Hand-Mounted Vein Imaging System for Simultaneous Needle Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vein viewers are cumbersome, require multiple hands or external support, obstruct the user's view, have poor contrast, and do not provide simultaneous visualization of the actual needle insertion site and the image of blood vessels, making it difficult to accurately insert needles, especially in challenging cases such as non-Caucasian individuals, children, and patients with obscured veins.
Innovation Solution
A portable imaging system mounted on a user's hand, featuring an illumination source, image sensor, and display that allows simultaneous visualization of the actual needle insertion site and an image of blood vessels without requiring additional support or obstructing the view, enabling precise needle placement without changing focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing vein viewers are used to visualize blood vessels, then blood vessel visibility is improved, but the user's view of the needle insertion site is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blood vessel imaging function and the needle insertion site viewing function into a single integrated device. The imaging sensor captures blood vessel images while the display shows both the magnified blood vessel image and the actual needle insertion site simultaneously, allowing the user to perform both functions without switching between separate devices or having views obstructed.
2Loss of information
If existing vein viewers provide magnification of blood vessels, then blood vessel visualization is improved, but the device requires external support or multiple hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-supporting through its handheld form factor. The housing contains all necessary components (imaging sensor, illumination source, display) and can be operated with one hand, freeing the other hand for needle insertion. The device does not require external tripods, stands, or additional personnel for support.
3Loss of information
If existing vein viewers use near IR illumination to enhance contrast, then blood vessel contrast is improved, but the device adds mass to the needle insertion motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs near-infrared illumination with wavelengths specifically chosen to maximize hemoglobin absorption and thus blood vessel contrast. The imaging sensor is sensitive to near-IR wavelengths, allowing it to detect the contrast differences created by the illumination. This parameter optimization achieves high contrast without requiring excessive illumination intensity or additional processing mass.
4Loss of information
If existing vein viewers require changing focus between image view and actual site, then imaging capability is improved, but the procedure time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The display presents information in multiple dimensions simultaneously: a magnified two-dimensional image of the blood vessel overlaid or adjacent to the actual three-dimensional needle insertion site view. This multi-dimensional presentation allows the user to see both the detailed blood vessel structure and the overall insertion context without refocusing or switching views, eliminating time loss.
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 allows for accurate and efficient needle insertion by providing a clear, magnified image of blood vessels relative to the needle, reducing the need for multiple hands and external support, improving contrast, and maintaining unobstructed visibility of the insertion site, thus enhancing patient safety and reducing procedural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The near IR radiation is transmitted and scattered by the skin and absorbed by the hemoglobin in the veins
Implementation Method 2
The near IR radiation is transmitted and scattered by the skin and absorbed by the hemoglobin in the veins
Data Source
AI summary
Various portable systems, devices and methods for imaging or visualizing blood vessels or other body tissue to facilitate accurate placement of a needle or other elongate instrument in blood vessels or other body tissue are described herein. In certain variations an imaging system for aiding needle insertion in a patient may include a mountable unit having an illumination source, an image sensor, and a display for displaying an image based on image information from the image sensor. The mountable unit may be configured for attachment to a hand of a user such that the user's hand on which the unit is mounted remains free to hold an object. The display may be positioned next to a needle insertion site during needle insertion by the user such that the needle insertion site and an image of the blood vessel and/or needle are simultaneously within the user's field of view.