Autonomous Intravenous Needle Insertion Robot Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravenous needle insertion is a technically challenging procedure with high variability among medical professionals, leading to frequent unsuccessful attempts and a need for automation to reduce dependence on skilled technicians and minimize errors.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous intravenous insertion system comprising a robot arm with sensors and a controller that selects a target insertion site and directs the robot arm to insert a medical device, combining infrared and ultrasound imaging for vein detection and stabilization, and including ancillary procedures like tourniquet use and device handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual needle insertion is performed by medical personnel, then human judgment and adaptability are utilized, but high variability in skill levels leads to frequent unsuccessful attempts and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous needle insertion by integrating vein detection sensors, robot arm positioning, and automated insertion execution. The system identifies veins using optical and ultrasound sensors, calculates insertion parameters, and performs the procedure without human intervention, making the process self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on technician skill levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical needle insertion with an automated robot arm system. The robot arm, controlled by a computer based on sensor data and calculated parameters, performs the insertion mechanically with precision, substituting human manual operation and thereby standardizing the procedure across different users
2Reliability
If multiple insertion attempts are made to achieve successful vein access, then the chance of finding a suitable vein increases, but procedure time increases and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary vein detection and localization using sensors before the needle insertion attempt. The computer calculates optimal insertion parameters including angle, depth, and target coordinates in advance, allowing the first attempt to be highly accurate and eliminating the need for multiple retry attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from sensors during the insertion process to monitor needle position and vein location. This closed-loop control allows dynamic adjustment of insertion parameters, ensuring accurate first-attempt success and reducing the need for repeated attempts that would increase procedure time
3Extent of automation
If automated needle insertion is implemented, then dependence on skilled technicians decreases and procedure time reduces, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single automated platform: vein detection using optical and ultrasound sensors, image processing and analysis, calculation of insertion parameters, robot arm positioning and control, and needle insertion execution. This multi-functional integration achieves high automation while managing complexity through unified system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The computer acts as an intermediary that processes sensor data, calculates insertion parameters, and controls the robot arm. This intermediate computational layer bridges the gap between simple sensor inputs and complex motor outputs, enabling automation without requiring direct complex mechanical linkages
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces unsuccessful insertion attempts, minimizes the need for skilled technicians, and ensures reliable and safe intravenous procedures, including blood drawing and drug administration, in various settings, including hospitals and unconventional environments.
Implementation Method 1
combining infrared and ultrasound imaging for vein detection
Implementation Method 2
combining infrared and ultrasound imaging for vein detection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Systems and methods for autonomous intravenous needle insertion are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a system for autonomous intravenous insertion includes a robot arm (1), one or more sensors (91) pivotally attached to the robot arm (1) for gathering information about potential insertion sites in a subject arm (7), a medical device (22, 41) pivotally attached to the robot arm (1), and a controller (90) in communication with the sensors (91) and the robot arm (1), wherein the controller (90) receives the information from the sensors (91) about potential insertion sites, and the controller (90) selects a target insertion site and directs the robot arm (1) to insert the medical device (22, 41) into the target insertion site.