Vein simulator system

Abstract

The venous simulator system can be used by a clinician to improve proficiency in placing a catheter, such as a PIVC, or otherwise accessing the vascular system. The venous simulator system can include a simulated portion of a body, such as a simulated human arm, that includes at least one simulated vein. The venous simulator system can also include a control system, one or more sensors, and one or more feedback components. The control system can utilize the one or more sensors to generate feedback during the clinician's attempt to place the catheter and can output the feedback via the feedback component either during or after the attempt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a venous simulator system.

Background Art

[0002] When clinical doctors such as nursing students graduate, they usually have only a minimum level of proficiency in the insertion of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs), and are expected to improve their proficiency through work. The problem with this method is that inexperienced clinical doctors often need to attempt multiple times to successfully insert a PIVC, and this experience is not pleasant for the patient. To minimize negative experiences, many facilities limit the number of failed attempts that inexperienced clinical doctors can make. When the maximum number of allowable failed attempts (e.g., 2 times) by an inexperienced clinical doctor is reached, an experienced clinical doctor needs to insert the PIVC.

[0003] Several venous simulator systems have been developed to improve the proficiency of inexperienced clinical doctors in inserting PIVCs. Such venous simulators often take the form of a fake arm that includes a tube into which a red fluid is pumped. These venous simulators can be made of substances that react similarly to human skin and veins, and thus inexperienced clinical doctors can learn how it should feel when piercing a needle into a vein during PIVC insertion. However, these venous simulators do not provide useful advice to inexperienced clinical doctors on whether a PIVC has been inserted appropriately or inappropriately.

[0004] The subject matter recited in the claims herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in the environments described above. Rather, this background art is provided only to illustrate an example of a technical area in which some of the examples described herein may be practiced.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure relates, in general, to a venous simulator system that can be used by clinicians to improve their proficiency when placing catheters such as PIVCs or when accessing the vascular system. The venous simulator system may include a simulated part of the body, such as a simulated human arm, and it may include at least one simulated vein. The venous simulator system may also include a control system, one or more sensors, and one or more feedback components. The control system may utilize one or more sensors to generate feedback during a clinician's attempt to place a catheter, and may output feedback via the feedback components either during or after the attempt.

[0006] In some embodiments, a vein simulator system may include a simulated body part containing a first simulated vein, a control system, at least one sensor, and at least one feedback component. The control system may be configured to employ at least one sensor to create feedback while a clinician is attempting to place a catheter in the first vein. The control system may be further configured to present feedback to the clinician via at least one feedback component.

[0007] In some embodiments, the simulated body part is a simulated human arm. In some embodiments, at least one sensor includes one or more cameras. In some embodiments, at least one feedback component includes a display device. In some embodiments, the camera is located outside the simulated body part. In some embodiments, the simulated body part is a first simulated veinThe system includes simulated internal tissue extending into it, and the camera is positioned within the simulated internal tissue. In some embodiments, the camera is positioned inside the first simulated vein.

[0008] In some embodiments, the simulated body part includes simulated internal tissue, and the vein simulator system further includes a light source that illuminates the simulated internal tissue. In some embodiments, at least one sensor is First On a portion of the lateral wall of a simulated vein, or First The system includes a film that forms a portion of the side wall of a simulated vein. In some embodiments, the control system generates the feedback based on signals created, guided, or transmitted by the film in response to proximity to or contact with a needle used for catheter placement. In some embodiments, at least one feedback component includes an audio feedback component or a visual feedback component. In some embodiments, at least one sensor comprises multiple sensors and is configured to create associations between the feedback generated by the multiple sensors.

[0009] In some embodiments, the vein simulator system may include a simulated portion of a body, which includes simulated internal flesh, a first simulated vein extending into the simulated internal flesh, and simulated skin positioned over the simulated internal flesh and the first simulated vein. The vein simulator system may further include a control system and at least one camera positioned to capture images of the first simulated vein.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one camera may be positioned outside the simulated internal flesh, inside the simulated internal flesh, and / or inside the first simulated vein. In some embodiments, the vein simulator system includes at least one sensor positioned on or inside the sidewall of the first simulated vein, the at least one sensor may be configured to provide an indication to a control system when a needle is in contact with or near the sensor. In some embodiments, the vein simulator system may include at least one feedback component. In some embodiments, the at least one feedback component may be one or more of a display device, a speaker, or a light.

