Vein Mapping Device Using Ultrasonic Probe and Skin Printer
Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter insertion techniques face challenges in accurately identifying and locating suitable veins, particularly for pediatric patients, with a lower success rate due to difficulties in locating non-superficial or deep veins.
Innovation Solution
The development of devices and systems that utilize an ultrasonic probe to identify vein locations beneath the skin and a print head to create vein maps on the skin's surface, providing two-dimensional or three-dimensional representations with depth information, aiding clinicians in targeting veins for catheter insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional catheter insertion techniques are used, then the process is simple and quick, but the success rate is low especially for deep veins in pediatric patients
Solution Approach 1:
The vein mapping device performs preliminary identification and visualization of veins before catheter insertion. The ultrasonic probe scans the patient's skin to locate veins, and the vein map is printed on the skin surface to guide the insertion process, allowing clinicians to plan the insertion route in advance and improve success rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visualization system between the clinician and the target vein. The ultrasonic probe acts as an intermediary to detect vein locations, and the printed vein map serves as an intermediary visual guide on the skin surface, bridging the gap between the hidden deep veins and the clinician's visual inspection.
2Reliability
If deep veins are targeted for catheter insertion, then successful access is achieved, but locating these veins becomes significantly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical visual inspection method with an ultrasonic detection system. The ultrasonic probe uses sound waves to penetrate the skin and detect vein locations at various depths, substituting the limited mechanical vision with acoustic imaging capabilities that can visualize deep structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a depth dimension to vein visualization by using ultrasonic technology. Instead of only surface-level visual inspection, the system provides three-dimensional information about vein depth, allowing clinicians to distinguish between superficial and deep veins and select appropriate insertion angles.
3Measurement precision
If visual guidance of vein depth and width is provided, then catheter insertion accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device. The ultrasonic probe combines vein detection, depth measurement, and width assessment capabilities, while the printing system integrates information display and visual guidance functions, creating a unified vein mapping device that provides comprehensive measurement precision.
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 the success rate of vein location identification, improving catheter insertion accuracy and ease by providing visual guidance on vein depth and width, thereby facilitating more effective catheter placement.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic probe may be configured to identify a location of a target vein beneath the patient's skin via ultrasound
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method for printing a vein map onto a patient's skin may include a probe and a printer. The probe may be configured to identify a location of a target vein beneath the patient's skin. The printer may be configured to receive the location and, using the location, print the vein map onto the patient's skin to indicate the location. The vein map may comprise antimicrobial ink printed onto the patient's skin with one or more colors and/or one or more patterns. The vein map may be a two-dimensional vein map or a three-dimensional vein map that indicates the location of the target vein within the patient, a width of the target vein, and/or a depth of the target vein within the patient.