 120 and the second light source lead 125 may be electrically coupled to the first light source and the second light source, respectively, to selectively receive current at a certain voltage to illuminate the light source. In each of these embodiments, the IR detector lead 115, the first light source lead 120, and the second light source lead 125 may be coupled to the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source, respectively, so that a clinician can remove the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source from within the hollow of the needle 100 via the proximal end of the needle 100, as described herein, by pulling the leads 115, 120, and 125. In any embodiment described herein, the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source may be sized within the hollow of the needle 100 so that a fluid, such as blood or a drug, can pass through the hollow of the needle 100 despite the presence of the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source. 【0034】 In one embodiment, the IR detector lead 115, the first light source lead 120, and the second light source lead 125 may each be a strand of optical fiber. In this embodiment, the optical fiber leads 115, 120, and 125 may each provide an optical path for light to travel along the optical fiber and reach their respective elements. For example, the end of the IR detector lead 115 may be coupled to an IR detector such that light received at the distal end of the optical fiber coupled to an IR detector inside the hollow of the needle 100 allows the IR detector to detect light from inside the patient's body while the needle 100 is inserted into the patient's body. In one embodiment, the end of the first light source optical cable 120 may be coupled to a first light source. During the insertion of the needle 100, or while the needle 100 is inside the patient's body, light emitted from the first light source may travel along the first light source optical fiber 120 and illuminate areas inside the body for detection by the IR detector. In one embodiment, the end of the second light source optical cable 125 may be coupled to a second light source. During the insertion of needle 100, or while needle 100 is inside the patient's body, light emitted from the second light source travels through the second light source optical fiber 125, illuminating areas inside the body for detection by the IR detector. 【0035】 Each of the embodiments described herein with respect to the IR detector, the first light source, and the leads 115, 120, 125 used in connection with the second light source may be used to detect the presence or absence of veins in the human body. According to one embodiment, a needle 100 equipped with an IR camera may be used to detect a patient's blood vessels from outside the patient's body. According to another embodiment, the needle 100 may be used to detect a patient's blood vessels from inside the patient's body. By comparing the detected IR light during operation and reflected from objects inside the body, a clinician may determine whether a blood vessel is an artery or a vein based on the amount of oxygen present in the blood that absorbs or does not absorb the IR light emitted from either the first or second light source. 【0036】 During the operation of needle 100, the IR camera can first scan a target area along the patient's body with near-infrared wavelengths (e.g., 960 nm) using a first diode to detect areas of low reflectivity associated with high absorption of that light, indicating the presence of blood vessels. Next, the IR camera may switch to emitting IR light of different wavelengths (e.g., 650 to 760 nm) using a second diode. In this embodiment, when the absorption coefficient increases, the detected blood vessel is a vein. When the absorption coefficient decreases, the blood vessel is an artery. 【0037】 In one embodiment, the first scan of the target area along the patient's body may be performed by emitting wavelengths between 650 nm and 760 nm. In this embodiment, the second scan is performed using a diode emitting IR light at a wavelength of 960 nm. In this particular embodiment, a detected increase in the absorption coefficient indicates an artery, and a detected decrease in the absorption coefficient indicates a vein. 【0038】 In some embodiments described herein, any initial scan of a target area along the patient's body may be performed before the needle 100 described herein penetrates the patient's skin. This may be done if a clinician or other healthcare provider (HCP) can visually detect superficial veins in the target area. If the clinician or other HCP cannot visually detect veins, the scan may be performed after the needle 100 described herein has penetrated the patient's skin. Thus, this specification describes vein and artery detection devices that can be used both on the patient's skin and inside the patient's body. 【0039】 In one embodiment, the orientation of the needle and the IR or near-infrared camera within it provides a two-dimensional image of the vein and / or artery in front of the needle. If the detected vessel is not in the center of the image, the needle orientation is adjusted. Other types of visual, auditory, and tactile indicators may be used to indicate the location and presence of the vessel being accessed. 【0040】 Figure 3 is a side view of a needle 100 including an IR camera according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a needle 100 including an IR camera according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In each of these figures, an IR detector lead 115, a first light source lead 120, and a second light source lead 125 are shown within the hollow of the needle 100. In these embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, the IR camera, first light source, and second light source are not specifically shown, but the size of the components of the IR camera may be the same as or smaller than their respective leads 115, 120, and 125, and may be fixed to the distal ends of the respective leads 115, 120, and 125. In another embodiment, the leads 115, 120, and 125 may be optical fibers that optically couple the IR detector, first light source, and second light source to the distal ends of the respective leads 115, 120, and 125. 【0041】 Figure 4 shows one embodiment in which the lead 115, 120, 125 and / or IR camera components are fitted within the hollow of the needle 100. While Figure 4 shows that the lead 115, 120, 125 or IR camera components are the same size, some or all of the diameter or dimensions of the cross-section of the IR detector, first light source, second light source, or any associated lead 115, 120, 125 may be larger or smaller than shown in Figure 4. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the three lead 115, 120, 125 or IR camera components are compressed within the hollow of the needle 100, with some space between them. This empty space may be filled with blood or medication when the needle 100 is inserted into the patient's body. In other examples, the lead 115, 120, 125 or IR camera components may be packed within the hollow of the needle 100 so that there are no gaps or spaces between the lead 115, 120, 125 or components. In this embodiment, leads 115, 120, 125 or leads 115, 120, 125 and connected components may be withdrawn from within the hollow of the needle 100 after insertion and access to the vein by the needle 100. 