RU2776765C1 - Intravenous therapeutic system for detecting blood vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to medicine. Variants of the blood vessel detection system contain: a hollow needle containing a distal end containing a sharp tip for insertion into a vein, a hollow needle and a proximal end containing an intravenous supply connection; an infrared (IR) camera located with the possibility of extraction inside the hollow section of the hollow needle containing an IR detector; the first light source for emitting IR radiation with the first wavelength from the hollow section and a second light source for emitting IR radiation with the second wavelength from the hollow section; a comparator made with the possibility of connection to an IR camera, and the comparator, at the request of a processor connected with the possibility of communication with the comparator, compares the amount of reflected light radiation received by the IR detector during the activation of the first light source and the second light source and providing an indication of light absorption in the vein; and a sound indicator connected with the possibility of communication with a comparator, containing an acoustic system to provide feedback to the user of a blood vessel detection system indicating the optimal trajectory of insertion of a hollow needle into the body based on the detected amount of reflected light radiation received by the IR detector.

EFFECT: use of this group of inventions will make it easy to insert a needle into the patient’s body.

20 cl, 9 dwg

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Needles can be used for many types of infusion therapy. For example, needles can be used to infuse fluids such as saline, various drugs, and parenteral nutrition into a patient's body. Needles may also be used to draw blood from the patient's body. To facilitate insertion into the body, the needle includes a distal tip that has a bevel used to interact with the patient's skin when the bevel is facing away from the patient's skin. During use of the needle, the needle is inserted at a low angle through the patient's skin into the patient's vein to draw blood or administer a drug or a plurality of drugs.

[0002] Insertion of a needle into a vein can sometimes be difficult for phlebotomists, clinicians, and other medical professionals because the vein can be difficult to see or palpate. Fever, dehydration, and age of the patient may all contribute to the inability to access certain blood vessels in the patient. Near-infrared vein finders, for example, can show superficial veins as deep as 4-6mm in a person's arm. This depth in the human body, however, may not be sufficient to allow the clinician to easily access certain veins. Devices based on the use of ultrasound can identify those veins that are much deeper than 4-6 mm. However, ultrasound machines are expensive and bulky to be used in all cases. As a result, clinicians, when inserting a needle into the patient's subcutaneous layer, can only hope to gain access to a blood vessel. Such administrations devoid of any assistance, especially if a number of consecutive administrations are attempted, can cause significant pain, bruising, discomfort and fear in patients undergoing such administrations.

[0003] The subject matter of the invention as claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that overcome any disadvantages or operate only in the environments described herein. Rather, this background information is provided to describe the environment in which the embodiments described herein may operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates generally to venous access devices, as well as related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the implementation of the intravenous therapeutic system provides for the detection of veins in the body of the patient. The intravenous therapeutic system may include a hollow needle containing a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end contains a sharp tip for insertion into a vein. In some embodiments, an infrared (IR) camera is located in the hollow portion of the cannula. In some embodiments, the IR camera includes an IR detector; a first light source for emitting IR radiation at a first wavelength; and a second light source for emitting IR radiation at a second wavelength. In some embodiments, a comparator may be communicatively coupled to an IR camera such that, at the request of the processor, the comparator compares the amount of black body radiation received by the IR detector during the activation of the first light source and the second light source, and detects the maximum absorption of light in the vein. . Thus, the embodiments presented herein provide relatively easier and less costly methods for inserting a needle into a patient's blood vessels. During operation of the intravenous therapeutic system, the clinician can more easily insert the needle into the patient's body, limiting damage to the patient's body during this procedure, as well as increasing the level of physical and mental comfort for the patient. Due to the portability of the intravenous therapy system, the clinician can activate the intravenous therapy system whenever a patient needs blood sampling or a drug needs to be administered to the patient.

[0005] In some embodiments, the intravenous therapeutic system may include an audible indicator. In some embodiments, the audio indicator may include an acoustic system to provide feedback to the user of the intravenous therapeutic system indicating the optimal insertion path of the cannula into the body based on the detected level of light absorption by the IR detector. By providing an audible indicator, the clinician can receive input from the acoustic system regarding the location of the needle when the clinician inserts the needle into the patient's body.

[0006] In some embodiments, the intravenous therapeutic system may further include an armband communicatively coupled to a comparator. In some embodiments, the armband may include a visual indicator that includes a light indicator to provide feedback to the user of the intravenous therapeutic system indicating the optimal insertion path of the cannula into the body based on the detected level of light absorption by the IR detector. With the armband, the embodiments presented herein may allow the clinician to visually determine the position of the needle in the patient's body during insertion. In some embodiments, the armband may include both a visual indicator and an audible indicator. In these embodiments, a visual or audible indicator may indicate to the clinician the position of the needle in the patient's body in x-y coordinates, while the second of these indicators may indicate to the clinician the position of the needle in the patient's body along the z-axis.

[0007] In some embodiments, the IR camera can be selectively removed from the hollow portion of the cannula. In these embodiments, the clinician, while using the intravenous therapeutic system, may insert a needle into the patient's body to guide the needle into the patient's blood vessel. Once the vein is reached, the clinician can remove the IR camera from the needle cavity, for example by pulling the IR camera out of the distal end of the needle. This may provide some additional blood flow from the needle. In a particular embodiment, the IR camera and its components may remain in the needle cavity while drawing blood from the patient's body or administering drugs to the patient's body through the needle of the intravenous therapeutic system.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first light source and the second light source may emit light at certain different wavelengths. In some embodiments, the implementation of the first light source emits IR radiation with a first wavelength from 940 nm to 980 nm. In some embodiment, the second light source emits IR radiation with a second wavelength from 630 nm to 780 nm. In some embodiments, the IR camera may emit IR at a first wavelength at a first light source, and upon detecting the presence of a blood vessel by a comparator, the IR camera emits IR at a second wavelength at a second light source.

[0009] In some embodiments, the IR camera components may further include an IR detector, which further includes a photodiode optically coupled to an optical fiber passing through the cavity of the cannula. This may allow larger IR camera components not to be placed in the needle cavity, increasing usable space in the needle cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the IR camera components may include a first light source that further comprises a first light emitting diode (LED) optically coupled to an optical fiber extending through the cavity of a cannula. This may allow larger IR camera components not to be placed in the needle cavity, increasing usable space in the needle cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the IR camera components may include a second light source that further includes a second light emitting diode (LED) optically coupled to an optical fiber extending through the cavity of the cannula. This may allow larger IR camera components not to be placed in the needle cavity, increasing usable space in the needle cavity.

[0012] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are given by way of example, are explanatory in nature, and do not limit the claimed invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the circuits and technical means shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be used, and design changes, if not stated, may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. The following description is thus not to be taken in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained more specifically and similarly using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a needle of an intravenous therapeutic system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a needle of an intravenous therapeutic system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 is a side view of a needle containing an IR camera according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 is a sectional view of a needle containing an IR camera according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an intravenous therapeutic system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6A is a plan view of a needle of an intravenous therapeutic system inserted into a patient's arm, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6B is a plan view of a needle of an intravenous therapeutic system inserted into a patient's arm, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6C is a plan view of a needle of an intravenous therapeutic system inserted into a patient's arm, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 7 is a partial sectional view of a needle of an intravenous therapeutic system inserted into a patient's arm, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 8 is a flowchart depicting a method for manipulating an intravenous therapeutic system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 9 is a flowchart depicting a method of manufacturing an intravenous therapeutic system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0025] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the site on the needle of an intravenous therapeutic system that, during use, is closest to the clinician using the intravenous therapeutic system and farthest from the patient on whom the device is being used. Conversely, the term "distal" refers to the site on the needle of the intravenous therapeutic system that, during use, is furthest away from the clinician administering the intravenous therapeutic system and closest to the patient on whom the intravenous therapeutic system is being used.

