MXPA03006609A - Apparatus and method for viewing vasculature of a human being. - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to an innovative device and method for non-invasive, real time viewing of the veins and arteries within the human body, which is characterized for comprising:(a) an enclosure and a light emitting source within the enclosure; (b) a plurality of fiber optic cables having a first end and a second end, said first end proximate to said light emitting source; (c) a platform configured to support a portion of the human anatomy located adjacent said second end of said plurality of fiber optic cables; and (d) a light receiving device positioned above said platform and configured to receive infrared light emitted from said light emitting source; (e) a protective transmission filter fixed between the first end of the plurality of fiber optic cables and the light emitting source; and wherein the portion of the human anatomy supported on said platform is positioned between the second end of said plurality of fiber optic cables and said light receiving device and the light pa ssing completely through the portion of human anatomy is received by the receiving device.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE VISUALIZATION OF THE VASCULATURE OF A HUMAN BEING FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is related to an innovative device and non-invasive method, for real-time visualization of veins and arteries within the human body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Generally, it is necessary to invade the human body to clearly visualize the venous structures, arteries and capillaries. This is desirable to know the physical location and positioning of certain vasculature prior to and during the medical procedure such as diagnostic tests or treatments. There is no known device that allows the subdural vasculature of the human body to be seen clearly, in real time, outside of the invasion procedure of the body.

It is known that in order to see portions of the human anatomy, translumination is beneficial, or subjecting the anatomy to intense visible light. If the intensity of the visible light is quite large, it is possible to visualize certain portions of the subdural anatomy. Particularly, transillumination has been used to determine certain abnormalities, such as encephalitis, in infants. The small size of the child's anatomy allows some visualization as abnormalities with the use of direct transillumination, which puts an intense light from the opposite source, or one hundred and eighty degrees from the inspected site, with the infant in the middle. However such translumination is useful only to determine the general shape and structure within the body and does not facilitate the visualization of specific organs or body systems. In addition, the need for intense light for a complete translumination of the body is extremely heated and can be uncomfortable or painful.

Other medical devices allow the visualization of internal structures of the body such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or CAT scanning. None of these procedures actually show real-time images of the internal structure, nor do they show the location or function of the general vasculature. The use of Doppler scanning provides some limited examination of blood flow in the subdural vasculature. However, the images provided are generally of poor quality and are not provided in real time. Therefore, it is difficult, if not impossible, to locate restrictions of blood flow, poor circulation problems or occlusions of the arteries.

There are known devices that provide physicians with information on the vasculature situation or identify vasculature irregularities but which do not provide real time visualizations of the vasculature, or which require surgical or laproscopic procedures.

It is known that by using a narrow spectral bandwidth of visible light or almost visible light, in a controlled environment, they allow a visual inspection of the contents or interior of a relatively opaque object.

Some device does not allow for significant visualization of subdural vasculature and can be used to view relatively small portions of the body, usually at or near the skin.

MAIN OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION Generally, opaque objects are impenetrable to visible light rays and translucent objects admit and diffuse visible light in such a way that objects beyond matter can not be clearly distinguished.

The device of the invention is an electronic display apparatus that is configured to capture an image of the interior structure of the human body, particularly the vasculature, then converts the electronic sign into a visible means that are displayed on a video monitor or recorded to be seen. While the device can be used to view the vasculature of any portion of the human body, it is adapted to see the vasculature of the forearm and hand particularly.

The device provides a platform after which the portion of the human anatomy is placed and can be seen, and subjected to an electronic image sensor that scans the anatomical portion and then converts the image of the inner vasculature into an electronic video sign . It is necessary to protect the anatomical portion of the body to be seen from the full external visible light and therefore, that the device is used in a dark room or within the confines of a curtained area.

When used properly, the inventive device provides visualization of the veins and arteries of the part of the body to be examined and will show the abnormalities clearly in the structure of the veins and arteries. Further, the device allows the user to see in real time the flow of blood that can help diagnose vascular disorders or diseases. The device uses light transfer components that alleviate the heat intensity problem.

A principal objective and advantage of the invention is to provide an apparatus that allows a user to visualize the inner vasculature of a human being without invading the body and generally to provide such an apparatus that is useful, reliable, effective, and environmentally friendly.

It is also an objective and advantage of the inventive device to allow obtaining a visual image by passing light of a known spectral band through a translucent or opaque object.

Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide an apparatus that will allow the visualization of vasculature abnormalities during diagnosis and treatment procedures.

It is also an object and advantage of the invention to transfer an illuminative light in a manner that mitigates the problems with the amount of heat generated by the light source.

It is further an object and advantage of the invention to provide a device that can record one, two or three visible dimensional images of the interior structure of an opaque or translucent object by passing light of a known bandwidth through the object.

Still another object and advantage of the invention is to provide an apparatus that allows the user to trace the vasculature of the human body easily.