【0042】 Figure 5 is a block diagram of an intravenous system 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In embodiments described herein, the information handling system 200 may include a computing device comprising any means or set of means capable of operating to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, copy, handle or use any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, the information handling system 200 may include personal computers, mobile devices (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs) or smartphones), servers (e.g., blade servers or rack servers), consumer electronic devices, network servers or storage devices, network routers, switches or bridges, wireless routers or other network communication devices, network-connected devices (mobile phones, tablet devices, etc.), IoT computing devices, wearable computing devices, set-top boxes (STBs), mobile information handling systems, palmtop computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, communication devices, access points (APs), base station transceivers, wireless telephones, land-line telephones, control systems, cameras, scanners, facsimile machines, printers, pagers, personal trusted devices, web appliances, or any other suitable machines capable of executing a series of instructions (sequentially or otherwise) specifying the actions to be taken by the machine, and which may differ in size, shape, performance, price, and functionality. 【0043】 In a network deployment, the information handling system 200 may operate as a server, as a client computer in a server-client network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. In certain embodiments, the information handling system 200 may be implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video, or data communication. For example, the information handling system 200 may be any mobile or other computing device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify the work to be performed by that machine. Furthermore, although a single information handling system 200 is shown, the term “system” should also be interpreted to include any set of systems or subsystems that individually or collectively execute a set or set of instructions for performing one or more computer functions. 【0044】 The information handling system may include one or more processing resources, such as memory (volatile (e.g., random access memory, etc.), non-volatile (read-only memory, flash memory, etc.), or any combination thereof), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), hardware or software control logic, or any combination thereof. Additional components of the information handling system 200 may include one or more storage devices, one or more communication ports for communicating with external devices, and various input / output (I / O) devices such as a keyboard, mouse, video / graphics display, or any combination thereof. The information handling system 200 may also include one or more buses capable of transmitting communication between various hardware components. Parts of the information handling system 100 may be considered as the information handling system 200 themselves. 【0045】 The information handling system 100 may include devices or modules that embody one or more devices or operate to execute instructions of one or more systems and modules described herein and to perform one or more methods described herein. The information handling system 200 may execute code instructions 224 that can operate on-box in a server or system, a remote data center, or an individual client information handling system, according to various embodiments herein. In some embodiments, it will be understood that any or all parts of code instructions 224 may operate on multiple information handling systems 200. 【0046】 The information handling system 200 may include a processor 202 such as a central processing unit (CPU), control logic, or any combination thereof. Any processing resource may operate to execute code, which may be either firmware code or software code. Furthermore, the information handling system 200 may include main memory 204, static memory 206, computer-readable medium 222 for storing comparator 232 instructions 224, and drive unit 216 (memory such as volatile (e.g., random access memory), non-volatile (read memory, flash memory, etc.), or any combination thereof). The information handling system 200 may also include one or more buses 208 that can operate to transmit communications between various hardware components, such as any combination of various input and output (I / O) devices. 【0047】 The information handling system 200 may further include a video display 210. In one embodiment, the video display 210 may function as a liquid crystal display (LDC), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid-state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). In addition, the information handling system 200 may include an input device 212, such as a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse, touchpad, or gesture or touchscreen input) and a keyboard 214. 【0048】 A network interface device, sometimes referred to as a wireless adapter 220, may provide connectivity to a network 228, such as a wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless personal area network (WPAN), wireless wide area network (WWAN), or other network. Connectivity may exist via a wired or wireless connection. The wireless adapter 220 may operate according to any wireless data communication standard. Standards including the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard, the IEEE 802.15 WPAN standard, a WWAN such as 3GPP or 3GPP2, or similar wireless standards may be used to communicate with a wireless local area network. In some embodiments of this disclosure, one wireless adapter 220 may operate two or more wireless links. In embodiments described herein, the network interface device 220 may wirelessly couple an information handling system 200 with an indicator system 234. In the embodiments described herein, the indicator system 234 may receive data describing the position of the needle 100 inside the patient's body, and the information handling system 200 may relay the position data to the indicator system 234. 【0049】 In some embodiments, one or more of the systems and methods described herein can be implemented by constructing software, firmware, dedicated hardware implementations such as application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices. Applications, which may include devices and systems of various embodiments, can broadly include various electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein can implement functionality by using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices, together with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as part of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations. 