[0011] In some embodiments, the vein simulator system may include a simulated body portion containing a first simulated vein, a pump for pumping fluid through the first simulated vein, a control system, at least one sensor, and at least one feedback component. In some embodiments, the control system may be configured to generate feedback using at least one sensor while a clinician is attempting to place a catheter in the first simulated vein, and the control system may be configured to output feedback via at least one feedback component.

[0012] It should be understood that the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit the invention as described in the claims. It should be understood that various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. Furthermore, it should be understood that embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be used, and that structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise stated in the claims. Therefore, the detailed description below should not be interpreted as restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] Exemplary embodiments are described and explained in more specific and detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is an assembly diagram of a vein simulator system configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is an exploded perspective view of the venous simulator system shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C shows the vein simulator system from Figure 1A with the simulated arm removed. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D shows the vein simulator system from Figure 1A with the simulated skin removed from the simulated arm. [Figure 1E] Figure 1E shows the vein simulator system from Figure 1A with the simulated skin partially removed from the simulated arm. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows a clinician using the venous simulator system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a diagram that provides an example of the visual feedback that may be provided during PIVC placement by the venous simulator system of Figure 1A, or another venous simulator system configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a block diagram illustrating how a vein simulator system configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may employ a camera located outside the simulated vein to provide visual feedback during PIVC placement. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a block diagram illustrating how a vein simulator system configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may employ a camera inside a simulated vein to provide visual feedback during PIVC placement. [Figure 4A] Figures 4A and 4B are block diagrams illustrating how a venous simulator system configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may employ sensors on or within a simulated vein to provide feedback during PIVC placement. [Figure 4B] Figures 4A and 4B are block diagrams illustrating how a venous simulator system configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may employ sensors on or within a simulated vein to provide feedback during PIVC placement. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] A venous simulator system configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may employ one or more sensors to provide feedback to a clinician during the placement of a PIVC. Different types of sensors may be employed to provide different types of feedback. For example, a camera may be employed to provide visual (e.g., video) feedback of the advancement of the PIVC in the simulated vein. As another example, a film such as a conductive or capacitive material may be included on, inside, or near the simulated vein to provide visual and / or audio feedback representing the position of the PIVC in the simulated vein.

[0015] Figures 1A–E provide an example of a vein simulator system 100 configured according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vein simulator system 100 includes a base 110 having a housing 111 and a support 112. The housing 111 can be used primarily to house electrical or other components of various computers, while the support 112 can be used primarily to support a simulated arm or other simulated part of a human body or animal.

[0016] In some embodiments, the simulated arm or other simulated portion can be formed from a simulated internal tissue (e.g., medical gelatin) that includes a number of grooves (e.g., grooves 131 and 132) for receiving simulated veins (in some embodiments, simulated veins 141 and 142 that can be formed from rubber latex tubing), and a simulated skin 150 (e.g., a silicone-based material with a single outer layer of spandex powder mesh fabric) for covering the simulated internal tissue 130. The simulated internal tissue 130 can be positioned at the upper end of the support 112, and the simulated skin 150 can be disposed over the simulated internal tissue 130 and fixed to the support 112 via a fixing member 113. For example, as best shown in FIG. 1E, the support 112 can include a hole 118 for receiving a screw 119 that tightens the fixing member 113 over the side surface of the simulated skin 150. The screw 119 is inserted into the simulated skin 150, thereby ensuring that the simulated skin 150 is firmly supported over the simulated internal tissue 130. As another example, a spring, a loaded clamp, a snap member, or any other suitable mechanism could be used such that the fixing member 113 could be fixed to the support 112.

[0017] The simulated veins 141 and 142 can be located within grooves 131 and 132, connected together at one end and connected at the opposite end to a pump 133, thereby simulating the pump 133 flowing through the simulated veins 141 and 142. In some embodiments, the support 112 can be at least partially hollow so that the ends of the simulated veins 141 and 142 can be connected (e.g., via a tube extending between a hole 117 and a protruding end 115 of the support 112). In some embodiments, a single length of the tube can be used to form the simulated veins 141 and 142. In some embodiments, the grooves 131 and 132 and the simulated veins 141 and 142 can be sized and configured in an anatomically correct manner (e.g., to match the size and location of actual human arm veins). However, in embodiments, any configuration of the grooves and simulated veins may be used.

