Rotating Point-of-Care Imaging Display for Single-Hand Vascular Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical procedures, particularly vascular access procedures, face challenges in reducing human error and ensuring efficient and effective performance, especially in identifying suitable blood vessels for treatments.
Innovation Solution
A point-of-care ultrasound guidance apparatus that provides single-hand, direct line-of-sight imaging with 360-degree rotation, integrated with a display and imaging modalities like ultrasound, X-ray, and ultraviolet light, allowing real-time, portable, and efficient vascular access guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional medical procedures are performed without advanced imaging guidance, then the procedure can be performed with simpler equipment, but human error increases and procedure effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (ultrasound, X-ray, ultraviolet) and guidance functions into a single integrated point-of-care apparatus. This merging allows the system to provide comprehensive imaging guidance while maintaining a compact, portable design that can be used at the patient's bedside, thereby improving procedure reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture images using different imaging modalities (ultrasound, X-ray, ultraviolet), process these images, and provide real-time feedback to guide medical procedures. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate tools, improving reliability while keeping the device footprint manageable.
2Ease of operation
If portable imaging equipment is used for point-of-care guidance, then the apparatus can be used at the patient's bedside with greater accessibility, but the imaging capability and image quality may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple imaging modalities (ultrasound, X-ray, ultraviolet) within a single portable apparatus. By combining these different imaging technologies, the system compensates for the limitations of individual modalities and maintains high diagnostic capability while preserving portability for point-of-care use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates image processing and analysis capabilities that act as intermediaries between the raw imaging data and the final diagnostic interpretation. These processing functions enhance image quality and provide actionable guidance, bridging the gap between portable hardware limitations and clinical diagnostic requirements.
3Measurement precision
If real-time imaging feedback is provided during procedures, then human error is reduced and procedure accuracy improves, but the complexity of the guidance system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates image capture, real-time processing, and guidance feedback functions into a single unified system. This merging eliminates the need for separate equipment for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining real-time imaging feedback capability that improves procedure accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms that provide immediate guidance to the operator during procedures. By integrating this feedback loop directly into the portable apparatus, the system improves procedure accuracy without requiring complex external monitoring and communication infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated into a single apparatus, then comprehensive diagnostic capability is achieved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging modalities (ultrasound, X-ray, ultraviolet) into a single integrated apparatus with shared components for image capture, processing, and display. This consolidation achieves comprehensive diagnostic capability while controlling overall device complexity through component sharing and integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple imaging functions using different modalities. By creating a multi-functional device with shared infrastructure, the system achieves high adaptability and versatility without proportionally increasing device size and structural 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
Facilitates accurate identification and access of blood vessels, reducing human error and enhancing the efficiency of medical procedures through real-time imaging and feedback mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) techniques can be used for evaluating vascular conditions and characteristics
Implementation Method 2
integrated with a display and imaging modalities like ultrasound, X-ray, and ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 3
integrated with a display and imaging modalities like ultrasound, X-ray, and ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance apparatus is provided for use with a portable imaging apparatus and an image display. The guidance apparatus comprises a coupling mechanism which may include a slip ring portion structured for receiving the imaging apparatus therein. The coupling mechanism can be structured for: facilitating orienting the image display device to provide a direct line of sight of an area imaged by the imaging apparatus; adjusting to facilitate rotation of the image display device in at least one 360-degree plane of rotation about a longitudinal axis extending through the imaging apparatus; allowing selection of an image display device position associated with a viewing angle of the image display device; and allowing the coupling mechanism, the image display device, and the imaging apparatus, in combination, to be held in a single hand of a user during performance of an imaging procedure.