Apparatus for locating blood vessels
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE COOPER HEALTH SYST
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure US2026012847_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Attorney Docket No.: CHZ-00125APPARATUS FOR LOCATING BLOOD VESSELSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 750,508, filed January 28, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Technologies that enable precise localization and real-time tracking of peripheral arteries and veins are necessary to guide minimally invasive treatment for patients.SUMMARY
[0003] The present disclosure is directed generally to technology for the identification of peripheral arteries and veins, and, more particularly, to the use of an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors to predict an artery or vein trajectory under a patient’s skin or during open surgery in a region of interest or organ. Here, an innovative array of infrared chips is used to identify a precise artery or vein location based on a measurement of SpO2.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating an absorbance of infrared light and red light over a range of wavelengths.
[0006] FIG.2 is a block diagram of an apparatus for identifying blood vessels, in accordance with one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
[0007] FIG.3 is a schematic illustrating a side view of an apparatus for identifying blood vessels, in accordance with one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
[0008] FIG.4 is a schematic illustrating a top view of an apparatus for identifying blood vessels, in accordance with one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
[0009] FIG.5 is a diagram of an apparatus for identifying blood vessels during use, in accordance with one or more embodiments of this disclosure.- 1 - FH13284126.1Attomey Docket No.: CHZ-00125
[0010] FIG.6A is a diagram of identifying an artery within hepatic vasculature, in accordance with one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
[0011] FIG.6B is a diagram of identifying an artery feeding a tumor, in accordance with one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
[0012] FIG.7 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism of reflectance oximetry.
[0013] FIGs.8A and 8B are graphs illustrating the molar extinction coefficient per wavelength.
[0014] FIG. 9 is an exemplary computing node.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used through-out the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0016] The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of these devices, systems, or methods unless specifically designated as man-datory.
[0017] Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel.
[0018] As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example," rather than "ideal." Moreover, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of one or more of the referenced items.
[0019] Accurate real-time identification and tracking of blood vessels is needed in clinical settings. To identify either an artery or a peripheral vein, embodiments of the present disclosure use an array of LEDs to emit light and photodetectors to measure reflection patterns of the emitted light. The same array of LEDs and photodetectors is used to detect both veins and arteries. Blood vessels absorb red and infrared light to a greater degree than surrounding tissues absorb those wavelengths of light. Therefore, covering a skin surface or a- 2 - FH13284126.1Attorney Docket No.: CHZ-00125region of interest during open surgery with LED chips emitting these wavelengths of light and measuring the pattern of reflections allows for the identification of a vein or artery.
[0020] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus with an array of LED chips and photodetectors is connected to a processing module to easily identify blood vessel location. The apparatus may be used in detection of either arteries or veins. To ensure the suspected region is overlying a vein and not an artery, a processing module of the apparatus will check for a pulsatile signal, characteristic of arterial vessels due to cardiac systole / diastole. A pulsatile signal may be defined as any changing reflectance signal as measured by the photodetectors of the apparatus. Therefore, regions underlying the sensing chips in the array with only consistent reflectance patterns over a defined time as measured by the photodiodes will be considered non-pulsatile and therefore venous. Only these regions will be considered to predict the trajectory of a vein under the skin.
[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure can have two modes, one mode to detect arteries and the second to detect veins. Both methods will use an external processing module. The precise trajectories of the vascular structures are then communicated with the operator to facilitate access to the artery or vein.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a is a graph 50 illustrating an absorbance of wavelengths. A regular pulse oximeter can calculate oxygen saturation by comparing how much red light and infrared light is absorbed by the blood. Depending on the amounts of oxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) and deoxygenated Hb present, the ratio of the amount of red light absorbed compared to the amount of infrared light absorbed changes. As shown in graph 50, red light is absorbed by vessels with higher amounts of deoxygenated Hb, while infrared light is absorbed by oxygenated Hb. Red light generally has a wavelength of 650 nm, compared to the longer wavelength of infrared light (950 nm). Veins, which carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, are identified by the refraction or diffraction of the infrared light, which is shown to have low levels of absorption by graph 50. In contrast, arteries (which carry oxygenated blood) are identified by the refraction or diffraction of the shorter wavelength of red light.