[0026] As used herein, the term "top", "up", or "pointing up" refers to the site on the needle of a given intravenous therapeutic system that, during use, is located radially from the longitudinal axis of the intravenous therapeutic system and is directed away from the patient's skin. On the contrary, in the context of this document, the term "them", "down" or "pointing down" refers to the site on the needle of this intravenous therapeutic system, which during use is located radially from the longitudinal axis of the device and directed towards the skin of the patient.

[0027] In the context of this document, the term "in" or "within" refers to the site related to the needle of this intravenous therapeutic system, which during use is directed inside the intravenous therapeutic system. On the contrary, in the context of this document, the term "outside" or "outside" refers to the area related to the needle of this intravenous therapeutic system, which during use is directed outside the intravenous therapeutic system.

[0028] The present invention is described herein using the same reference numerals for the same elements in various embodiments. Although the embodiments presented herein are used in relation to an intravenous therapeutic system for drawing blood or administering a drug to a patient, it should be understood that this intravenous therapeutic system is applicable to other medical devices that require insertion of a needle into a patient's blood vessel. Furthermore, while embodiments of the intravenous therapeutic system may take various forms, the drawings show and describe in detail herein preferred embodiments of the invention within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the intravenous therapeutic system provided herein includes a needle 100. Needle 100 can be any type of needle that can be inserted into a patient's body to reach a blood vessel or vessels patient. The needle 100 includes a sharp distal tip 105 formed by a bevel and a proximal end connected to the distal end of the needle hub 110. In some embodiments, the implementation of the needle 100 may be made of stainless steel. Materials that can be used to form the needle hub 110 include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic polymer resins such as polycarbonate, polyester, polypropylene, and the like. The present invention contemplates, however, that other materials may be used to construct needle hub 110 and needle 100.

[0030] The needle hub 110 may be tapered, where a smaller diameter portion of the tapered shape is connected to the proximal end of the needle 100. This configuration may facilitate insertion of another medical device within the cavity of the needle 100, such as the IR camera described herein, or other types of devices, such as a guidewire, into the proximal end of the needle 100. In addition, the smaller cone-shaped area may improve the initial imaging of blood when blood is drawn from the proximal end of the needle 100 due to the higher blood flow front velocity caused by the smaller cone-shaped area. In some embodiments provided herein, the IR camera, during insertion into the cavity of the needle 100, may allow fluids, such as blood or drugs, to pass through the cavity of the needle 100. In this embodiment, components of the IR camera may be incorporated into the cavity of the needle 100 so as to allow such passage of blood, drugs, or both. Needle hub 110 may be configured to communicate with any of a variety of connections, such as a fluid reservoir. The needle hub 110 may, in some embodiments, include a pair of finger grips or a notch located around the needle hub 110. The notch may allow the clinician to easily interact when pairing the needle 100 with other medical devices. Thus, the needle hub 110 can provide a comfortable gripping surface for the clinician and an easily recognizable finger position that allows the clinician's fingers not to come into contact with the needle 100 or its distal tip 105.

[0031] As used herein, in some embodiments, needle 100 may include an infrared (IR) camera on the hollow portion of needle 100. In some embodiments, the IR camera may include an IR detector. An IR detector may be any device that detects reflected or emitted light. In one embodiment, the IR detector can detect this light when illuminated by the first light source or the second light source. In one embodiment, the light detected by the IR detector may be near infrared, mid infrared, or far infrared. In some embodiments, the detected light may have a wavelength spectrum extending from the nominal red end of the visible spectrum at a wavelength of 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. In one embodiment, the light emitted by the IR detector may have a wavelength between 940 nm and 980 nm. In one embodiment, the light detected by the IR detector may have a wavelength of 960 nm. In one embodiment, the light emitted by the IR detector may have a wavelength between 620 nm and 980 nm. In one embodiment, the light detected by the IR detector may have a wavelength of 660 nm.

[0032] As used herein, the light detected by an IR detector may depend on the light source associated with the IR camera, the operating mode of the IR camera, or both. In the present description, it is assumed that the IR camera can detect any infrared radiation that satisfies the requirements of a particular application of the principles described herein, including the detection of infrared radiation after the needle 100 is inserted into the body or into a blood vessel.

[0033] The needle 100 may include any number of devices that allow the selective passage of blood or drugs, respectively, from or into the body. Examples of these additional devices may include, but are not limited to, exit plugs, fluid channels, and valves. The present description, therefore, contemplates the use of these additional devices, connected to or incorporated in the needle 100, which satisfy the requirements of a particular application of the principles described herein.

[0034] In one embodiment, the IR camera located in the cavity of the needle 100 may further include one or more light sources. In one particular embodiment, the light sources may include a first light source and a second light source. The first and second light sources may be located in the cavity of the needle 100 along with an IR detector as described herein. The first and second light sources may emit IR radiation at a specific wavelength. In one particular embodiment, the first light source may emit a first IR radiation at a first wavelength or wavelength range, while the second light source emits a second IR radiation at a second wavelength or wavelength range. In some embodiments, the wavelength range of the IR radiation emitted by the first IR light source may overlap with the wavelength or wavelength range of the radiation emitted by the second IR light source. In some embodiments, the wavelength range of the IR radiation emitted by the second IR light source may overlap with the wavelength or wavelength range of the radiation emitted by the first IR light source.

[0035] In one embodiment, the IR camera may be in wireless communication with the processor to provide feedback to the processor regarding detected IR wavelengths. In this embodiment, the IR camera may be installed in the needle 100 when the needle is inserted or withdrawn from the patient's body. In some embodiments, after insertion of the needle 100 into the patient's body, an IR camera may be used to determine the position of the needle 100 in the patient's body relative to a blood vessel such as a vein or artery. In the human body, for example, the blood vessels of the circulatory system transport blood throughout the body. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood towards the heart. A distinctive feature of veins, for example, is the presence of a number of valves formed in them to prevent the back flow of blood away from the heart. During use of the needle 100, certain infusion fluids, drugs, parenteral nutrition, or other drugs may be injected into a vein to cause those drugs to enter the blood stream where they enter the heart and are distributed throughout the body. In some situations, it is desirable to distribute these drugs throughout the body by administering these drugs into the veins rather than injecting the drugs into other soft tissues in the body or even into an artery. Since administration of drugs into an artery may not result in efficient and uniform distribution of these drugs throughout the body, the IR camera provided herein may provide feedback on whether a needle is inserted into a vein or artery. In use, the needle 100 may be inserted into the human body at a location where a vein is expected to be located. During insertion, the IR camera may emit IR radiation from the first IR light source or the second IR light source, or both. Any reflected IR radiation can be reflected back to the IR detector of the IR camera, captured and analyzed to determine the signal strength (i.e. intensity, wavelength, frequency, and other indicators). When the distal tip 105 of the needle 100 is directed toward a blood vessel, the reflected IR signal strength may indicate the type of blood vessel in front of the IR camera. In one particular embodiment, the signal level received by the IR camera may be weaker where the absorption of IR radiation by the blood is higher. For example, the relative levels of absorbed/reflected light detected by an IR camera can indicate whether a blood vessel is a vein or an artery due to the oxygen content present in the blood contained in this type of blood vessels. Oxygenated blood in an artery, for example, absorbs more IR radiation than deoxygenated blood in a vein at wavelengths greater than 800 nm. This character of the change in absorption becomes opposite at wavelengths less than 800 nm. In one embodiment, differences in the reflection of radiation at one or more different wavelengths may indicate the position of the needle 100 relative to a vein or artery.