【0050】 According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by firmware or software programs executable by a controller or processor system. Furthermore, in exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, implementations may include distributed processing, component / object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing may be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functions described herein. 【0051】 This disclosure considers a computer-readable medium including instructions, parameters, and profiles 224, or receives and executes instructions, parameters, and profiles 224 in response to a propagating signal, thereby enabling a device connected to network 228 to communicate voice, video, or data over network 228. Furthermore, instructions 224 may be transmitted or received over network 228 via a network interface device or wireless adapter 220. 【0052】 The information handling system 200 may include a set of instructions 224 that can be executed to cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or computer-based functions disclosed herein. For example, instructions 224 can execute a comparator 232, a software agent, or other embodiments or components. Various software modules, including application instructions 224, may be integrated by an operating system (OS) and / or an application programming interface (API). Examples of operating systems may include Windows®, Android®, and other OS types. Examples of APIs may include Win32, Core Java API, or Android API. 【0053】 The disk drive unit 216 and comparator 232 may include a computer-readable medium 222 into which one or more sets of instructions 224, such as software, can be embedded. Similarly, the main memory 204 and static memory 206 may also include a computer-readable medium for storing one or more sets of instructions, parameters, or profiles 224. The disk drive unit 216 and static memory 206 may also include space for data storage. Furthermore, the instructions 224 may embody one or more of the methods or logic described herein. For example, instructions relating to the comparison of IR light received by an IR detector by a software algorithm, process, and / or method of comparator 232 may be stored here. In certain embodiments, the instructions, parameters, and profiles 224 may reside entirely or at least partially in the main memory 204, static memory 206, and / or disk drive 216 during execution by the processor 202 of the information handling system 200. As described, some or all of comparator 232 may be executed locally or remotely. The main memory 204 and processor 202 may also include computer-readable media. 【0054】 Main memory 204 may, in exemplary embodiments, include computer-readable media (not shown), such as RAM. Examples of main memory 204 include random access memory (RAM), such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), and non-volatile RAM (NV-RAM), read-only memory (ROM), other types of memory, or combinations thereof. Static memory 206 may, in some exemplary embodiments, include computer-readable media (not shown), such as NOR or NADN flash memory. Comparator 232 may, in exemplary embodiments, be stored in a drive unit 216 of static memory 206 or computer-readable media 222, such as flash memory or magnetic disk. Although computer-readable media is shown as a single medium, the term “computer-readable media” includes one or more mediums, such as centralized or distributed databases, and / or associated cache memories and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” may also include any medium that can store, encode, or carry a set of instructions for execution by a processor, or that causes a computer system to execute any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. 【0055】 In certain non-limiting and exemplary embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package containing one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Furthermore, the computer-readable medium may be random-access memory or other volatile rewritable memory. In addition, the computer-readable medium may include magneto-optical media or optical media such as disks or tapes, or other storage devices, for storing information received via carrier wave signals, such as signals communicated through a transmission medium. Furthermore, the computer-readable medium may store information received from distributed network resources, such as from a cloud-based environment. Digital file attachments to email or other self-contained information archives or sets of archives may be considered distribution mediums equivalent to tangible storage media. Accordingly, this disclosure may be considered to include any one or more computer-readable media or distribution media, and other equivalents and successor media, on which data or instructions may be stored. 【0056】 The information handling system 200 may also include a comparator 232 which can be operably connected to the bus 208. The computer-readable medium 222 of the comparator 232 may also include space for data storage. The comparator 232 may, according to this description, receive an input describing IR light detected by an IR detector housed in the hollow of the needle 100 and perform tasks relating the detected IR light to a previously detected level of IR light or a lookup table. 【0057】 In one embodiment, the comparator 232 may communicate with the main memory 204, processor 202, video display 210, input device 212, and network interface device 220 via bus 208, using several forms of communication means, including ACPI, SMBus, 24 MHz BFSK encoded transmission channel, or shared memory. Keyboard driver software, firmware, controllers, etc., may communicate with applications on the information handling system 200. 【0058】 In other embodiments, dedicated hardware implementations such as application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices can be configured to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications, which may include devices and systems of various embodiments, can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein can implement functionality using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices, together with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as part of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations. 【0059】 Where referred to as a “system,” “device,” “module,” or “controller,” the embodiments described herein may be configured as hardware. For example, an information handling system device may be hardware such as an integrated circuit (such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a structured ASIC, or a device embedded in a large chip), a card (such as a Peripheral Components Interface (PCI) card, a PCI Express card, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card, or other expansion card), or a system (such as a motherboard, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or a standalone device). A system, device, controller, or module may include a device such as an Intel® Core class processor, an ARM® branded processor, a Qualcomm® Snapdragon processor, or other processors and chipsets, or software including firmware embedded in other such devices, or software capable of operating the relevant environment of the information handling system. A system, device, controller, or module may also include a combination of the hardware or software described above. In one embodiment, the information handling system 100 may include an integrated circuit or board-level product having parts that may be any combination of hardware and software. Devices, modules, resources, controllers, or programs communicating with each other do not need to communicate with each other continuously unless otherwise explicitly stated. In addition, devices, modules, resources, controllers, or programs communicating with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate media. 