[0023] The same principle demonstrated by graph 50 may be used to find either a vein or an artery. To determine whether a blood vessel of interest is a vein or artery, an output showing an amount of wavelength absorbed by the blood vessel is examined. A lesser amount of red light absorbed is likely to be considered to be artery, whereas in contrast, a vein will absorb higher amounts of red light and will absorb lower levels of infrared light.
[0024] FIG.2 is a block diagram of an apparatus 100 for identifying blood vessels.Apparatus 100 includes an array 101 with a plurality of sensing chips 102 and a flexible- 3 - FH13284126.1Attomey Docket No.: CHZ-00125connection 103 to the processing module. Array 101 can vary in size, for example as a 3x3 array, 3x5 array, etc., and in shape. In some embodiments, the array is toroidal and sensing chips may be located on the interior ring of the torus and the artery or vein can be located when positioned through the hole of the torus. Further, the toroidal array allows for insertion of a needle or other access device in the area of interest. In this embodiment, the array may be larger than the 3x3 or 3x5 array size as contemplated and illustrated for apparatus 100.
[0025] Each sensing chip 102 comprises an LED emitter and a photodetector. The LED emitter can emit both red and infrared light, both of which can be sensed by the photodetector. The flexible connection 103 may serve as a communication link to the processing module. In some embodiments, the flexible connection 103 is a transceiver that emits signals wirelessly. Wireless signals may be sent by the transceiver via Bluetooth, WiFi, short range radio, or any other suitable wireless means.
[0026] To find an artery or vein using an apparatus, an apparatus is manufactured with a flexible array of sensing chips. The sensing chips can emit and measure both infrared and red light. The array is placed on an area of interest on a patient. Areas of interest can include a wrist, for a radial artery, or a scalp to find a superficial temporal artery (STA), arteries feeding tumors, hepatic vasculature, etc. The apparatus includes a processing module, the processing module attached to the array to receive data from each sensing chip. The processing module calculates a level of oxygen saturation (SpO2) for each sensing chip within the array. Chips with the highest levels of oxygen saturation are likely located above an artery. The processing module notifies the operator of the apparatus which chips have the highest oxygen saturation levels. Notification can be through a display connected to the processing module, either via wired or wireless communication.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating a side view of an apparatus for identifying blood vessels. As shown in FIG. 3, apparatus 100 is placed over a patient’s wrist, with the wrist in the supine position to find a blood vessel of interest. The flexible array may be placed over the assumed location of an artery or vein of interest, where the sensing chips cover the assumed location of the blood vessel. The flexible array may conform to the shape of the patient’s wrist, thereby providing an additional benefit of the apparatus. The array of sensing chips may be attached to a substrate, where the substrate is made of a flexible or a rigid material. In some embodiments, the flexible substrate material comprises silicon. In some embodiments, the rigid substrate material is a hard plastic. This flexibility may allow for more focused light emission and improved measurement of light absorbance. The processing module 104 may be located above the array 101, which is in contact with the patient’s wrist.- 4 - FH13284126.1Attomey Docket No.: CHZ-00125In the illustrated schematic, the sensing chips 102 emit light and measure the reflection of light, which is then sent to the processing module 104 to locate the blood vessel and identify whether the vessel of interest is a vein or artery. This identification is based on the measured reflection of light and may be communicated to the user. In some cases, such as in the illustrated schematic, a catheter or other surgical tool may be already inserted into the blood vessel of interest, thereby aiding in the location of the blood vessel.
[0028] In some embodiments, the processing module 104 is located separately from apparatus 100, for example at a workstation, mobile device, or other suitable location for the user. The apparatus 100 may communicate measured data via flexible connection 103, for example, through wireless internet, Bluetooth, or any other suitable alternative.