[0036] According to the present description, an IR camera that includes an IR detector and two different emitting diodes with an IR wavelength or a near IR wavelength can be used to initially scan an area of interest along a patient's body for a length near-IR wavelengths (e.g. 960 nm) to identify an area with a low level of reflected radiation associated with a high absorption of this radiation, which indicates the presence of a blood vessel. The IR camera can then switch to IR at a different wavelength (eg 650-760 nm). In this embodiment, if the absorbance increases, the detected blood vessel is a vein. If the absorption coefficient decreases, the blood vessel is an artery.

[0037] In one embodiment, the initial scan when scanning the area of interest along the patient's body can be performed with radiation at a wavelength of 650 nm to 760 nm. In this embodiment, the second scan is performed using a diode emitting IR radiation at a wavelength of 960 nm. In this particular embodiment, a detected increase in absorbance would be indicative of an artery, while a detected decrease in absorbance would be indicative of a vein.

[0038] In some embodiments provided herein, any initial scan of the area of interest along the patient's body may be performed before the needle 100 penetrates the patient's skin. This may be performed when a clinician or other healthcare professional (HCP) visually locates a superficial vein in the study area. If the clinician or other HCP cannot visually locate the vein, the scan may be performed after the needle 100 has penetrated the patient's skin. Thus, the present description provides a device for detecting veins and arteries, which can be used over the skin of the patient, as well as in the body of the patient.

[0039] In one embodiment, the orientation of the needle, as well as the IR or near IR camera located therein, provides a two-dimensional image of the veins and/or arteries in front of the needle. If the detected blood vessel is not in the center of the image, the needle orientation should be adjusted. Other types of visual, audible, and haptic indicators may be used to indicate the location and presence of a blood vessel being accessed.

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a needle 100 of an intravenous therapeutic system according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 2, needle 100 may have a number of wires 115, 120, 125. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, wires 115, 120, 125 may include an IR detector wire 115 , the wire 120 of the first light source, as well as the wire 125 of the second light source.

[0041] In one embodiment, the components of the IR camera formed in the needle cavity (i.e., the IR detector, the first IR light source, and the second IR light source) can be removed after the needle 100 has been inserted into the patient's body and accessed. 100 needles to a vein in the patient's body. In this embodiment, the IR detector wire 115 may be a pull wire physically connected to the IR detector to allow the clinician to selectively withdraw the IR detector from the cavity of the needle 100 through the proximal end of the needle 100 after the needle 100 has been inserted and accessed. vein. In addition, in one embodiment, the first light source wire 120 may be a pull wire physically connected to the first light source to allow the clinician to selectively withdraw the first light source from the cavity of the needle 100 through the proximal end of the needle 100 after insertion of the needle 100 and access to the vein. Further, in one embodiment, the second light source wire 125 may be a pull wire physically connected to the second light source to allow the clinician to selectively withdraw the second light source from the cavity of needle 100 through the proximal end of needle 100 after insertion of needle 100 and access to the vein. In these embodiments, the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source can be removed by the clinician by pulling the IR detector wire 115, the first light source wire 120, and the second light source wire 125 individually or together from the hole at the proximal end of the needle 100. In these embodiments, the removal of the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source may allow a fluid such as blood or drug to pass through the cavity of the needle. In this particular example, the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source include their own built-in electrical source in order to function according to the methods of operation presented herein.

[0042] In one embodiment, IR detector wire 115, first light source wire 120, and second light source wire 125 may be an electrical and communication connection to the IR detector, first light source, and second light source, respectively. In one embodiment, IR detector wire 115 may provide power to the IR detector and also allow the IR detector to transmit data received by the IR detector to, for example, an information processing system processor. Similarly, the first light source wire 120 and the second light source wire 125 may be electrically connected to the first light source and the second light source, respectively, to selectively receive an electrical current under voltage to cause the light sources to emit radiation. In each of these embodiments, the IR detector wire 115, the first light source wire 120, and the second light source wire 125 may be connected to the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source, respectively, so that the application of a pulling force to the wires 115, 120 , 125 allows the clinician to remove the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source from the cavity of the needle 100 through the proximal end of the needle 100 as described herein. In any embodiment provided herein, the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source may be sized within the cavity of the needle 100 such that, despite the presence of the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source, fluid media such as blood or drugs may pass through the cavity of the needle 100.

[0043] In one embodiment, the IR detector wire 115, the first light source wire 120, and the second light source wire 125 may be a strand of optical fiber. In this embodiment, the fiber optic wires 115, 120, 125 may provide an optical path for light to travel along the optical fiber to the respective elements. For example, the tip of the IR detector wire 115 may be connected to the IR detector such that light received at the distal end of an optical fiber connected to the IR detector in the cavity of the needle 100 allows the IR detector to detect radiation from within the patient's body during needle insertion. 100 into the patient's body. In one embodiment, the tip of the optical cable 120 of the first light source may be connected to the first light source. During the insertion of the needle 100 or while the needle 100 is in the patient's body, the light emitted from the first light source may travel along the optical fiber 120 of the first light source and irradiate areas in the body so that the IR detector can detect. In one embodiment, the tip of the optical cable 125 of the second light source may be connected to the second light source. During the insertion of the needle 100 or while the needle 100 is in the patient's body, the light emitted from the second light source may travel along the optical fiber 125 of the second light source and irradiate areas in the body so that the IR detector can detect.

[0044] Each of the embodiments presented herein with respect to wires 115, 120, 125 used in connection with an IR detector, a first light source, and a second light source can be used to determine the presence or absence of a vein in the human body. In one embodiment, needle 100 with an IR camera placed therein can be used to detect blood vessels in a patient from outside the patient's body. In another embodiment, needle 100 may be used to locate a patient's blood vessels from inside the patient's body. During the operation, by comparing the detected IR reflected from objects in the body, the clinician can also determine whether the blood vessel is an artery or a vein based on the amount of oxygen present in the blood to absorb or not absorb the IR, emitted by the first or second light source.

[0045] During manipulation of the needle 100, the IR camera may initially scan the region of interest along the patient's body at a near IR wavelength (e.g., 960 nm) using a first diode to identify an area of low reflected radiation associated with high absorption of this radiation, indicating the presence of a blood vessel. The IR camera can then switch to IR at a different wavelength (eg 650-760 nm) using a second diode. In this embodiment, if the absorbance increases, the detected blood vessel is a vein. If the absorption coefficient decreases, the blood vessel is an artery.

[0046] In one embodiment, the initial scan when scanning the area of interest along the patient's body can be performed with radiation at a wavelength of 650 nm to 760 nm. In this embodiment, the second scan is performed using a diode emitting IR radiation at a wavelength of 960 nm. In this particular embodiment, a detected increase in absorbance would be indicative of an artery, while a detected decrease in absorbance would be indicative of a vein.