【0060】 During the operation of the information handling system 200, data may be received by the processor 202 from an IR camera located within the hollow of the needle 100. As described herein, the hollow of the needle 100 may house components of an IR camera, including an IR detector, a first light source emitting first IR light, and a second light source emitting second IR light. These components of the IR camera may be housed within the hollow of the needle 100, near the distal tip 105 of the needle 100, to irradiate and detect light within the patient's body. 【0061】 In one embodiment, the processor 202 of the information handling system 200 may be communicatively coupled to an IR detector, a first light source, and a second light source by a number of leads 115, 120, 125. In this embodiment, the processor may be electrically and communicatively coupled to the IR detector by the IR detector lead 115. The IR detector lead 115 may supply power to the IR detector to operate it. Furthermore, the IR detector lead 115 may include a data transmission line that receives data describing the light signal intensity as the needle passes through a part of the patient's body and enters a blood vessel. 【0062】 The first light source lead 120 may be communicably coupled to the processor 202 via a power supply. The power supply may supply a current of a specific voltage to the first light source via the first light source lead 120 so that the first light source emits IR light with wavelengths in the range of 940 nm to 980 nm. In one embodiment, the first light source may emit IR light having a wavelength of 960 nm. 【0063】 The second light source lead 125 may be communicably coupled to the processor 202 via a power supply. The power supply may supply current at a specific voltage to the second light source via the second light source lead 125 so that the second light source emits IR light having a wavelength in the range of 630 nm to 780 nm. In one embodiment, the second light source may emit IR light having a wavelength of 960 nm. 【0064】 Continuing the operation of the information handling system 200, the processor 202 may provide data from the IR detector via the IR detector lead 115 to the comparator 232. The comparator 232 receives the data and may compare the signal intensity of the light received by the IR detector based on one or both of the previous detections of light by the IR detector. This data may indicate a specific light absorption coefficient or reflectance coefficient. In one embodiment, the relative level of any reflected light received by the IR camera from inside the patient's body may indicate the presence of blood vessels and whether the vessels are veins or arteries. Determining whether the reflected light indicates the presence of blood vessels and whether the vessels are veins or arteries may be based on data provided by a lookup table held in a computer-readable medium 222 and the relative level of reflected light during the insertion of the needle 100. In one embodiment, the needle 100 may be inserted into the human body at a location where a vein is expected to be located, or, in one embodiment, at a location where initial detection of a blood vessel is indicated through the use of an IR camera. During insertion, the IR camera may emit IR light from one or both of the first and second IR light sources. The reflected IR light is reflected by the IR detector of the IR camera, captured by the IR detector, and may be analyzed by the comparator 232 for signal intensity (i.e., factors such as intensity, wavelength, and frequency) to determine the absorption or reflection coefficient of the emitted light. When the distal tip 105 of the needle 100 is pointed towards a blood vessel, the signal intensity from the reflected IR light may indicate the type of blood vessel in front of the IR camera. In certain embodiments, the signal intensity received by the IR camera may be weaker if the absorption of IR light by the blood is higher. 【0065】 Specific data describing the expected signal intensity may be maintained on computer-readable memory 222 and accessed by comparator 232 to calculate the absorption or reflection coefficient of the emitted light and determine whether a blood vessel is present in front of the IR detector, and if so, whether it is a vein or an artery. In some examples, the relative levels of absorbed / reflected light detected by the IR camera (i.e., signal intensity detected by the IR detector) may further indicate whether the blood vessel is a vein or an artery, due to the level of oxygen present in the blood maintained in these types of blood vessels. Specifically, if oxygen-rich blood is present in an artery, the IR light may be more readily absorbed at certain IR wavelengths (i.e., 960 nm). Conversely, if deoxygenated blood is present in a vein, the IR light may be less readily absorbed at certain wavelengths (e.g., 800 nm), and a relatively larger amount of IR light may be reflected by the IR detector of the IR camera. 【0066】 In one embodiment, differences in the reflection of light at one or more different wavelengths may indicate the position of the needle 100 relative to a vein or artery. The comparator 232 may make these decisions in relation to higher signal intensity at the IR detector and trigger an output to the video display 210, an audio output device, an audio indicator 236 of the indicator system 234, or a visual indicator 238 of the indicator system 234 to help instruct a clinician or other HCP to point the needle 100 inside the patient's body. 【0067】 In one embodiment, the indicator system 234 may be communicably coupled to the information handling system 200 via either a wired connection or a wireless connection as shown in Figure 5. If the indicator system 234 is communicably coupled to the information handling system 200 via a wired connection, the information handling system 200 may further power the indicator system 234 along with data describing how the clinician instructs the system to point or move the needle into the patient's body. 【0068】 In one embodiment, the indicator system 234 may be a pad attached to a part of the patient's body so that the clinician can receive real-time input from the indicator system 234 and from the comparator 232 while inserting the needle 100 into the patient's body and while directing the needle 100 into the patient's body. The indicator system 234 may be directed towards the patient's body so that it is within the clinician's visual peripherals to direct the clinician as described. 