Still another objective and advantage of the inventive apparatus is to provide an inexpensive medical device that is easy to use and easy to maintain.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which constitute a part of this specification and where the examples of the embodiments of the present invention are set forth below to illustrate the various objects and features. of these.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An electronic display device for transillumination and exposure of the vasculature of the human anatomy visually passing infrared light through the portion of the anatomy to be studied and receiving infrared light that passes through the flesh and bone. By the reception only of infrared light that is passed through the body, a real-time image of the vasculature can be visualized, as infrared light does not pass through the blood-filled organs, namely the veins, arteries and capillary. A method is outlined which describes the steps of putting the human anatomy to be studied adjacent to a light source, receiving infrared light that passes through the anatomy and visualizing the resulting image of the human vasculature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a sectional side view of one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are set forth below; however, it will be understood that the embodiments set forth are merely exemplifications of the invention, which may be included in various forms. Accordingly, specific structural and functional details set forth herein will not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art variously employing the present invention in virtually any properly detailed structure.

The reference numeral 1 generally refers to an image apparatus according to the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The image apparatus 1 is provided with a light source 10 which can emit visible light having a predetermined emission of infrared light waves, or which can emit infrared light. The light source 10 is fixed movably within an enclosure 14. At least one mechanism for transferring light 16, having a first end 17 and a second end 18, such as a common optical fiber, is fixed to the enclosure 14 with the first end 17 being kept within enclosure 14 next to light source 10 and operatively positioned to receive the emitted light and transfer it for the second end 18. The apparatus may be provided with an optical filter 19 which may be an ultraviolet filter, a polarizing filter or a heat protection filter, or combination of these filters. The enclosure 14 may have a ventilation mechanism 15 such as a fan.

Attached to the enclosure 14 is a platform 20, which has a lower surface 21 and an upper surface 22, with the upper surface 22 configured to support a portion of the human anatomy such as an arm, leg or torso. The second end 18 is fixed at a predetermined position adjacent to the platform 20 which, in the preferred embodiment, is fitted with a translucent member 24 which allows light from the second end 18 to pass through the upper surface 22.

A portion of the human anatomy is placed on the upper surface 22 in a manner that allows the light emitted from the second end 18 to pass in and through the anatomy. A light receiving apparatus 27 is fixed at a predetermined distance on the upper surface 22, such as a zero lux chamber, adapted to receive low levels of infrared light. While visible light does not readily cross the human body, except at extremely high intensity, infrared light passes through tissue and bone but not through blood. Accordingly, infrared light passing from the light source 10 through the light transfer mechanism 16 and passing inside the human body will be received by the light receiving apparatus 27. A monitor 29 is operatively connected to the receiving apparatus of light 27 which allows the user to see the infrared light transmitted, and the resulting image of the vasculature is examined. Due to the physical propensity of infrared light described above, the user will see a real-time image of the organs or systems filled with blood, ie the veins, arteries and capillaries.

It is necessary to operate the innovative imaging apparatus 1 in an environment that is dark or no visible light between the platform 20 and the light receiving apparatus 27. An optional opaque curtain 31 may extend over the platform 20 and the light receiving apparatus 27. The images obtained can be archived with a recording device.

Referring to Figure 2, a light reducer 35 will be provided which will facilitate the change and electrically control of the intensity of light emitted. In addition, a selector switch 37 allows the operator to mechanically and electrically choose between multiple sources of light 10 provided, which are preferably an infrared bulb and an incandescent bulb.

The platform 20 can be configured to support a specific portion of the human anatomy that is to be examined, such as the forearm and hand. A predetermined number of light transfer mechanisms 16 facilitate the proper observation of various portions of the anatomy. For example, seven separately-spaced 16 light transfer mechanisms, i.e. optical fiber cables, have been determined to illuminate the vasculature of the forearm and hand properly.

Figure 3 illustrates another configuration of the innovative device wherein the enclosure 14 is provided with a concave area 41 on the platform 20 to facilitate access and maneuverability. The concave area 41 allows the patient and the operator to work comfortably in the relatively small area.

Considering that the present invention has been described in relation to the attached drawings, it should be understood that other and extensive modifications, apart from those shown or suggested here, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims (7)

CLAIMS What is claimed and wishes to be covered by the Patent Title is as follows:

1. An apparatus of images for observing the human vasculature, comprising: (a) an enclosure and a source of light emission within the enclosure; (b) a plurality of fiber optic cables having a first end and a second end, said first end proximate said source of light emission; (c) a platform, configured to support a portion of the human anatomy located adjacent said second end of said plurality of fiber optic cables; and (d) a light receiving device positioned on said platform and configured to receive the infrared light emitted from the source of light emission; (e) a transmission protective filter fixed between the first end of the plurality of fiber optic cables and the source of light emission; and wherein the portion of the human anatomy supported on said platform is positioned between the second end of said plurality of fiber optic cables and said light receiving device and the light passed completely through the human anatomy portion is received by the receiving device.

2. The image apparatus of the indication rei 1 wherein the transmission protective filter is a polarization filter removably mounted between said first end of said plurality of fiber optic cables and said source of light emission.

3. The imaging apparatus of claim 1 wherein the transmission protective filter is an ultraviolet filter removably mounted between said first end of said plurality of fiber optic cables and said source of light emission.

4. The image apparatus of claim 1 wherein further said source of light emission further comprises at least one incandescent light source and at least one infrared light source.

5. The image apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a knob for selectively operating said at least one incandescent light source and said at least one infrared light source.

6. The image apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control for controlling the intensity of said source of light emission.

7. The image apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an enclosure of! light receiving device removably mounted on said light receiving device and said platform wherein said room operatively decreases the visible light within said room.