[0047] In some embodiments provided herein, any initial scan of the region of interest along the patient's body may be performed before the needle 100 as described herein penetrates the patient's skin. This can be done when a clinician or other healthcare professional (HCP) visually locates a superficial vein in the area of interest. If the clinician or other HCP cannot visually locate the vein, the scan may be performed after the needle 100 provided herein has penetrated the patient's skin. Thus, the present description provides a device for detecting veins and arteries, which can be used both over the patient's skin and in the patient's body.

[0048] In one embodiment, the orientation of the needle, as well as the IR or near IR camera located therein, provides a two-dimensional image of the veins and/or arteries in front of the needle. If the detected blood vessel is not in the center of the image, the needle orientation should be adjusted. Other types of visual, audible, and haptic indicators may be used to indicate the location and presence of a blood vessel being accessed.

[0049] Figure 3 is a side view of a needle 100 containing an IR camera according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 is a sectional view of a needle 100 containing an IR camera according to some embodiments of the present invention. In each of these figures, an IR detector wire 115, a first light source wire 120, and a second light source wire 125 are shown in the cavity of the needle 100. Although the IR camera is not specifically shown in these embodiments of Figures 3 and 4, the first light source and second light source, the IR camera components can be as small or smaller than the respective wires 115, 120, 125, and can be attached to the distal ends of the wires 115, 120, 125. In another embodiment, the wires 115, 120 , 125 may be optical fibers optically connecting the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source to the distal ends of the respective wires 115, 120, 125.

[0050] Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which wires 115, 120, 125 and/or IR camera components are inscribed in the cavity of needle 100. Although Figure 4 shows that wires 115, 120, 125 or IR camera components have the same size, some or all of the diameters or cross-sectional dimensions of the IR detector, the first light source, the second light source, or the respective wires 115, 120, 125 may be larger or smaller than shown in Figure 4. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, three wires 115, 120, 125 or components of the IR camera are tightly packed in the cavity of the needle 100, leaving some space between them. This free space may be filled with blood or drug when the needle 100 is inserted into the patient's body. In other examples, the wires 115, 120, 125 or components of the IR camera may be tightly packed into the cavity of the needle 100 so as not to have any gaps or voids between the wires 115, 120, 125 or components. In this embodiment, the wires 115, 120, 125 or the wires 115, 120, 125 and connected components can be pulled out of the cavity of the needle 100 after the needle 100 is inserted and reaches the vein.

[0051] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an intravenous therapeutic system 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiments presented herein, the information processing system 200 includes any tool or set of tools capable of calculating, classifying, processing, transmitting, receiving, retrieving, creating, switching, storing, displaying, identifying, detecting, registering , reproduction or use of any kind of information, information or data for business, scientific, government, entertainment or other purposes. For example, information processing system 200 may be a personal computer, a mobile device (such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or smartphone), a server (such as a blade server or rack server), a consumer electronic device, a network server, or a storage device, network router, switch, bridge, wireless router or other network communication device, network connected device (cellular phone, tablet device, etc.), IoT computing device, portable computing device, set-top box (STB) , mobile information processing system, PDA, laptop computer, desktop computer, communications device, access point (AP), base station transceiver, cordless phone, corded phone, control system, camera, scanner, fax machine, printer, pager, a personal trusted device, a device connected to the Internet, or any other a usable device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specifies the actions that the device is to take, and may come in a variety of sizes, shapes, performance, pricing, and functionality.

[0052] When deployed on a network, the information processing system 200 may operate as a server or client computer in a server-client network environment, or as a peer-to-peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. In one particular embodiment, the information processing system 200 may be implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video, or data communications. For example, information processing system 200 may be any mobile or other computing device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) indicating actions to be taken by the device. In addition, while a single information processing system 200 is illustrated, the term "system" should also be understood to include any collection of systems or subsystems that individually or collectively execute a set or multiple sets of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

[0053] The information processing system may include a storage device (volatile (eg, random access memory, etc.), non-volatile (read only memory, flash ROM, etc.), or any combination thereof), one or more information processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), hardware or software implemented control logic, or any combination thereof. Additional components of the information processing system 200 may include one or more storage devices, one or more communication ports for communicating with external devices, and various input/output (I/O) devices such as a keyboard, mouse, video/ graphic display or any combination thereof. Information processing system 200 may also include one or more buses configured to transfer information between various hardware components. Parts of the information processing system 100 may themselves be considered information processing systems 200 .

[0054] The information processing system 100 may include devices or modules that implement one or more devices or executable instructions for one or more systems and one or more modules presented herein and operate to execute one or more of the methods presented in the present description. Information processing system 200 may execute machine code instructions 224 that may run on servers or systems, remote data centers, or on-box in individual customer information processing systems, according to the various embodiments presented herein. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that any or all portions of the machine code instructions 224 may run on a plurality of information processing systems 200.

[0055] Information processing system 200 may include a processor 202, such as a central processing unit (CPU), control logic, or some combination thereof. Any of the information processing resources may operate to execute code, which is either firmware code or software code. In addition, the information processing system 200 may include a storage device, such as a main storage device 204, a static storage device 206, a computer-readable medium 222 on which the instructions 224 of the comparator 232 are stored, and a control unit 216 (volatile (for example, a storage device with random access, etc.), non-volatile (Read Only Memory, Flash ROM, etc.), or any combination thereof). Information processing system 200 may also include one or more buses 208 configured to transfer information between various hardware components, such as any combination of various input/output (I/O) devices.

[0056] The information processing system 200 may further include a video display 210. The video display 210 in one embodiment may function as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT) . In addition, the information processing system 200 may include an input device 212, such as a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse, touch pad, or gestural or touch input device), as well as a keyboard 214.

[0057] A network interface device, which may be represented as a wireless adapter 220, may provide connectivity to a network 228, such as a wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless personal area network (WPAN ), wireless wide area network (WWAN), or other networks. Connectivity can be via a wired or wireless connection. The wireless adapter 220 can operate in accordance with any wireless communication standards. Wireless LAN communication may use standards including IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards, IEEE 802.15 WPAN, WWAN standards such as 3GPP or 3GPP2, or similar wireless communication standards. In some aspects of the present invention, one wireless adapter 220 may operate with two or more wireless links. In the embodiments presented herein, the network interface device 220 may wirelessly connect the information processing system 200 to the indicator system 234. In the embodiments presented herein, the indicator system 234 may receive data describing the position of the needle 100 in the patient's body. , while the information processing system 200 can transmit this position data to the indicator system 234.

[0058] In some embodiments, software implementation, firmware implementation, application specific hardware implementation, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices, may be created to implement one or more systems and one or more of the methods presented herein. description. Applications, which may include devices and systems of various embodiments, may include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more of the embodiments provided herein may implement functions using two or more ASIC interconnected hardware modules or devices with associated control and data signals that can be passed between and through the modules, or as parts of an ASIC. . Thus, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0059] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the methods presented herein may be implemented by firmware or software programs executed by a controller or processor system. In addition, in one non-limiting embodiment, the implementation means may include distributed data processing, distributed data processing for a component/object, and parallel data processing. Alternatively, data processing may be built on a virtual computer system to implement one or more methods or functionality as described herein.

[0060] The present invention contemplates the use of a computer-readable medium that includes instructions, parameters, and profiles 224, or receives and executes instructions, parameters, and profiles 224 in light of a distributed signal, such that a device connected to a network 228 can transmit voice, video, or data over network 228. In addition, instructions 224 may be transmitted or received over network 228 via a network interface device or wireless adapter 220.

