Scanned Laser Vein Imaging With Eye-Safe Skin Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vein visualization technologies, such as the Luminetx Vein Contrast Enhancer, are bulky and require a fixed distance from the patient, limiting their portability and effectiveness in locating veins, especially in challenging cases like elderly, obese, or pediatric patients, with high failure rates and discomfort due to inaccurate needle insertion.
Innovation Solution
The use of one or more laser light sources scanned over the body using mirrors and a light detector to identify blood-rich structures, projecting a positive or negative image of veins onto the skin, allowing for portable and accurate vein detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser light source is used for vein detection, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to potential eye damage from laser light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful laser light into a beneficial visual aid by projecting the detected vein pattern back onto the patient's skin. The same laser that could potentially harm the eye is used to create a visible guide for needle insertion, transforming a hazard into a useful function that enhances precision while maintaining safety through controlled exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary projection system that acts as a mediator between the laser detection system and the human eye. Instead of directly exposing the eye to laser light for viewing, the system projects the vein pattern onto the skin surface, allowing clinicians to view the pattern indirectly through reflected visible light, thereby eliminating direct laser exposure to the eye.
2Measurement precision
If existing vein visualization technologies are used, then vein detection capability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to bulkiness and fixed distance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser light source, scanning mirrors, detection system, and projection mechanism into a single integrated handheld device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate bulky components and fixed mounting structures, enabling the system to be portable while maintaining full vein detection and visualization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fixed-distance optical systems with dynamic focusing and scanning mechanisms that can adapt to varying distances from the patient's skin. The laser beam is scanned using movable mirrors and the projection system can adjust its focus and position, allowing the device to maintain accurate vein detection and clear image projection regardless of the working distance, thereby enhancing portability and ease of use.
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
Enhances vein visibility with high accuracy and reduces the time and discomfort associated with vein punctures by providing real-time, portable vein detection, even in difficult conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source for emitting a laser beam... to detect the presence of blood through differential absorption
Implementation Method 2
analysis of the pattern of reactions enables the veins to be located
Implementation Method 3
a visible light projector for projecting a visible light image of the pattern of blood vessels directly on to the patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature vein enhancer includes: a housing, one or more movable mirrors, photo detector, and apparatus for transmitting a beam of light that includes a first and second wavelengths in the infrared and the visible spectrum, respectively. The one or more movable mirrors scan the beam onto the target surface. The photo detector is responsive to the first wavelength of light, and thereby receives a contrasted image formed of reflected light at the first wavelength from the target surface. The photo detector outputs an analog signal representing the contrasted image, which is used by the apparatus for transmitting a beam of light to project the contrasted image in combination with the one or more movable mirrors, onto the target surface. A plurality of protruding bars positioned in proximity to an exit window of the housing thereby prevent a user from placing an eye proximate to the optical path.