[0018] The vein simulator system 100 may also include a control system 120 (e.g., a computer) which can be housed within the housing 111. In some embodiments, the control system 120 may power a pump 133 to ensure that the fluid pressure and flow rate in the simulated veins 141 and 142 match the desired blood pressure and blood flow rate. In some embodiments, the control system 120 may power / control a light source 122 which may be located below or inside the simulated internal tissue 130. For example, the support 112 may include a groove 116 in which the light source 122 can be housed. In some embodiments, the light source 122 may be in the form of an LED strip. In some embodiments, the light source 122 may extend along the entire length of the simulated internal tissue 130 or along a portion of the length of the simulated internal tissue 130 (e.g., below the intended insertion site).

[0019] As best shown in FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, the simulated internal tissue 130 can be transparent, whereby the light source 122 illuminates it and the camera 121 (one type of sensor that can be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure) can capture an image of the simulated internal tissue 130 (a visual type of feedback that can be provided in embodiments of the present disclosure). For example, the housing 111 can include a wall 114 and an opening 114a facing the simulated internal tissue 130. The camera 121 can be disposed in the opening 114a and directed toward the simulated internal tissue 130. The control system 120 can then use the camera 121 to capture images of the simulated internal tissue 130 and the simulated veins 141 and 142 while the clinician performs the placement of the PIVC. In some embodiments, the vein simulator system 100 can be coupled to the control system 120 and thereby include a display device 160 that enables the control system 120 to output the images to the display device 160. Thus, the clinician can view the images on the display device 160 when attempting to place the PIVC.

[0020] The simulated internal tissue 130, simulated veins 141 and 142, and simulated skin 150 can be designed to have mechanical properties that match those of a human arm. For example, by constructing the simulated skin 150 from a silicone-based material with an outer layer of spandex powder mesh fabric, and by constructing the simulated veins 141 and 142 from rubber latex tubing, the penetration force and stiffness can substantially match those of human skin and veins. Furthermore, the simulated veins 141 and 142 can be sized and positioned to match the size and position of human veins. The pump 133 can be configured to create fluid pressure within the simulated veins 141 and 142 that matches human blood pressure, thereby causing a realistic flashback when the simulated veins 141 and 142 are punctured. In addition, by forming the simulated internal tissue 130 from medical gelatin, it is possible to provide support and consistency similar to human subcutaneous tissue while being transparent to facilitate observation of the insertion site, as described below. In some embodiments, a heat gun may be used on the simulated internal structure 130 after it has been molded into a shape that increases its transparency. In some embodiments, a uniform piece of glass or transparent plastic may be pressed against the simulated internal structure 130 to flatten its surface and eliminate optical distortions that cause any surface irregularities.

[0021] Figures 2A and 2B provide an example of how the venous simulator system 100 enables clinicians to see images of an attempt to place a PIVC. Figure 2A shows a clinician 200 attempting to place a PIVC in a simulated vein 141. Figure 2B provides an example of images that a camera 121 may capture during this attempt and that may be displayed on a display device 160. As shown, a light source 122 in the groove 116 illuminates the simulated internal tissue 130, including grooves 131 and 132 and the simulated veins 141 and 142 contained within them. This illumination makes it possible to see the needle 210 and its distal end 211. In particular, the images allow the clinician to see the position of the distal end 211 relative to the side wall 141a of the simulated vein 141. In this context, the side wall can be observed as the side wall of the simulated vein 141 opposite the point of insertion, and is typically the bottom wall of the simulated vein 141.

[0022] By observing the video, clinicians can learn whether or not they have successfully placed the PIVC, both during and after its placement. For example, the visual feedback provided by camera 121 can help clinicians learn when the distal end 211 of the needle 210 has reached the correct position within the simulated vein 141. This can assist clinicians not only in initially piercing the simulated vein 141, but also in avoiding contact with or piercing the side wall 141a after the needle 210 has entered the simulated vein 141.

[0023] In the embodiments described above, the camera 121 is housed within the housing 111 and positioned at the end of the simulated internal tissue 130. Various other positions and / or configurations of the camera 121 may be employed in embodiments of this disclosure. For example, Figure 3A shows how the camera 121 may be positioned within the simulated internal tissue 130. In such embodiments, the camera 121 may be positioned at any suitable location within the simulated internal tissue 130 and oriented toward the intended insertion area. For example, in Figure 3A, the camera 121 is positioned on the side of the simulated vein 141 and captures a picture perpendicular to the length of the simulated vein. In other examples, the camera 121 may be positioned above or below the simulated vein 141 and capture a picture aligned with the length of the simulated vein 141. In such cases, the camera 121 may be positioned upstream or downstream of the intended insertion area. In some embodiments, multiple cameras 121 may be used, positioned and / or oriented in various ways, thereby capturing various pictures of the insertion area.