[0061] Information processing system 200 may include a set of instructions 224 that may be executed to cause a computer system to execute any one or more of the methods or one or more machine functions disclosed herein. For example, instructions 224 may be executed by comparator 232, software agents, or other objects or components. Various software modules containing application instructions 224 may be coordinated by an operating system (OS) and/or via an application programming interface (API). An example of an operating system would be Windows®, Android®, or other types of OS. API examples might include Win 32, Core Java API, or Android API.

[0062] Disk control unit 216 and comparator 232 may include a computer-readable medium 222 in which one or more sets of instructions 224, such as software, may be embedded. Similarly, main storage 204 and static storage 206 may also include a computer-readable medium for storing one or more sets of instructions, parameters, or profiles 224. Disk manager 216 and static storage 206 may also contain data storage space. In addition, instructions 224 may implement one or more methods or logic as described herein. For example, instructions relating to software-implemented algorithms, processes, and/or methods for comparing the IR radiation received by the IR detector performed by comparator 232 may be stored here. In one particular embodiment, instructions, parameters, and profiles 224 may be stored in full, or, at least partially in main storage 204, static storage 206, and/or disk management unit 216 during execution by processor 202 of information processing system 200. As explained, some or all of the actions of the comparator 232 may be performed locally or remotely. Main storage 204 and processor 202 may also include computer readable media.

[0063] Main storage 204 may include a computer readable medium (not shown), such as RAM in one exemplary embodiment. An example of main memory 204 is random access memory (RAM) such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NV-RAM) and the like, read only memory (ROM), memory another type or a combination of them. Static storage 206 may comprise a computer-readable medium (not shown), such as NOR or NAND flash memory in some exemplary embodiments. Comparator 232 may be stored in static storage 206 or control unit 216 on a computer-readable medium 222, such as flash ROM or magnetic disk in one exemplary embodiment. While a computer-readable medium is represented as a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” includes a single medium or a multiple medium, such as a centralized or distributed database and/or pooled caches and servers that store one or more instruction sets. The term "computer-readable medium" also includes any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or containing a set of instructions for execution by a processor, or that causes a computer system to perform one or more of the methods or any of the operations disclosed herein.

[0064] In one specific, non-limiting embodiment, a computer-readable medium may include solid state storage, such as a memory card or other unit, that hosts one or more non-volatile read-only storage devices. In addition, the computer-readable medium may be a random access memory or other volatile, rewritable storage device. In addition, the computer-readable medium may include a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape, or other storage device for storing information received via carrier wave signals, such as a signal transmitted over a data transmission medium. In addition, the computer-readable medium may store information obtained from distributed network resources, such as from a cloud environment. Connecting files in digital format to e-mail or other offline data archive or set of archives can be considered as a distribution medium, equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Thus, the disclosure is intended to include any computer-readable media or distribution media and other equivalents, as well as subsequent media on which data or instructions may be stored.

[0065] Information processing system 200 may also include a comparator 232 that may be operably coupled to bus 208. Computer-readable medium 222 of comparator 232 may also include data storage space. Comparator 232, as described herein, may perform tasks associated with receiving input indicative of IR detected at an IR detector located in the cavity of needle 100 and comparing the detected IR with previously recognized IR levels or a lookup table.

[0066] In one embodiment, comparator 232 may communicate with main storage 204, processor 202, video display 210, input device 212, and network interface device 220 via bus 208, various forms of communication may be used, including ACPI, SMB, 24 MHz BFSK coded transmission channel or shared storage. Software, firmware, keyboard drivers, controllers, etc. may communicate with applications in the information processing system 200 .

[0067] In other embodiments, dedicated hardware, such as ASICs, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices, can be created to implement one or more of the methods presented herein. Applications, which may include devices and systems of various embodiments, may include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more of the embodiments provided herein may implement functions using two or more ASIC interconnected hardware modules or devices with associated control and data signals that can be passed between and through the modules, or as parts of an ASIC. . Thus, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0068] When it comes to "system", "device", "module", "controller", etc., the embodiments presented in the present description may have a hardware configuration. For example, a device part of an information processing system may be a hardware device such as, for example, an integrated circuit (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), structured ASIC, device embedded in a larger chip), card (for example, a Peripheral Interface (PCI) card, PCI Express card, Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card, or similar expansion card) or system (for example, a motherboard, system on a chip (SoC), or standalone device ). A system, device, controller, or module may include software, including software embedded in a hardware device such as an Intel® Core class processor, ARM® architecture processors, Qualcomm® Snapdragon processors, or other processors and chipsets, or other a similar device or software capable of operating the relevant information processing system. The system, device, controller, or module may also include a combination of the above examples of hardware or software. In one embodiment, information processing system 100 may include an integrated circuit or board-level product, parts of which may also be a combination of hardware and software. Devices, modules, resources, controllers, or programs that communicate with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly stated otherwise. In addition, devices, modules, resources, controllers, or programs that communicate with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate devices.

[0069] During operation of the information processing system 200, data may be supplied to the processor 202 from an IR camera located in the cavity of the needle 100. As described herein, components of the IR camera may be placed in the cavity of the needle 100, including an IR detector, a first light a source emitting the first IR radiation, and a second light source emitting the second IR radiation. These IR camera components can be placed in the cavity of the needle 100 near the distal tip 105 of the needle 100 to emit and detect radiation in the patient's body.

[0070] In one embodiment, the processor 202 of the information processing system 200 may be communicatively coupled to the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source via a number of wires 115, 120, 125. In this embodiment, the processor may be electrically coupled with the ability to communicate with the IR detector wire 115 IR detector. The IR detector wire 115 may provide power to the IR detector to control the IR detector. In addition, the IR detector wire 115 may include a data line that receives data indicative of the level of the light signal when the needle passes through the patient's body and into the blood vessel.

[0071] The first light source wire 120 may be communicatively connected to the processor 202 via a power supply. The power source may supply a current at some voltage to the first light source via the first light source wire 120 to cause the first light source to emit IR radiation at a wavelength of 940 nm to 980 nm. In one embodiment, the first light source may emit IR radiation at a wavelength of 960 nm.

[0072] Second light source wire 125 may be communicatively coupled to processor 202 via a power source. The power source may supply a current at some voltage to the second light source via the second light source wire 125 to cause the second light source to emit IR radiation at a wavelength of 630 nm to 780 nm. In one embodiment, the second light source may emit IR radiation at a wavelength of 660 nm.

[0073] Speaking further about the operation of the information processing system 200, the processor 202 may send data received from the IR detector via the IR detector wire 115 to the comparator 232. The comparator 232 may receive data and compare the level of the radiation signal received by the IR detector , based on the results of the previous detection of radiation on the IR detector. These data can characterize the specific coefficient of absorption or reflection of light radiation. In one embodiment, any relative levels of any reflected light received by the IR camera from within the patient's body may be indicative of the presence of a blood vessel and whether the blood vessel is a vein or an artery. The determination that the reflected light indicates the presence of a blood vessel and is indicative of whether the blood vessel is a vein or an artery may be based on data provided by a look-up table contained on the computer-readable medium 222 and the relative levels of reflected light during the insertion of the needle 100 .