[0029] FIG.4 is a schematic illustrating a top view of the apparatus for identifying blood vessels. In the illustrated top view, apparatus 100 is placed over the wrist of the patient with the sensing chip array adjacent to the presumed location of the radial artery. The flexible array allows for the sensing chips to be in close proximity to the patient’s skin and the blood vessel underneath. As shown, the size of the array of sensing chips allows for a larger area of the patient’s forearm to be examined. With the larger searching area, more precise measurements may be made over this area to better identify the blood vessel of interest, its trajectory through the wrist, and its outer boundaries. For example, it is contemplated that the size of the array could allow for the identification of both the radial and ulnar arteries at one time.
[0030] FIG.5 is a process diagram for an apparatus for identifying blood vessels during use. The apparatus is placed over the presumed location of the radial artery in the patient’s wrist, where the flexible array is molded to the wrist contours of the patient, allowing for the sensing chips on the array to emit and measure light from a minimal distance. The sensing chips on the array emit both red and infrared light to determine the location of the artery based on the absorption of each light’s respective wavelength. The processing module 104 is connected to but may be separate from the array. Upon emittance from the sensing chips and the subsequent reflection pattern measurement by the associated photodetectors, the processing module 104 intakes and processes the received measurement data and calculates a level of SpO2 for each sensing chip in the array. For example, the processing module may use reflectance oximetry to leverage the property that the molar extinction coefficient of oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxyhemoglobin (Hb) vary over the visible and near-infrared (NIR) light spectrum. The processing module 104 also checks for a pulsatile signal based on the measurement data. Pulsatile signals are only present in the arterial vessels, thereby- 5 - FH13284126.1Attomey Docket No.: CHZ-00125indicating that an identified blood vessel is an artery and not venous. If a pulsatile signal is measured by the photodetectors, as demonstrated by a changing reflectance signal, the processing module 104 may use this information to validate the classification of the blood vessel.
[0031] Once the measurement data is processed by processing module 104, the SpO2 level is calculated for each chip in the array, as shown in graph 101a and 101b, each representing an individual chip. This calculation can note spikes in absorbency, as shown in the inset calculation graphs in FIG. 5. For example, graph 101b illustrates a pattern of pulsatile signal spikes over the measured data that may indicate the presence of an artery. The processing module 104 can then communicate this information to the user, by illuminating sensing chips on the array to illustrate the location and trajectory of the blood vessel of interest. In some embodiments, the processing module 104 may inform the user of a blood vessel location with an audio or tactile indication. In some embodiments, the processing module 104 may send data through flexible connection 103 to a display for a user.
[0032] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 200 as used to identify hepatic vasculature. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus is placed over a region of interest around the liver, either over the patient’s skin or during an open surgery. The apparatus 200 may delineate either an artery or vein within this vasculature.
[0033] FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 300 as used to identify arteries feeding a tumor. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus is placed over a region of interest around the tumor, either over the patient’s skin or during an open surgery. During an open surgery, the apparatus 300 may delineate vasculature of an organ or region of interest using the same algorithm and methods as for on skin.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism of reflectance oximetry, where the light emitters 701 and detectors 702 of the array are placed on the same side of the region of interest, with the reflected light being used for signal interpretation. Light emitters 701 may include emitters of both red and infrared light.
[0035] If two wavelengths in the spectrum are chosen so that in one region, Hb has a higher absorptivity than HbO2, and in the other region, Hb has a lower absorptivity than HbO2, a ratio calculation can be used to obtain the concentration of HbO2and Hb. Oxygen saturation in reflectance oximetry can be expressed as the ratio of the concentrations of oxygenated blood over the sum of the concentrations of oxygenated (CHb02) and deoxygenated (CHb) blood, as seen in Equation (1):- 6 - FH13284126.1Attomey Docket No.: CHZ-00125SP°2 =rCHb°2r(1)
[0036] FIG.8A is a graph illustrating the molar extinction coefficient per wavelength. As seen in FIG.8B, three wavelength regions are highlighted for their use in oximetry. The first wavelength region (illustrated by the green light region) reflects£"b< 2, while a secondEHbO2region for red light shows an area where the£Hb> 6, and a third region for infrared light isEHbO2highlighted where£Hb< 3. The combinations of wavelengths can be used for oximetry basedEHbO2on the contrast in molar extinction coefficients. Embodiments of the present disclosure use red (660nm) and NIR (905nm) but combinations such as "red and green" can similarly be used.
