Optimal Vein Insertion Segment Mapping with Near-Infrared Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular access procedures, such as blood tests and injections, are time-consuming, repetitive, and risky due to human error, and require multiple attempts for patients with difficult blood vessels, necessitating improved methods for determining an optimal insertion segment in blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using near-infrared imaging and linear structure detection filters to automatically determine an optimal insertion segment, including an insertion point, direction, and length, which is independent of skin pigmentation and patient morphology, enabling precise and efficient needle insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual needle insertion is performed by healthcare staff, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming, repetitive, and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting veins, determining optimal insertion segments, and guiding needle insertion without requiring manual operator intervention for these critical functions. The automated vein detection and insertion guidance system eliminates human error while maintaining procedural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical needle insertion with an automated system that uses image processing, computer vision, and robotic control mechanisms. The near-infrared imaging system and automated guidance replace the operator's visual inspection and manual needle handling, improving both speed and reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple needle insertion attempts are made for patients with difficult blood vessels, then the operator can find a suitable vein, but the patient experiences pain and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting and mapping all suitable veins before needle insertion begins. The near-infrared imaging and vein detection algorithms identify optimal insertion points in advance, allowing the operator to select the best vein on the first attempt without requiring multiple painful trials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system between the operator and the patient's blood vessels. The automated vein detection and insertion guidance system acts as a mediator that provides precise anatomical information and guidance, enabling accurate first-attempt insertion and eliminating the need for repeated painful attempts.
3Measurement precision
If automated vein detection systems are implemented, then the precision and consistency of insertion point selection is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing near-infrared wavelengths for imaging, which penetrate skin and reveal vein structures with high contrast. This physical parameter change enables accurate vein detection without requiring complex mechanical or electronic scanning systems, achieving high precision through optical property exploitation rather than system complexity.
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
Enables automatic and autonomous determination of optimal insertion segments, reducing human error and increasing the success and safety of needle insertion, applicable to a wide range of patient profiles with varied skin characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a step of illuminating the part of the patient's body with near-infrared lighting
Implementation Method 2
a step of acquiring near-infrared images of the part of the patient's body with at least one camera
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining at least one optimal insertion segment (810a, 810b, 810c, 810d) in a patient's limb, for the purposes of inserting a needle into a vein of the patient, the segment (810a, 810b, 810c, 810d) being representative of an insertion point (820a, 820b, 820c, 820d), an insertion direction and a maximum insertion length, the method comprising a step of illuminating, by means of near infrared illumination, the patient's limb, a step of acquiring near infrared images of the patient's limb, a step of pre-processing the acquired images to obtain an image of the veins, a step of applying a linear structure detection filter to the image of the veins to obtain a vascular profile map, a step of binarising the vascular profile map, a step of skeletonising the veins, a step of defining insertion segments on the basis of the skeletonised veins, and a step of classifying the insertion segments according to predetermined classification parameters.