[0074] In one embodiment, the needle 100 may be inserted into the human body at a location where a vein is expected to be located, or in one embodiment, where an initial detection of a blood vessel is witnessed using an IR camera. During insertion, the IR camera may emit IR radiation from the first IR light source or the second IR light source, or both. Any reflected IR radiation can be reflected back to the IR detector of the IR camera, captured by the IR detector, and analyzed by the comparator 232 to determine the signal level (i.e., intensity, wavelength, frequency, and other indicators) to determine the absorption coefficient or coefficient reflections of the emitted light radiation. When the distal tip 105 of the needle 100 is directed toward a blood vessel, the reflected IR signal strength may indicate the type of blood vessel in front of the IR camera. In one particular embodiment, the signal level received by the IR camera may be weaker where the absorption of IR radiation by the blood is higher.

[0075] Certain data indicative of expected signal levels may be stored on the computer-readable medium 222 and made available to the comparator 232 to calculate the absorbance or reflectance of the emitted light and determine if a blood vessel is present in front of the IR detector and, if present, is whether the blood vessel is a vein or an artery. For example, the relative levels of absorbed/reflected light detected by an IR camera (i.e., the signal level detected by an IR detector) can further indicate whether a blood vessel is a vein or an artery due to the oxygen content present in the blood contained in blood vessels of this type. In particular, if oxygen rich blood is present in the artery, IR radiation can be more easily absorbed at certain wavelengths of IR radiation (ie, 960 nm). Conversely, if deoxygenated blood is present in the vein, IR radiation may not be absorbed at a certain wavelength (e.g., 800 nm) as easily, allowing a relatively larger amount of IR radiation to be reflected back to the IR detector in the IR camera.

[0076] In one embodiment, differences in the reflection of radiation at one or more different wavelengths may indicate the position of the needle 100 relative to a vein or artery. The comparator 232 can "decide" on a higher signal level on the IR detector and cause information to be output to the video display 210, the audio output device, the audible indicator 236 of the indicator system 234, or the visual indicator 238 of the indicator system 234 to directly assist the clinician or another HCP to orient the 100 needle in the patient's body.

[0077] In one embodiment, indicator system 234 may be communicatively coupled to information processing system 200 via either a wired connection or, as shown in Figure 5, a wireless connection. If the indicator system 234 is communicatively connected to the information processing system 200 via a wired connection, the information processing system 200 may additionally provide power to the indicator system 234 along with data prompting the clinician how to guide or move the needle in the patient's body.

[0078] In one embodiment, indicator system 234 may be an overlay connected to a patient site such that a clinician can receive real-time input from indicator system 234 based on data received from comparator 232 during administration. needle 100 into the patient's body and in the process of orienting the needle 100 into the patient's body. The indicator system 234 may be oriented on the patient's body so as to be within visual reach of the clinician to instruct the clinician as described.

[0079] Figure 6A is a plan view of a needle of an intravenous therapeutic system inserted into a patient's arm 615, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6B is a plan view of a needle of an intravenous therapeutic system inserted into a patient's arm 615, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6C is a plan view of a needle of an intravenous therapeutic system inserted into a patient's arm 615, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Each of Figures 6A, 6B and 6C shows a needle 100 inserted into a patient's arm 615. In addition, each of Figures 6A, 6B and 6C shows an indicator system 600 similar to the indicator system described in connection with Figure 5.

[0080] While the indicator system 600 is operating, the clinician may insert the needle 100, as shown in this example, into the arm 615 of the patient. The patient's arm 615 may have a variety of locations where a blood vessel may be located. As used herein, needle 100 may include an IR camera, which in one embodiment includes an IR detector, a first light source, and a second light source located within the cavity of needle 100. These IR camera components may be communicatively coupled and are operatively linked to a processor, such as an information processing system. The first and second light sources in this embodiment may be controlled by the processor of the information processing system while the IR detector is communicatively coupled to the processor to provide light signal strength data from the IR detector.

[0081] When or before the clinician inserts needle 100 into the patient's body, the first light source may initially be actuated to scan the region of interest along the patient's body at a near IR wavelength (e.g., 960 nm) to determine an area with a low level of reflected radiation associated with high absorption of this radiation, indicating the presence of a blood vessel. In one embodiment, the light emitted by the first light source may have a wavelength of 940 nm to 980 nm. In one embodiment, the light emitted by the first light source may have a wavelength of 940 nm. The light emitted by the first light source may be reflected from the internal parts of the patient's body and received by the IR detector of the IR camera. The reflected light detected at the IR detector when the needle 100 is initially inserted into the patient's body can be used as a reference indicating the expected light level detected when the IR detector detects light reflected from a blood vessel.

[0082] In one embodiment, the indicator system 600 may include multiple visual indicators 605, 610 that help guide the clinician how to insert and orient the needle 100 into the patient's body. Any number and any type of visual indicators may be used. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, the visual indicators 605, 610 may include a dial indicator 605 and an LED indicator 610. In this particular embodiment, the dial indicator 605 may provide feedback to the clinician as to whether how to orient the needle 100 in the patient's body in the x-y plane; wherein the x-y plane lies parallel to the surface of the patient's body (ie, the surface of the patient's hand 615 in this embodiment). In this particular embodiment, the LED indicator 610 may provide feedback to the clinician on how to orient the needle 100 in the patient's body along the z-axis. The z-axis can determine the depth in the patient's body. In this embodiment, the number of LEDs can be increased in the LED indicator 610 to indicate how shallow or how deep to orient the needle 100 in the patient's arm 615.

[0083] In one embodiment, when the light signal level detected by the IR detector changes to indicate the presence of a blood vessel, the first light source may be turned off and the second light source may be turned on. In one embodiment, the second light source may emit IR radiation with a wavelength of 630 nm to 780 nm. In one embodiment, the second light source may emit IR radiation at a wavelength of 660 nm.

[0084] In an embodiment, when the first light source is turned off and the second light source is turned on, the indicator system 600 may prompt the clinician how to orient the needle 100 in the patient's body to reach the vein with the needle 100. In one embodiment, when the first light source the source is turned off and the second light source is turned on, the information processing system can direct the comparator to make a comparison between different signal levels to distinguish between an artery and a vein as described herein. This allows the comparator to refer to a lookup table to determine which detected signal levels indicate the presence of an artery or vein.

[0085] In the human body, for example, the blood vessels of the circulatory system carry blood throughout the body. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood towards the heart. The hallmark of a vein may include the presence of a number of valves formed within them to prevent backflow of blood away from the heart. In addition, veins are those blood vessels that direct blood back to the heart. During use of the needle 100, certain infusion fluids, parenteral nutrition, or other drugs may be injected into a vein to cause these drugs to enter the blood stream where they enter the heart and are distributed throughout the body. In some situations, it is desirable to distribute these drugs throughout the body by administering these drugs into the veins rather than injecting the drugs into other soft tissues in the body or even into an artery. Since administration of drugs into an artery may not result in efficient and uniform distribution of these drugs throughout the body, the indicator system 600 provided herein may provide feedback on whether a needle is being inserted into a vein rather than an artery.

