Scanning laser vein contrast enhancer having releasable handle and scan head

• US 10,357,200 B2
• Filed: 11/03/2015
• Issued: 07/23/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AccuVein LLC
• Original Assignee: AccuVein LLC
• Inventors: Wood, Fred, Goldman, Ron, Conlon, Stephen P, Luciano, Vincent
• Primary Examiner(s): Kish, James M
• Application Number:
  US14/930,968
• Publication Number:
  US 20160135733A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,358 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/366 using projection of images directly onto the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0431 Portable apparatus, e.g. comprising a handle or case
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0233 Special features of optical sensors or probes classified in A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/028 Microscale sensors, e.g. electromechanical sensors [MEMS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/004 adapted for image acquisition of a particular organ or body part A61B5/0082 takes precedence; arrangements for optical scanning A61B5/0062
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0062 Arrangements for scanning
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0064 Body surface scanning
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0077 Devices for viewing the surface of the body, e.g. camera, magnifying lens
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0079 using mirrors, i.e. for self-examination
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0082 adapted for particular medical purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4887 Locating particular structures in or on the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/489 Blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7221 Determining signal validity, reliability or quality A61B5/7207 and A61B5/7217 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/748 Selection of a region of interest, e.g. using a graphics tablet
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/427 Locating point where body is to be pierced, e.g. vein location means using ultrasonic waves, injection site templates
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0833 the reflecting element being a micromechanical device, e.g. a MEMS mirror, DMD G02B26/0825 takes precedence; micromechanical devices in general B81B

Abstract

The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Claims

1. A handheld vein-image-enhancing system comprising:

a detachable scan head, said detachable scan head comprising;

a first laser configured to emit a beam of light at a first wavelength;

a scanner configured to transmit said beam of light from said first laser onto a target area;

a photodetector configured to receive an image of the veins formed by differential absorption of said selective wavelength of light by the veins and the surrounding tissue;

said photodetector further configured to output a signal representing said image;

a second laser configured to receive said signal from said photodetector and to use said signal to emit a beam of light at a second wavelength, said scanner further configured to scan said beam of light at said second wavelength from said second laser to project said received image onto the target area;

a housing, an interior of said housing configured to house said first laser, said second laser, said photodetector, and said scanner, said housing comprising;

an exit window for said scanned laser light; and

a scan head connector comprising;

means for mechanically coupling; and

means for electrically coupling;

and

a handle, said handle comprising;

a housing;

said housing comprising an opening into a battery compartment configured to receive a battery;

a handle connector comprising;

means for mechanically coupling said handle connector to said means for mechanically coupling of said scan head connector; and

means for electrically coupling said handle connector to said means for electrically coupling of said scan head connector;

a cover for said battery compartment;

means for latching said cover in a closed position;

and

means for disengaging said means for mechanically coupling of said scan head from said means for mechanically coupling of said handle.

2. The handheld vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 1 further comprising:

an electrical switch;

a trigger, said trigger molded into said housing and configured to flex when depressed to toggle said electrical switch.

3. The handheld vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 1 further comprising:

means for cooling said interior of said scan head.