【0069】 Figure 6A is a top view of a needle of an intravenous treatment system inserted into a patient's arm 615, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6B is a top view of a needle of an intravenous treatment system inserted into a patient's arm 615, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6C is a top view of a needle of an intravenous treatment system inserted into a patient's arm 615, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C shows a needle 100 inserted into a patient's arm 615. Furthermore, each of Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C shows an indicator system 600 similar to the indicator system described in relation to Figure 5. 【0070】 While the indicator system 600 is operating, a clinician may insert the needle 100 into the patient's arm 615, in this example. The patient's arm 615 may include multiple locations where blood vessels may be located. As described herein, the needle 100 may, in one embodiment, include an IR camera comprising an IR detector, a first light source, and a second light source positioned within the hollow of the needle 100. These components of the IR camera may be communicatively and operably coupled to, for example, a processor of an information handling system. The first and second light sources in this embodiment may be controlled by a processor of an information handling system, while the IR detector is communicatively coupled to the processor, so as to provide optical signal intensity data from the IR detector. 【0071】 Before or during the insertion of needle 100 into the patient's body, a first light source may be activated to scan the area of ​​interest along the patient's body at a near-infrared wavelength (e.g., 960 nm) to detect areas of low reflected light associated with high absorption of light indicating the presence of blood vessels. In one embodiment, the light emitted by the first light source may have a wavelength between 940 nm and 980 nm. In one embodiment, the light emitted by the first light source may have a wavelength of 940 nm. The light emitted from the first light source may be reflected inside the patient's body and received by the IR detector of an IR camera. The reflected light detected by the IR detector when needle 100 is first inserted into the patient's body may be used as a benchmark to indicate the expected detected light signal intensity when the IR detector detects light reflected from blood vessels. 【0072】 In one embodiment, the indicator system 600 may include a number of visual indicators 605, 610 that help instruct the clinician on how to insert and orient the needle 100 into the patient's body. Any number and type of visual indicators may be used. In the embodiments shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, the visual indicators 605, 610 may include an arrow indicator 605 and an LED indicator 610. In this particular embodiment, the arrow indicator 605 may provide feedback to the clinician on how to orient the needle 100 in the patient's body along the xy plane, where the xy plane is parallel to the surface of the patient's body (i.e., in this embodiment, the surface of the patient's arm 615). In this particular embodiment, the LED indicator 610 may provide feedback to the clinician on how to orient the needle 100 in the patient's body along the z axis. The z axis may define the depth in the patient's body. In this embodiment, the LED indicator 610 may have an increasing number of LEDs to indicate how shallow or how deep to orient the needle 100 in the patient's arm 615. 【0073】 In one embodiment, when the light signal intensity detected by the IR detector changes to indicate the presence of blood vessels, the first light source may be turned off and the second light source may be turned on. In one embodiment, the second light source may emit IR light having a wavelength between 630 nm and 780 nm. In one embodiment, the second light source may emit IR light having a wavelength of 660 nm. 【0074】 In one embodiment, when the first light source is turned off and the second light source is turned on, the indicator system 600 may instruct the clinician on how to orient the needle 100 within the patient's body to access a vein with the needle 100. In one embodiment, when the first light source is turned off and the second light source is turned on, the information handling system may indicate to the comparator that a comparison between different signal intensities is being made to distinguish between arteries and veins, as described herein. This allows the comparator to refer to a lookup table to determine whether the detected signal intensity indicates the presence of an artery or a vein. 【0075】 For example, in the human body, the blood vessels of the circulatory system transport blood throughout the body. Arteries are vessels that transport blood away from the heart, while veins are vessels that transport blood back to the heart. Distinctive features of veins may include the presence of numerous valves formed within them to prevent backflow of blood away from the heart. Furthermore, veins are vessels that return blood to the heart. During the use of needle 100, a specific infusion fluid, parenteral nutrition, or other medication may be introduced into a vein so that these medications enter the bloodstream where the heart receives and distributes them throughout the body. In some cases, it is desirable to distribute these medications throughout the body by introducing them into a vein rather than injecting them into other soft tissues or arteries in the body. Because introduction of medications into arteries may not distribute these medications effectively and uniformly throughout the body, the indicator system 600 described herein may allow for the reception of feedback regarding whether the needle is inserted into a vein or an artery. 【0076】 During insertion, the IR detector may detect reflected IR light emanating from a second light source, capture a signal intensity related to the amount of detected light, and transmit the detected signal intensity to a processor for analysis. The processor may return data describing the location of the vein to the indicator system 600 by adjusting the state of the arrow indicator 605, the LED indicator 610, or both. When the distal tip 105 of the needle 100 is pointed towards the blood vessel, the signal intensity from the reflected IR light may indicate the type of blood vessel in front of the IR camera. In certain embodiments, the signal intensity received by the IR camera may be weaker if the absorption of IR light by the blood is higher. In some examples, the relative levels of absorbed / reflected light detected by the IR camera (absorption or reflection coefficient of emitted light) may indicate whether the vessel is a vein or an artery due to the level of oxygen present in the blood maintained in these types of vessels, as described herein. Thus, in these embodiments, the difference of detected light reflected from inside the body at one or more different wavelengths may indicate the position of the needle 100 relative to the detected vein. As a result, in one embodiment, the indicator system 600 may first instruct the clinician to point the needle 100 towards a blood vessel, and then instruct the clinician to point the needle 100 towards a vein instead of an artery. 