[0086] During the insertion process, the IR detector may detect any reflected IR emitted from the second light source, capture a signal level related to the amount of detected radiation, and send that detected signal level to a processor for analysis. The processor may return data indicative of the location of the vein to the indicator system 600 by adjusting the state of the dial indicator 605, the LED indicator 610, or both. When the distal tip 105 of the needle 100 is directed toward a blood vessel, the reflected IR signal strength may indicate the type of blood vessel in front of the IR camera. In one particular embodiment, the signal level received by the IR camera may be weaker where the absorption of IR radiation by the blood is higher. For example, the relative levels of absorbed/reflected light (absorption coefficient or reflectance of emitted light) detected by an IR camera can indicate whether a blood vessel is a vein or an artery due to the oxygen content present in the blood contained in this type of blood vessels. according to the present description. In these embodiments, therefore, differences in detected light reflected from internal parts of the body at one or more different wavelengths may indicate the position of the needle 100 relative to the recognized vein. Therefore, in one embodiment, the indicator system 600 may initially prompt the clinician to orient the needle 100 toward a blood vessel and then prompt the clinician to orient the needle 100 toward a vein rather than an artery.

[0087] Figure 6A shows, in particular, the orientation of the needle 100 relative to the vein in the arm 615 of the patient. In this particular embodiment, the indicator system 600 indicates that the dial indicator 605 is not pointing straight, but toward the right side of the patient's arm 615. This may indicate to the clinician that the distal end of the inserted needle 100 should be directed to the right in order to reach the vein. In addition, the LED indicator 610 can simultaneously indicate to the clinician how far the distal end of the needle 100 should be inserted into the patient's body.

[0088] Figure 6B shows, in particular, the orientation of the needle 100 relative to the vein in the arm 615 of the patient. In this particular embodiment, the indicator system 600 indicates that the dial indicator 605 is pointing straight ahead. This may indicate to the clinician that the direction (x-y orientation position) in which the distal end of the inserted needle 100 is positioned will allow the vein to be reached. In addition, the LED indicator 610 can simultaneously indicate to the clinician how far the distal end of the needle 100 should be inserted into the patient's body.

[0089] Figure 6C shows, in particular, the orientation of the needle 100 relative to the vein in the arm 615 of the patient. In this particular embodiment, the indicator system 600 indicates that the needle indicator 605 is not pointing straight ahead, but toward the left side of the patient's hand 615. This may indicate to the clinician that the distal end of the inserted needle 100 should be directed to the left in order to reach the vein. In addition, the LED indicator 610 can simultaneously indicate to the clinician how far the distal end of the needle 100 should be inserted into the patient's body.

[0090] In one embodiment, the indicator system 600 described in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C may further include an audible device (not shown) to emit an audible signal to the clinician as an audible indicator. In this embodiment, along with visual indication, the acoustic system may indicate the position of the distal tip (not shown) of the needle in the body. For example, the audio signal may be a low tone signal to indicate that the distal tip is not located near a vein, while an increasing tone of a higher tone indicates that the distal tip has moved closer to the vein.

[0091] Figure 7 is a partial sectional view of a needle 100 of an intravenous therapeutic system inserted into a patient's arm 615, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. This partial sectional view also shows the IR detector wire 115, the first light wire 120, and the second light wire 125 as hidden objects as dotted lines ascending into the cavity of the needle 100. As described herein, the clinician can reach the vein 705 with the needle. 100 by receiving input on how to guide the distal tip 105 of needle 100 from the indicator system provided herein. The IR detector may receive reflected light from the first light source or the second light source from within the patient's arm 615 as the needle 100 is advanced through the patient's arm 615.

[0092] Figure 8 is a flowchart depicting a method 800 for manipulating an intravenous therapeutic system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Method 800 at block 805 may begin with communicatively connecting an infrared camera to a computing device. In one embodiment, an IR camera may include an IR detector, a first light source, and a second light source. Connecting the IR camera 805 to the computing device in one embodiment may include forming a wireless connection with the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source. In another embodiment, connecting the IR camera 805 to the computing device can include making a wired connection between the IR detector, the first light source and the second light source, and an electrical/communications port on the computing device.

[0093] Method 800 at block 810 may include inserting an IR camera into a needle cavity. IR camera components may be small enough to fit into the needle cavity. In one embodiment, the IR camera components can be selectively withdrawn from the needle cavity, for example, after the needle has reached a vein.

[0094] Alternatively, instead of inserting an IR camera into the needle cavity, a number of optical fibers, each individually optically coupled to an IR detector, a first light source, and a second light source, may be inserted into the needle cavity. In this embodiment, the size of the IR camera components may be independent of the internal diameter of the needle cavity. In addition, the components of the IR camera in this embodiment may be directly connected to the communication port of the computing device, or may form part of the computing device.

[0095] The method 800 in one embodiment at block 815 may include inserting a sharp needle tip into the patient's body. In this embodiment, an IR camera may be used to gain access to a patient's vein. The process of reaching a vein through the use of an IR camera involves using an indicator system to indicate to the clinician the proper orientation of the needle in the patient's body to reach that vein.

[0096] According to the present disclosure, an IR camera that includes an IR detector and two different emitting diodes with an IR wavelength or a near IR wavelength can be used to initially scan a region of interest along a patient's body for a length near-IR wavelengths (eg, 960 nm) to identify an area of low reflected radiation associated with high absorption of this radiation, indicating the presence of a blood vessel. The IR camera can then switch to IR at a different wavelength (eg 650-760 nm). In this embodiment, if the absorbance increases, the detected blood vessel is a vein. If the absorption coefficient decreases, the blood vessel is an artery.

[0097] In one embodiment, the initial scan when scanning the region of interest along the patient's body may be performed with radiation at a wavelength of 650 nm to 760 nm. In this embodiment, the second scan is performed using a diode emitting IR radiation at a wavelength of 960 nm. In this particular embodiment, a detected increase in absorbance would be indicative of an artery, while a detected decrease in absorbance would be indicative of a vein.

[0098] In some embodiments provided herein, any initial scan of the region of interest along the patient's body may be performed before the needle 100 as described herein penetrates the patient's skin. This may be performed when a clinician or other healthcare professional (HCP) visually locates a superficial vein in the area of interest. If the clinician or other HCP cannot visually locate the vein, the scan may be performed after the needle 100 described herein has penetrated the patient's skin. Thus, the present description provides a device for detecting veins and arteries, which can be used both over the patient's skin and in the patient's body.

[0099] In one embodiment, the orientation of the needle, as well as the IR or near IR camera located therein, provides a two-dimensional image of the veins and/or arteries in front of the needle. If the detected blood vessel is not in the center of the image, the needle orientation should be adjusted. Other types of visual, audible, and haptic indicators may be used to indicate the location and presence of a blood vessel being accessed.

[00100] In one embodiment, after the needle has reached the vein, method 800 at block 820 may continue with removing the IR camera from the needle cavity. Removal of the IR chamber from the needle cavity may be performed to allow fluids such as blood or drug to pass through. This embodiment may be implemented if the size of the IR chamber components prevents fluids from passing through the needle cavity. In one alternative embodiment, the IR camera may remain in the needle cavity if the size of the IR camera components does not prevent fluids from passing through the needle cavity.

[00101] Figure 9 is a flow chart depicting a method 900 for fabricating an intravenous therapeutic system according to some embodiments of the present invention. Method 900 at block 905 may include forming an IR camera that includes an IR detector, a first light source, and a second light source. In one embodiment, each of these components can be sized so that the overall size of these components can fit into the cavity of the needle. In another embodiment, the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source may be optically coupled to a separate optical fiber. In this embodiment, the diameters of the optical fibers can be sized so that the total diameter of the three optical fibers fits into the cavity of the needle.