[0024] Figures 4A and 4B provide an example in which the vein simulator system 100 includes a sensor 400 located within, on, or adjacent to a simulated vein 141. In Figure 4A, the sensor 400 may be in the form of a film that is along the side wall 141a, embedded in the side wall 141a, or close enough to the side wall 141a to detect changes in electrical properties (e.g., capacitance) that can be triggered when a PIVC needle approaches or comes into contact with the film. For example, the sensor 400 may be a capacitive film that generates a signal representing the proximity of a needle (e.g., by changing capacitance in relation to the proximity). The sensor 400 may provide such a signal to a circuit 401 of the control system 120. The circuit 401 may process the signal to determine the proximity of a needle and / or when the needle is in contact with the sensor 400.

[0025] The control system 120 may include a feedback component 402 by which the control system 120 outputs feedback. For example, the feedback component 402 may be a speaker that outputs audio feedback. In such a case, the circuit 401 may cause the feedback component 402 to output a sound when a signal from the sensor 400 indicates that the needle is in contact with the sensor 400. Similarly, the circuit 401 may cause the feedback component 402 to output a sound when a signal from the sensor 400 indicates that the needle is approaching the sensor 400, and may also change this sound (e.g., its pitch or volume) as the needle approaches the sensor 400. The clinician can rely on such a sound to learn when the needle is in the correct position for proper placement of the PIVC and / or to avoid contact with the side wall 141a.

[0026] In another example, the feedback component may be a visual feedback component such as one or more LEDs or a display device 160. In such a case, the circuit 401 may cause the visual feedback output to the feedback component 402 to indicate when the needle is in contact with the sensor 400 and / or the ongoing proximity of the needle to the sensor 400. For example, if the feedback component 402 is an LED, the circuit 401 may cause the LED to flash at a faster interval as the needle approaches the sensor 400. In another example, the circuit 401 may generate and update a visual representation of the needle's position relative to the side wall 141a based on the signal received from the sensor 400, and may also provide a visual representation to the feedback component 402 for display to a clinician (e.g., as part of a display incorporated in the housing 111 or on the display device 160). Any other reasonable type of feedback component may also be used.

[0027] Figure 4B shows a modified example in which the sensor 400 forms part of a circuit that is completed when the needle makes contact with the sensor 400. In particular, the needle and sensor 400 may be connected to a circuit 401 capable of detecting when the needle makes contact with the sensor 400 by the change in current and / or voltage caused by this contact. In such an embodiment, the circuit 401 may use a feedback component 402, as described above, to provide feedback to the clinician.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the venous simulator system may employ any one or more sensors and feedback of the types described above to assist clinicians in learning to properly place a PIVC. For example, in addition to the camera 121, the venous simulator system 100 may include a sensor 400 that better informs the clinician when it has made contact with the side wall 141a.

[0029] In some embodiments, the control system 120 may be configured to store the feedback it generates so that it can be later reviewed and / or scored. For example, the control system 120 may maintain a log of a clinician's attempts to implant a PIVC using the venous simulator system 100. In such a case, the control system 120 (or an external system) may use the log to create a score for the clinician. Such a score may represent whether each particular attempt was successful, the degree to which each particular attempt was successful, the average success rate, the success trend, or any other measure of success.

[0030] In some embodiments, when multiple sensors are employed, the control system 120 may be configured to create associations between feedback from different sensors. For example, the control system 120 may employ a video time code to associate feedback from sensor 400 with video. Such an association may allow a clinician to accurately determine when the needle has touched the side wall while viewing the video.

[0031] While this disclosure provides an example of a vein simulator system resembling a human arm, the same technology can be used to create vein simulator systems that resemble other parts of the human body, such as the entire arm, legs, or torso.

[0032] Since the simulated skin 150 can be opaque, it can resemble human skin in that it prevents the clinician from seeing the PIVC while inserting it into the simulated vein 141 or 142. On the other hand, since the simulated internal tissue 130 can be transparent, the clinician can still rely on the camera 121 to ensure that the PIVC placement is being performed correctly. Once the clinician has gained confidence that the PIVC can be placed correctly, he or she can stop the camera 121 or avoid viewing the captured images for the series of executions. In this way, the vein simulator system 100 can help clinicians rapidly develop their skills without relying on images to perform proper PIVC placement.