【0077】 Figure 6A specifically shows the orientation of the needle 100 relative to a vein in the patient's arm 615. In this specific embodiment, the indicator system 600 shows that the arrow indicator 605 is not straight, but instead pointing to the right of the patient's arm 615. This may indicate to the clinician that the distal end of the inserted needle 100 should be pointed to the right in order to access the vein. Furthermore, the LED indicator 610 may simultaneously indicate to the clinician how deeply the distal end of the needle 100 should be protruding into the patient's body. 【0078】 Figure 6B specifically shows the orientation of the needle 100 relative to a vein in the patient's arm 615. In this specific embodiment, the indicator system 600 indicates that the arrow indicator 605 is pointing straight. This may indicate to the clinician the direction (xy direction) in which the distal end of the inserted needle 100 is sufficient to access the vein. Furthermore, the LED indicator 610 may simultaneously indicate to the clinician how deeply the distal end of the needle 100 is protruding into the patient's body. 【0079】 Figure 6C specifically shows the orientation of the needle 100 relative to a vein in the patient's arm 615. In this specific embodiment, the indicator system 600 shows that the arrow indicator 605 is not straight, but instead points to the left of the patient's arm 615. This may indicate to the clinician that the distal end of the inserted needle 100 should be pointed to the left to access the vein. Furthermore, the LED indicator 610 may simultaneously indicate to the clinician how deeply the distal end of the needle 100 should be protruding into the patient's body. 【0080】 In one embodiment, the indicator system 600 shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C may further include an audio device (not shown) for emitting an audio signal to a clinician as an audio indicator. In this embodiment, along with a visual indicator, the speaker may indicate the position of the distal tip (not shown) of the needle in the body. For example, the audio signal may be a low pitch indicating that the distal tip is not approaching a vein, while an increasing high pitch indicates that the distal tip is approaching a vein. 【0081】 Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a needle 100 of an intravenous treatment system inserted into a patient's arm 615 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The cross-sectional view also shows the IR detector lead 115, the first light source lead 120, and the second light source lead 125 in the ghost as dashed lines running through the hollow of the needle 100. As described herein, a clinician may access a vein 705 with the needle 100 by receiving input from an indicator system described herein regarding how to orient the distal tip 105 of the needle 100. The IR detector may receive reflected light from either the first or second light source from within the patient's arm 615 as the needle 100 moves through the patient's arm 615. 【0082】 Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method 800 for operating an intravenous treatment selection system according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 800 may begin with block 805 by communicatively coupling an infrared camera to a computing device. In one embodiment, the IR camera may include an IR detector, a first light source, and a second light source. The communicative coupling 805 between the IR camera and the computing device may, in one embodiment, include forming wireless connections with each of the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light. In another embodiment, the communicative coupling 805 between the IR camera and the computing device may include completing wired connections between each of the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light and an electrical / communication port on the computing device. 【0083】 Method 800 may include inserting an IR camera into the hollow of the needle in block 810. The components of the IR camera may be small enough to fit within the hollow of the needle. In one embodiment, the components of the IR camera may be selectively removed from the hollow of the needle, such as after the vein has been accessed by the needle. 【0084】 Alternatively, instead of inserting the IR camera into the hollow of the needle, a number of optical fibers, each individually optically coupled to an IR detector, a first light source, and a second light source, may be inserted into the hollow of the needle. In this embodiment, the size of the IR camera components may be independent of the inner diameter of the hollow of the needle. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the IR camera components may be directly coupled to a communication port of a computing device or may form part of a computing device. 【0085】 Method 800 may, in one embodiment, involve inserting the sharp tip of a needle into the patient's body using block 815. In this embodiment, an IR camera may be used to access the patient's vein. The process of accessing a vein using an IR camera involves the use of an indicator system that shows the clinician the correct orientation of the needle inside the patient's body in order to access the vein. 【0086】 As described herein, an IR camera including an IR detector and two separate IR wavelength or near-IR wavelength light-emitting diodes may be used to first scan a target area along the patient's body at a near-IR wavelength (e.g., 960 nm) to detect areas of low reflected light associated with high absorption of light indicating the presence of blood vessels. The IR camera may then be switched to emit IR light of different wavelengths (e.g., 650 to 760 nm). In this embodiment, when the absorption coefficient increases, the detected blood vessel is a vein. When the absorption coefficient decreases, the blood vessel is an artery. 【0087】 In one embodiment, the first scan of the target area along the patient's body may be performed by emitting wavelengths between 650 nm and 760 nm. In this embodiment, the second scan is performed using a diode emitting IR light at a wavelength of 960 nm. In this particular embodiment, a detected increase in the absorption coefficient indicates an artery, and a detected decrease in the absorption coefficient indicates a vein. 【0088】 In some embodiments described herein, any initial scan of a target area along the patient's body may be performed before the needle 100 described herein penetrates the patient's skin. This may be done if a clinician or other healthcare provider (HCP) can visually detect superficial veins in the target area. If the clinician or other HCP cannot visually detect veins, the scan may be performed after the needle 100 described herein has penetrated the patient's skin. Thus, this specification describes vein and artery detection devices that can be used both on the patient's skin and inside the patient's body. 【0089】 In one embodiment, the orientation of the needle and the IR or near-infrared camera within it provides a two-dimensional image of the vein and / or artery in front of the needle. If the detected vessel is not in the center of the image, the needle orientation is adjusted. Other types of visual, auditory, and tactile indicators may be used to indicate the location and presence of the vessel being accessed. 