Subcutaneous Access Device with Integrated Transillumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subcutaneous access devices for visualizing veins and other structures are cumbersome, inefficient, and not optimized for portable use in various environments, leading to difficulties in accessing veins, especially in emergency or adverse conditions, and often require multiple attempts due to light loss and separate components.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered subcutaneous access device with a built-in light source and attachment mechanism for hands-free transillumination, featuring an optically transparent layer, support structure, and reflective or absorbing materials to minimize light loss and enhance visualization, allowing efficient and comfortable access to subcutaneous structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate light source and support structure are used, then device flexibility is improved, but device complexity and light loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, support structure, and attachment mechanism into a single integrated handheld device. This merging eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining adaptability through the integrated design that allows hands-free operation and portable use in various environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the light source for transillumination, and includes attachment mechanisms for hands-free operation. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining versatility across different medical settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate light source and support structure are used, then device assembly flexibility is improved, but light loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the light source directly into the support structure, the patent eliminates light loss that would occur at connection interfaces between separate components. The unified design ensures optimal light transmission for transillumination while maintaining assembly flexibility through the integrated handheld configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple needle sticks are performed, then vein access success rate is improved, but patient discomfort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary vein visualization through transillumination before needle insertion. By illuminating the subcutaneous structures in advance, the healthcare provider can identify suitable veins on the first attempt, eliminating the need for multiple needle sticks and reducing both time consumption and patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source acts as an intermediary that reveals hidden subcutaneous structures. This intermediary visualization tool enables the provider to see veins that would otherwise be difficult to locate, improving first-attempt success rates and reducing the need for repeated procedures.
4Illumination intensity
If adequate environmental lighting is provided, then vein visualization is improved, but portability and emergency use capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting function directly into the portable handheld device. This integration provides adequate illumination for vein visualization while maintaining portability, allowing the device to be easily transported and used in emergency situations where environmental lighting may be insufficient or unavailable.
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
The device facilitates rapid, convenient, and comfortable visualization and access to subcutaneous structures, reducing the need for multiple attempts and improving efficiency in diverse environments, including emergency situations, by minimizing light loss and integrating essential components for effective transillumination.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for transillumination of a body portion of interest of a patient's body
Implementation Method 2
reflective or absorbing materials to minimize light loss
Implementation Method 3
reflective or absorbing materials to minimize light loss
Data Source
AI summary
A subcutaneous access device of the invention comprises: a multi-layered structure capable of use in a medical imaging procedure; a light source for transillumination of a body portion of interest of a patient's body; and an attachment portion for attaching the device to the patient's body in a manner such that the body portion of interest is outwardly exposed on a side of the patient's body opposite the light source. The device facilitates hands-free transillumination of the body portion of interest. Kits for subcutaneous access comprise the subcutaneous access device and a light detector for detecting light emitted from the subcutaneous access device.