[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure include two modes of reflectance oximetry for identifying arteries and veins: (i) reflectance-based pulse oximetry; and (ii) reflectance oximetry when a pulsatile signal is absent
[0038] If a pulsatile PPG is present, a modified Beer-Lambert’s law can be used to model the light propagation in tissue as shown in Equation (2):4 = IOz e~^- d -DPFxwhere = measured diffused reflected light intensity; / 0;= incident light intensity; / z([;= absorption coefficient of tissue;d = distance between light emitter and detector; andDPF = differential path factor.SVO2=rC"^r= ~ (3) CnbO2+ ^Hb y Z^. Hb ~£X1, HbO2) + \EX2, HbO2~EX2, Hb) R' where CHb02= concentration of HbO2CHb= concentration of HbHb=molar extinction coefficient ofHb at wavelength£.2, Hb=molar extinction coefficient ofHb at wavelength X2£.1, Hbo2=molar extinction coefficient of HbO2at wavelengthand£.2, Hbo2=molar extinction coefficient of HbO2at wavelength A2.RR' = DPF^J(4) / DPF^ where DPF^is the differential pathlength factor (DPF), which accounts for the multiple scattering of light in the tissue and:-7 - FH13284126.1Attorney Docket No.: CHZ-00125ACX(5)R 1Where R is the ratio of AC (pulsatile) to DC (non-pulsatile) signals at the two wavelengths AT and A2. R may be used with a calibration curve to calibrate the LED emitter and photodiode. Commercially available SpO2 simulators are readily available to allow for proper calibration of the photodiodes and emitters.
[0039] In the case of suspected low perfusion of an arterial vessel or to identify and / or confirm a vein (in the absence of a pulsatile arterial blood signal), pulse oximetry cannot be performed. In these scenarios, embodiments of the present disclosure may use the second mode. First, equation (2) can be rewritten to measure the time-varying light intensity attenuation, A in blood and tissue as:= IOJLe ^- d -DPF^ (6)where = change in light absorption during the measurement, and can be expressed as the sum of molar extinction coefficients multiplied by the concentrations of HbO2and Hb at wavelength A:-£A, HbO2' ACHb02+ s^Hb■ & CHb(7)
[0040] Since there are two wavelengths used, a system of linear equations can be established using Equations (6) and (7) as Equation (8).lnr£A1, HbO2£A1, Hbl & CHbo2d - DPF^ [£A2, HbO2£A2, Hbl & CHb(8)LN( / OA2 / A / OA2). d - DPF^.
[0041] In Equation (8), the molar extinction coefficients and DPF can be obtained from the literature. Solving Equation (8) allows calculation of the changes in the concentration of HbO2( CHb0.) and Hb ( CHb) during a transient measurement. Using these values, a change in oxygen saturation (ASpO2)canthen be determined from Equation (1).
[0042] The above-mentioned modes may be used in conjunction with each other, separately, and / or along with the pulsatile waveform analysis to determine identity and trajectory of vessel either under skin or in a region / organ during open surgery.- 8 - FH13284126.1Attomey Docket No.: CHZ-00125
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 9, a schematic of an example of a computing node is shown that may be used for processing module 104. Computing node 10 is only one example of a suitable computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments described herein. Regardless, computing node 10 is capable of being implemented and / or performing any of the functionality set forth hereinabove.
[0044] In computing node 10 there is a computer system / server 12, which is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system / server 12 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
[0045] Computer system / server 12 may be described in the general context of computer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include, inter alia, routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer system / server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloud computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 9, computer system / server 12 in computing node 10 is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of computer system / server 12 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18 that couples various system components including system memory 28 to processor 16.
[0047] Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards- 9 - FH13284126.1Attomey Docket No.: CHZ-00125Association (VESA) local bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe), and Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (AMBA).
[0048] Computer system / server 12 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system / server 12, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.
[0049] System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and / or cache memory 32.Computer system / server 12 may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a "hard drive"). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a "floppy disk"), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the disclosure.
[0050] Program / utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42, may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating systems, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and / or methodologies of embodiments as described herein.