【0090】 In one embodiment, after the vein has been accessed by the needle, method 800 may continue in block 820 to remove the IR camera from within the needle cavity. Removal of the IR camera from within the needle cavity may be performed to allow a fluid, such as blood or medication, to pass through. This embodiment may be completed if the size of the components of the IR camera prevents the fluid from passing through within the needle cavity. In an alternative embodiment, the IR camera may be retained within the needle cavity if the size of the components of the IR camera does not prevent the fluid from passing through within the needle cavity. 【0091】 Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 for manufacturing an intravenous treatment system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 900 may include forming an IR camera in block 905, which includes an IR detector, a first light source, and a second light. In one embodiment, each of these components may be sized such that the sum of the sizes of these components fits within the hollow of the needle. In another embodiment, the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light may each be optically coupled to individual optical fibers. In this embodiment, the diameters of the optical fibers may be sized such that the sum of the diameters of the three optical fibers fits within the hollow of the needle. 【0092】 Method 900 may further include, in block 910, supplying an IR camera (or, an optical fiber as described herein) into the hollow of the needle. In this case as well, the size of the IR camera or optical fiber optically coupled to these components may be such that it fits within the hollow of the needle. 【0093】 Method 900 may further include, in block 915, communicatively coupling the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source to the processor of a computing device. The computing device may be similar to the information handling system described in relation to Figure 5 of one embodiment. In one embodiment, the communicative coupling of the IR detector to the computing device in block 915 may further include electrically coupling the components of the IR camera to the computing device in order to supply power to the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source. 【0094】 Method 900 in block 920 may further include communicatively coupling a visual indicator to a processor of a computing device. As described herein, the visual indicator may provide a clinician with visual feedback regarding how to adjust the trajectory or orientation of a needle within a patient's body. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the visual indicator may include an audio indicator that emits an audio signal instructing the clinician on how to orient the needle within the body. 【0095】 Embodiments described herein provide an intravenous treatment system that includes an indicator system to facilitate easy visualization of the stages of needle insertion into a patient's body while a clinician is physically performing the needle insertion. In some embodiments, one or more alerts may change or stop in response to one or more of the following: the needle is no longer in the vein or the needle is not fully inserted into the vein. 【0096】 In this case as well, it will be understood that embodiments of the present application can be combined. For example, the embodiments in Figures 1 to 9 may be configured to suit a particular use based on the type of operation being performed. For instance, if an artery is accessed by a needle, the information handling system may indicate the location of the artery while avoiding the vein via an indicator system. This may make it possible to introduce a particular drug to a specific location in the patient's body without worrying about the drug being distributed throughout the patient's entire body. 【0097】 All examples and conditional statements set forth herein are intended for educational purposes to help readers understand the invention and the concepts provided by the inventors in order to advance the Art, and should be construed as not being limited to the examples and conditions specifically listed herein. Although embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

[Claim 1] It is an intravenous treatment system: A hollow needle having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end includes a sharp tip for insertion into a vein; An infrared (IR) camera disposed within the hollow portion of the aforementioned hollow needle: IR detector; A first light source emitting a first wavelength of IR light; and A second light source for emitting a second wavelength of IR light; The IR detector is an infrared camera configured to output data of the first and second wavelengths of the IR light emitted by the first and second light sources, respectively, after the first and second wavelengths of the IR light have been reflected by human tissue, including one or more veins and arteries; The IR detector compares the output data and, during execution of a processor communicatively coupled to the comparator, determines whether the data indicates the presence of a vein or artery within the human tissue, wherein the data output by the IR detector includes data of a first wavelength of IR light which is first compared for detection when a blood vessel is found within the human tissue, and the comparator determines if the blood vessel is in the human tissue if the data of the first wavelength of IR light includes a region of low-reflected IR light due to high absorption of the first wavelength of IR light by the human tissue surrounding the blood vessel. An intravenous treatment system comprising a comparator that detects discovery within a vessel, and the data output by the IR detector includes data of a second wavelength of IR light to be compared to determine whether the vessel is a vein or not an artery, the data of the second wavelength of IR light encompassing a low-reflectance region of IR light in which the vessel was detected, and the comparator determines that the vessel is a vein or not an artery based on whether the low-reflectance region of IR light in which the vessel was detected is high or low due to the lower oxygen concentration in veins compared to arteries. [Claim 2] The intravenous treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the IR camera is selectively removable from within the hollow portion of the hollow needle via the proximal end of the hollow needle. [Claim 3] The intravenous treatment system according to claim 1, further comprising an audio indicator consisting of a speaker for providing the user of the intravenous treatment system with the location and presence of the vein. [Claim 4] The intravenous treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the first light source emits IR light of a first wavelength between 940 nm and 980 nm. [Claim 5] The intravenous treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the second light source emits IR light of a second wavelength between 630 nm and 780 nm. [Claim 6] The intravenous treatment system according to claim 1, further