MECHANICAL VEIN LIFTER
First Claim
1. A method for accessing a vein, comprising:
- positioning a pressing portion of a pressing mechanism over a skin surface;
intermittently applying pressure to the skin surface with the pressing portion;
stopping the intermittent application of pressure to the skin surface; and
thereafter puncturing the skin surface.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Devices for applying an intermittent pressure to a skin surface are provided. The device includes a housing, a drive mechanism at least partially disposed within the housing, and a pressing portion operatively coupled to the drive mechanism. The pressing portion may include at least one pressing element configured for applying pressure to the surface. The pressing portion is configured to be driven by the drive mechanism between a first configuration having a maximum extension and a second configuration having a minimum extension. The difference between the maximum and minimum extensions is greater than or equal to 0.025 inches. The pressing portion may include a series of rollers to press and squeeze the skin and underlying vein, to create a pumping action, thus pressurizing the vein. The vein expands and presses upward against the skin, thus becoming more visible.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for accessing a vein, comprising:
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positioning a pressing portion of a pressing mechanism over a skin surface; intermittently applying pressure to the skin surface with the pressing portion; stopping the intermittent application of pressure to the skin surface; and
thereafter puncturing the skin surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A device for applying an intermittent pressure to a surface, the device comprising:
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a housing; a drive mechanism at least partially disposed within said housing; and a pressing portion operatively coupled to said drive mechanism, said pressing portion including at least one pressing element configured for applying pressure to the surface, said pressing portion configured to be driven by said drive mechanism between a first configuration having a maximum extension and a second configuration having a minimum extension, and wherein a difference between said maximum and minimum extensions is greater than or equal to 0.025 inches. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A device for applying an intermittent pressure to a skin surface, the device comprising:
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a housing; a drive mechanism at least partially disposed within said housing; and a pressing portion coupled to said drive mechanism, said pressing portion having at least one pressing surface configured for applying pressure to the skin surface, wherein said pressing portion rotates relative to said housing. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification