Intravenous Needle IR Camera Vein Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Needle insertion into veins can be challenging due to difficulty in visualizing deeper veins, leading to pain, bruising, and discomfort for patients, as existing methods like NIR-based vein finders are limited in depth and ultrasound devices are expensive and bulky.
Innovation Solution
An intravenous therapy system with a hollow needle containing an IR camera, light sources, and a comparator that provides audio and visual feedback for optimal insertion trajectory, allowing easier detection and access to veins, reducing tissue damage and patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NIR-based vein finders are used to detect veins, then superficial veins can be visualized, but detection depth is limited to 4-6 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical vein finding methods with infrared imaging technology. The infrared camera detects thermal radiation from blood vessels, allowing visualization of deeper veins beyond the 4-6 mm limitation of NIR-based methods. This substitution of detection mechanism enables clinicians to see and access deeper veins without increasing procedural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound-based devices are used to identify deeper veins, then detection depth is improved, but device cost and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an infrared camera system that is significantly less expensive and more portable than ultrasound equipment. The infrared imaging device can be implemented as a smaller, lighter system that does not require the bulky infrastructure of ultrasound machines, making it suitable for point-of-care settings and improving accessibility in various clinical environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes ultrasound technology with infrared thermal imaging. This replacement maintains the capability to detect deeper veins while eliminating the portability and cost disadvantages of ultrasound equipment. The infrared system uses thermal radiation detection rather than sound wave propagation, enabling a more compact and affordable device design.
3Device complexity
If unassisted needle insertions are attempted into subcutaneous layers, then equipment cost is reduced, but patient pain and tissue damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the infrared camera to identify and mark the optimal insertion site and trajectory before needle insertion. The system provides real-time guidance during the procedure, allowing clinicians to see deeper veins and plan the insertion path in advance. This preliminary visualization reduces the number of blind insertion attempts, thereby decreasing patient pain and tissue damage while maintaining equipment simplicity.
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
Facilitates easier and more comfortable needle insertion by providing real-time feedback on vein location, reducing pain and bruising, and enabling more precise vascular access without the need for expensive ultrasound equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a comparator compares an amount of black-body radiation received at the IR detector
Implementation Method 2
a first light source to emit a first wavelength of IR light; and a second light source to emit a second wavelength of IR light
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous therapy system may include a hollow needle comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising a sharp tip for insertion into a vein; an infrared (IR) camera placed within a hollow portion of the hollow needle, including: an IR detector; a first light source to emit a first wavelength of IR light; and a second light source to emit a second wavelength of IR light; a comparator to, upon execution of a processor communicatively coupled to the comparator, compare an amount of reflected light received at the IR detector during activation of the first light and second light and provide an indication of light absorption within a vein.