[0051] Computer system / server 12 may also communicate with one or more external devices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system / server 12; and / or any devices e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system / server 12 to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input / Output (I / O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system / server 12 can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network- 10 - FH13284126.1Attorney Docket No.: CHZ-00125(e.g., the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates with the other components of computer system / server 12 via bus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and / or software components could be used in conjunction with computer system / server 12. Examples include, but are not limited to microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.
[0052] The present disclosure may be embodied as a system, a method, and / or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.
[0053] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.
[0054] Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for- 11 - FH13284126.1Attorney Docket No.: CHZ-00125storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.
[0055] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user’s computer, partly on the user’s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user’s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user’s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.
[0056] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.
[0057] These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer- 12 - FH13284126.1Attorney Docket No.: CHZ-00125readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.
[0058] The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.
[0059] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0060] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.- 13 - FH13284126.1
Claims
Attorney Docket No.: CHZ-00125CLAIMS1. An apparatus for identifying blood vessels, comprising:an array of sensing chips, each sensing chip comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) emitter and a photodetector; anda processing module configured to:receive data from each sensing chip in the array;calculate a level of oxygen saturation (SpO2) for each sensing chip based on the received data; andidentify a location of a blood vessel based on the calculated SpO2 levels.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the LED emitter of each sensing chip is configured to emit both red light and infrared light.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processing module is further configured to:check for a pulsatile signal in the received data; andvalidate classification of the blood vessel as an artery based on presence of the pulsatile signal.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the array of sensing chips is arranged in a flexible substrate configured to conform to contours of a patient's body.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing module is further configured to:determine a trajectory of the blood vessel based on the calculated SpO2 levels of multiple sensing chips in the array.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the processing module is further configured to:communicate the determined trajectory of the blood vessel to a user interface.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein communicating the determined trajectory comprises illuminating sensing chips on the array corresponding to the location and trajectory of the blood vessel.
8. A method for identifying blood vessels, comprising:emitting light from an array of light-emitting diode (LED) emitters;detecting reflected light using an array of photodetectors corresponding to the array of LED emitters;receiving data from each LED emitter and photodetector pair;- 14 - FH13284126.1Attorney Docket No.: CHZ-00125calculating a level of oxygen saturation (SpO2) for each LED emitter and photodetector pair based on the received data; andidentifying a location of a blood vessel based on the calculated SpO2 levels.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein emitting light from the array of LED emitters comprises emitting both red light and infrared light.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:checking for a pulsatile signal in the received data; andvalidating classification of the blood vessel as an artery based on presence of the pulsatile signal.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the array of LED emitters and photodetectors is arranged on a flexible substrate configured to conform to contours of a patient's body.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising:determining a trajectory of the blood vessel based on the calculated SpO2 levels of multiple LED emitter and photodetector pairs in the array.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:communicating the determined trajectory of the blood vessel to a user interface.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein communicating the determined trajectory comprises illuminating LED emitters on the array corresponding to the location and trajectory of the blood vessel.
15. A system for identifying blood vessels, comprising:a flexible substrate;an array of sensing chips disposed on the flexible substrate, each sensing chip comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) emitter and a photodetector; anda processing module configured to:receive data from each sensing chip in the array;analyze the received data to determine light absorption patterns; and identify a location and trajectory of a blood vessel based on the determined light absorption patterns.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the LED emitter of each sensing chip is configured to emit both red light and infrared light.- 15 - FH13284126.1Attorney Docket No.: CHZ-0012517. The system of claim 16, wherein the processing module is further configured to:calculate a level of oxygen saturation (SpO2) for each sensing chip based on the received data; andidentify the location and trajectory of the blood vessel based on the calculated SpO2 levels.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the processing module is further configured to:check for a pulsatile signal in the received data; andvalidate classification of the blood vessel as an artery based on presence of the pulsatile signal.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the processing module is further configured to communicate the identified location and trajectory of the blood vessel to a user interface.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein communicating the identified location and trajectory comprises illuminating sensing chips on the array corresponding to the location and trajectory of the blood vessel.- 16 - FH13284126.1