Scanned Laser Vein Enhancer for Vascular Access Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visualizing subcutaneous veins lack precision, leading to high failure rates and discomfort in vascular access procedures, especially in challenging cases like elderly or obese patients, due to reliance on unaided visualization and palpation.
Innovation Solution
The use of one or more moving laser light sources scanned over the body to detect blood-rich structures through differential absorption of infrared light, with the reflections used to project an image back onto the skin, enhancing vein visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If unaided visualization and palpation are used for vein location, then the procedure is simple and quick to set up, but the accuracy of vascular access is poor leading to high failure rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system that uses infrared light sources and cameras to visualize subcutaneous veins through the skin. This mediator system bridges the gap between simple palpation and direct visual observation, allowing clinicians to see veins that are otherwise invisible through normal inspection, thereby improving localization accuracy without requiring complex surgical exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tactile method of palpation with an optical imaging system. Instead of relying on the clinician's fingers to detect vein pulsations and positions, the system uses infrared light absorption differences to create visual images of subcutaneous structures, substituting mechanical sensing with optical detection for more precise and objective vein location
2Reliability
If multiple insertion attempts are made to locate veins, then the chance of successful access increases, but the discomfort and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing vein visualization and localization before the actual needle insertion procedure. The imaging system allows clinicians to identify and mark the optimal insertion site in advance, ensuring that the first attempt is highly likely to succeed, thereby eliminating the need for multiple retry attempts and reducing overall procedure time
3Measurement precision
If infrared light sources are scanned over the body to detect blood-rich structures, then measurement precision of vein location is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using pulsed infrared light sources instead of continuous illumination. The laser scans the body surface in periodic pulses, allowing the tissue to return to baseline temperature between pulses and reducing overall energy consumption while still providing sufficient signal for detecting blood-rich structures based on differential light absorption
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and discomfort associated with finding veins, improves the accuracy of vascular access, and allows for more efficient administration of medical treatments by providing a clear visual representation of subcutaneous structures.
Implementation Method 1
detect blood-rich structures through differential absorption of infrared light
Implementation Method 2
the reflections used to project an image back onto the skin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.