Vein Scope and Injection System for Guided Venous Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices lack the capability to safely and efficiently locate blood vessels beneath the skin for precise venous access, as they do not provide effective guidance for needle insertion or fluid exchange.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a monitor assembly with an image viewing surface, a support assembly for positioning the monitor, and a needle handling assembly that guides a needle or syringe to accurately locate and access body passageways, such as blood vessels, beneath the skin, allowing for insertion or removal of fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional medical devices are used for locating blood vessels, then the procedure is simpler in terms of device structure, but the safety and precision of venous access is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the scope assembly for visualizing blood vessels, the needle handling assembly for precise needle insertion, and the fluid injection/withdrawal capability all merge into one unified system. This integration ensures that the needle path is continuously visualized while maintaining the ability to perform fluid exchange, thereby improving safety without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical device performs multiple functions: it visualizes blood vessels using the scope assembly, guides needle insertion through the needle handling assembly, and enables fluid injection or withdrawal. This multi-functionality allows a single device to accomplish what previously required multiple separate tools, improving reliability while the integrated design manages the complexity systematically.
2Measurement precision
If a needle is inserted to access blood vessels without visualization, then the procedure is faster, but the precision of needle placement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The scope assembly is inserted and positioned to visualize the blood vessel path before the needle is inserted. This preliminary visualization allows the operator to identify the exact target location and plan the needle trajectory in advance, ensuring precise placement while minimizing adjustment time during the actual needle insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The scope provides real-time visual feedback of the needle's position relative to the blood vessel during insertion. This continuous feedback allows the operator to make precise adjustments to the needle trajectory, ensuring accurate placement while the streamlined process maintains efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If the medical device includes all visualization and guidance features, then the accuracy of blood vessel location is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: the scope assembly for visualization, the needle handling assembly for needle management, and the injection system for fluid exchange. Each module can be independently controlled and optimized, allowing high precision functionality while managing complexity through modular design that enables separate assembly and maintenance.
4Reliability
If the needle handling assembly is reusable, then the cost is reduced, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle handling assembly is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the risk of contamination from repeated sterilization cycles and ensures sterility is maintained. While each unit costs more than a reusable component, the elimination of sterilization infrastructure and the prevention of contamination-related complications provide overall cost effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device adapted to a view one or more body passageways in a body portion.