[0033] All examples and conditional statements described herein are intended for educational purposes to help understand the concepts provided by the inventors to advance the invention and the art, and should be construed as not being limited to the examples and conditions specifically listed herein. Although embodiments of the invention have been 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 invention.

Claims

1. A vein simulator system, A base comprising a housing and a support, wherein the housing extends over the support and forms a wall facing the support, and the wall includes an opening, A simulated portion of a body positioned on the support, wherein the first end of the simulated portion is positioned on the wall so as to cover the opening, and the simulated portion is A transparent, simulated internal organization, A first simulated vein extending into the transparent simulated internal tissue, The simulated portion, A control system located within the housing, A first camera positioned in the opening of the wall of the housing and oriented toward the transparent simulated internal tissue to capture an image of the first simulated vein, Display device and, Includes, The control system is While the clinician is attempting to insert a catheter into the first simulated vein, the first camera is used to capture an image of the first simulated vein. The video is presented to the clinician via the display device. It is configured in such a way. Vein simulator system.

2. The simulated part of the body is a simulated human arm. The venous simulator system according to claim 1.

3. The simulated portion includes simulated skin fixed on the transparent simulated internal tissue, The venous simulator system according to claim 1.

4. Further including a second camera located within the transparent simulated internal tissue, The venous simulator system according to claim 1.

5. The second camera is positioned on the side of the first simulated vein. The vein simulator system according to claim 4.

6. The second camera is positioned above or below the first simulated vein. The vein simulator system according to claim 4.

7. The support includes a groove in which a light source is positioned to illuminate the transparent simulated internal structure. The venous simulator system according to claim 1.

8. The control system is configured to change the illumination of the light source while the catheter is in place. The vein simulator system according to claim 7.

9. A vein simulator system, A simulated part of the body, A transparent, simulated internal organization, A first simulated vein extending into the transparent simulated internal tissue, Simulated body parts including, At least one camera positioned to capture an image of the first simulated vein, At least one sensor located on or within the side wall of the first simulated vein, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to provide an indication to a control system when a needle is in contact with or near the sensor, A control system, Receiving the instruction from at least one of the sensors, Based on the above instructions, generate feedback, To create an association between the feedback and the position of the corresponding needle in the image captured by the at least one camera, A control system configured as follows, A venous simulator system, including...

10. A display device, wherein the control system presents the image and feedback via the display device. The vein simulator system according to claim 9, further comprising:

11. The at least one sensor includes a film that forms part of the side wall of the first simulated vein, The vein simulator system according to claim 9.

12. The control system generates feedback based on signals created, induced, or transmitted by the film in response to contact or proximity of the needle. The vein simulator system according to claim 11.

13. The at least one sensor and the needle are configured to complete an electronic circuit when the needle contacts the sensor. The vein simulator system according to claim 9.

14. The aforementioned feedback is provided audibly, visually, or both. The vein simulator system according to claim 9.

15. The control system is configured to associate the feedback with the corresponding position of the captured image. The vein simulator system according to claim 9.

16. A vein simulator system, A base comprising a housing and a support, wherein the housing extends above the support and forms a wall facing the support, and the wall includes an opening, A simulated portion of a body positioned on the support, wherein the first end of the simulated portion is positioned on the wall so as to cover the opening, and the simulated portion is A transparent, simulated internal organization, A first simulated vein extending into the transparent simulated internal tissue, This includes simulated body parts, A control system located within the housing, At least one camera positioned in the opening of the wall of the housing and oriented toward the transparent simulated internal tissue to capture an image of the first simulated vein, At least one sensor located on or within the side wall of the first simulated vein, which provides an indication of needle contact or proximity, Display device and, Includes, The control system is The image of the first simulated vein is captured by employing at least one of the cameras described above. Based on the above instructions, generate feedback, The feedback is output along with the aforementioned video. It is configured in such a way. Vein simulator system.

17. A vein simulator system, A simulated part of the body, A transparent, simulated internal organization, A first simulated vein extending into the transparent simulated internal tissue, Simulated body parts including, A pump configured to deliver fluid through the first simulated vein, At least one sensor located on or within the side wall of the first simulated vein, A control system configured to generate feedback based on the contact or proximity of a needle to the sensor, A venous simulator system including a vein simulator.

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