comprising an armband communicatively coupled to the comparator, the armband including a visual indicator consisting of an indicator light that provides the user of the intravenous treatment system with feedback indicating the insertion trajectory of the hollow needle into the human tissue based on the level of reflected light detected by the IR detector. [Claim 7] A blood vessel detection system: It is a hollow needle: A distal end comprising a sharp tip for insertion into a vein and the hollow needle; and A hollow needle having a proximal end including an intravenous supply connection; An infrared (IR) camera disposed within the hollow portion of the aforementioned hollow needle: IR detector; A first light source that emits a first wavelength of IR light from the hollow portion; and A second light source for emitting a second wavelength of IR light from the hollow portion; The IR detector is an infrared camera configured to output data of the first and second wavelengths of the IR light emitted by the first and second light sources, respectively, after the first and second wavelengths of the IR light have been reflected by human tissue, including one or more veins and arteries; The IR detector compares the output data and, during execution of a processor communicatively coupled to the comparator, determines whether the data indicates the presence of a vein or artery within the human tissue, wherein the data output by the IR detector includes data of a first wavelength of IR light which is first compared for detection when a blood vessel is found within the human tissue, and the comparator determines if the data of the first wavelength of IR light includes a region of low-reflected IR light due to high absorption of the first wavelength of IR light by the human tissue surrounding the blood vessel. A comparator that detects the presence of a blood vessel within the human tissue, and the data output by the IR detector includes data of a second wavelength of IR light to be compared to determine whether the blood vessel is a vein or an artery, the data of the second wavelength of IR light encompassing a low-reflectance region of IR light in which the blood vessel was detected, and the comparator determines that the blood vessel is a vein or an artery based on whether the low-reflectance region of IR light in which the blood vessel was detected has a high or low reflectance of the second wavelength of IR light, which is due to the lower oxygen concentration in veins compared to arteries; A blood vessel detection system comprising an audio indicator consisting of a speaker, which is communicably coupled to the comparator and provides feedback to the user of the blood vessel detection system indicating the location and presence of the vein. [Claim 8] The blood vessel detection system according to claim 7, wherein the IR camera is selectively removable from within the hollow portion of the hollow needle via the proximal end of the hollow needle. [Claim 9] The blood vessel detection system according to claim 7, wherein the first light source emits IR light of a first wavelength between 940 nm and 980 nm. [Claim 10] The blood vessel detection system according to claim 7, wherein the second light source emits IR light of a second wavelength between 630 nm and 780 nm. [Claim 11] The vascular detection system according to claim 7, further comprising an armband communicatively coupled to the comparator, the armband including a visual indicator consisting of an indicator light for providing feedback to the user of the vascular detection system indicating the location and presence of the vein. [Claim 12] The blood vessel detection system according to claim 7, wherein the comparator indicates, via an audio indicator, whether a vein has been identified at the tip of the hollow needle within the human tissue. [Claim 13] A blood vessel detection system: It is a hollow needle: A distal end comprising a sharp tip for insertion into a vein and the hollow needle; and A hollow needle having a proximal end including an intravenous supply connection; An infrared (IR) camera disposed within the hollow portion of the aforementioned hollow needle: IR detector; A first light source that emits a first wavelength of IR light from the hollow portion; and A second light source for emitting a second wavelength of IR light from the hollow portion; The IR detector is an infrared camera configured to output data of the first and second wavelengths of the IR light emitted by the first and second light sources, respectively, after the first and second wavelengths of the IR light have been reflected by human tissue, including one or more veins and arteries; The IR detector compares the output data and, during execution of a processor communicatively coupled to the comparator, determines whether the data indicates the presence of a vein or artery within the human tissue, wherein the data output by the IR detector includes data of a first wavelength of IR light which is first compared for detection when a blood vessel is found within the human tissue, and the comparator determines if the data of the first wavelength of IR light includes a region of low-reflected IR light due to high absorption of the first wavelength of IR light by the human tissue surrounding the blood vessel. A comparator that detects the presence of a blood vessel within the human tissue, and the data output by the IR detector includes data of a second wavelength of IR light to be compared to determine whether the blood vessel is a vein or an artery, the data of the second wavelength of IR light encompassing a low-reflectance region of IR light in which the blood vessel was detected, and the comparator determines that the blood vessel is a vein or an artery based on whether the low-reflectance region of IR light in which the blood vessel was detected has a high or low reflectance of the second wavelength of IR light, which is due to the lower oxygen concentration in veins compared to arteries; A vascular detection system comprising an armband, which is communicably coupled to the comparator, and includes a visual indicator consisting of an indicator light that provides feedback to the user of the vascular detection system indicating the location and presence of the vein. [Claim 14] The blood vessel detection system according to claim 13, wherein the IR detector comprises a photodiode optically coupled to an optical fiber passing through the hollow of the hollow needle. [Claim 15] The blood vessel detection system according to claim 13, further comprising a first light-emitting diode (LED) optically coupled to an optical fiber passing through the hollow of the hollow needle, the first light source. [Claim 16] The blood vessel detection system according to claim 13, further comprising a second light-emitting diode (LED) optically coupled to an optical fiber passing through the hollow of the hollow needle, the second light source. [Claim 17] The vascular detection system according to claim 13, further comprising an audio indicator including a speaker for providing feedback to the user of the vascular detection system indicating the location and presence of the vein.

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