[00102] Method 900 at block 910 may further include delivering an IR camera (or, alternatively, optical fibers as described herein) into a needle cavity. Again, the size of the IR camera or optical fibers optically coupled to these components can be sized to fit into the cavity of the needle.

[00103] The method 900 at block 915 may further include communicatively connecting the IR detector, the first light source, and the second light source to a processor of the computing device. The computing device in one embodiment may be similar to the information processing system described in connection with FIG. with the computing device, as well as supplying power to the IR detector, the first light source and the second light source.

[00104] The method 900 at block 920 may further include communicatively connecting the visual indicator to the processor of the computing device. As described herein, a visual indicator may provide the clinician with visual feedback on how to adjust the trajectory or orient the needle in the patient's body. In addition, in one embodiment, the visual indicator may include an audible indicator that emits an audible signal that tells the clinician how to orient the needle in the body.

[00105] The embodiments provided herein provide an intravenous therapeutic system including an indicator system that facilitates visualization of the phase of needle insertion into a patient's body as the clinician physically inserts the needle. In some embodiments, one or more alerts may change or disappear in response to one or more of the following events: the needle is no longer in the vein, or the needle is no longer fully inserted into the vein.

[00106] Again, it is contemplated that the embodiments herein may be combined. For example, the embodiments of Figures 1-9 may be tailored to specific applications depending on the type of action being performed. For example, if the needle is to reach an artery, the information processing system, through the indicator system, can indicate the location of the artery while avoiding the veins. This may allow certain drugs to be administered to a specific location in a patient's body without worrying about the distribution of that drug throughout the patient's body.

[00107] All examples and conventions provided herein are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and ideas introduced by the inventor to improve the prior art, and such specific examples and conditions should not be construed in a limiting sense. While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims (44)

1. A blood vessel detection system, comprising: a hollow needle containing a distal end and a proximal end, while the distal end contains a sharp tip for insertion into a vein; an infrared (IR) camera, located with the possibility of extraction inside the hollow section of the hollow needle, containing: IR detector; a first light source for emitting IR radiation at a first wavelength; a second light source for emitting IR radiation with a second wavelength and a comparator configured to be connected to the IR camera, wherein the comparator, upon request of the processor connected to the comparator, compares the amount of reflected light received by the IR detector in the process of activating the first light source and the second light source and providing an indication of light absorption in vein. 2. The blood vessel detection system of claim 1, wherein the IR camera is selectively withdrawable from the hollow portion of the cannula through the proximal end of the cannula. 3. The blood vessel detection system according to claim 1, further comprising an audible indicator containing an acoustic system for providing feedback to the user of the intravenous therapeutic system indicating the optimal trajectory for inserting the cannula into the body based on the detected level of reflected light radiation by the IR detector. 4. The blood vessel detection system according to claim 1, wherein the first light source emits IR radiation at a first wavelength from 940 nm to 980 nm. 5. The blood vessel detection system of claim 1, wherein the second light source emits IR radiation at a second wavelength of 630 nm to 780 nm. 6. The blood vessel detection system according to claim 1, wherein the IR camera emits IR radiation at a first wavelength at the first light source, and when the presence of a blood vessel is detected by the comparator, the IR camera emits IR radiation at a second wavelength at the second light source. source. 7. The blood vessel detection system of claim. 1, further comprising an arm band connected with the possibility of communication with the comparator, while the arm band contains a visual indicator containing a light indicator for providing feedback to the user of the intravenous therapeutic system indicating the optimal trajectory of the introduction of the hollow needles into the body based on the detected level of reflected light radiation by the IR detector. 8. A blood vessel detection system, comprising: hollow needle containing distal end containing a sharp tip for insertion into a vein, a hollow needle and a proximal end containing an intravenous connection; an infrared (IR) camera, located with the possibility of extraction inside the hollow section of the hollow needle, containing: IR detector; a first light source for emitting IR radiation with a first wavelength from the hollow section and a second light source for emitting IR radiation at a second wavelength from the hollow portion; a comparator configured to be connected to the IR camera, wherein the comparator, upon request of the processor connected to the comparator, compares the amount of reflected light received by the IR detector in the process of activating the first light source and the second light source and providing an indication of light absorption in vein; and an audible indicator communicatively connected to the comparator, comprising an acoustic system for providing feedback to the user of the blood vessel detection system indicating the optimal trajectory for inserting the cannula into the body based on the detected amount of reflected light received by the IR detector. 9. The blood vessel detection system of claim 8, wherein the IR camera is selectively withdrawable from the hollow portion of the cannula through the proximal end of the cannula. 10. The blood vessel detection system of claim 8, wherein the first light source emits IR radiation at a first wavelength of 940 nm to 980 nm. 11. The blood vessel detection system of claim 8, wherein the second light source emits IR radiation at a second wavelength of 630 nm to 780 nm. 12. The blood vessel detection system according to claim 8, wherein the IR camera emits IR radiation at a first wavelength at the first light source, and when the presence of a blood vessel is detected by the comparator, the IR camera emits IR radiation at a second wavelength at the second light source. source. 13. The blood vessel detection system of claim. 8, further comprising an arm band connected with the possibility of communication with the comparator, while the arm band contains a visual indicator containing a light indicator for providing feedback to the user of the intravenous therapeutic system indicating the optimal trajectory of the introduction of the hollow needles into the body based on the detected level of reflected light radiation by the IR detector. 14. The blood vessel detection system of claim 8, wherein the comparator compares the amount of reflected light received by the IR detector to distinguish between a vein and an artery in the body, and indicates the location of the vein in the body by means of an audible indicator. 15. A blood vessel detection system, comprising: hollow needle containing distal end containing a sharp tip for insertion into a vein, a hollow needle and a proximal end containing an intravenous connection; an infrared (IR) camera, located with the possibility of extraction inside the hollow section of the hollow needle, containing: IR detector; a first light source for emitting IR radiation with a first wavelength from the hollow section and a second light source for emitting IR radiation at a second wavelength from the hollow portion; a comparator configured to be coupled to the IR camera, wherein the comparator, upon request of a processor coupled to the comparator, compares the amount of reflected light received by the IR detector in the process of activating the first light source and the second light source and providing a light absorption indication in Vienna; and an armband communicatively coupled to a comparator, the armband comprising a visual indicator containing a light indicator to provide feedback to the user of the intravenous therapeutic system indicating the optimal insertion path of the cannula into the body based on the detected level of reflected light by the IR detector . 16. The blood vessel detection system of claim 15, wherein the IR detector comprises a photodiode optically coupled to an optical fiber passing through the cavity of a cannula. 17. The blood vessel detection system of claim 15, wherein the first light source further comprises a first light emitting diode (LED) optically coupled to an optical fiber passing through the cavity of the cannula. 18. The blood vessel detection system of claim 15, wherein the second light source further comprises a second light emitting diode (LED) optically coupled to an optical fiber passing through the hollow needle cavity. 19. The blood vessel detection system according to claim 15, wherein the IR camera emits IR radiation at a first wavelength at the first light source, and when the presence of a blood vessel is detected by the comparator, the IR camera emits IR radiation at a second wavelength at the second light source. source. 20. The blood vessel detection system of claim 15, further comprising an audible indicator comprising an acoustic system for providing feedback to the user of the blood vessel detection system indicating the optimal insertion path of the cannula into the body based on the detected level of reflected light by the IR detector.

Images