Subcutaneous access device and related methods

• US 20110009751A1
• Filed: 07/13/2009
• Published: 01/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Entrotech, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Entrotech, Inc.
• Inventors: McGuire, James E. JR., Callard, David Melancthon
• Granted Patent: US 8,498,694 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/473
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0086 using infrared radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/489 Blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6824 Arm or wrist
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6833 Adhesive patches

Abstract

A subcutaneous access device of the invention comprises: a multi-layered structure capable of use in a medical imaging procedure; a light source for transillumination of a body portion of interest of a patient'"'"'s body; and an attachment portion for attaching the device to the patient'"'"'s body in a manner such that the body portion of interest is outwardly exposed on a side of the patient'"'"'s body opposite the light source. The device facilitates hands-free transillumination of the body portion of interest. Kits for subcutaneous access comprise the subcutaneous access device and a light detector for detecting light emitted from the subcutaneous access device.

Claims

1. A subcutaneous access device comprising:

a multi-layered structure capable of use in a medical imaging procedure;

a light source for transillumination of a body portion of interest of a patient'"'"'s body; and

an attachment portion for attaching the device to the patient'"'"'s body in a manner such that the body portion of interest is outwardly exposed on a side of the patient'"'"'s body opposite the light source.

2. The subcutaneous access device of claim 1, wherein the light source emits light having a wavelength of about 0.1 micron to about 1,500 microns.

3. The subcutaneous access device of claim 1, wherein the light source is coupled to a corresponding power source.

4. The subcutaneous access device of claim 3, wherein the light source comprises a portable power source.

5. The subcutaneous access device of claim 4, wherein the light source comprises a battery-powered light emitting diode or chemiluminescent source.

6. The subcutaneous access device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured for attachment to a patient'"'"'s body in a manner such that the body portion of interest is between the light source and a corresponding light detector.

7. The subcutaneous access device of claim 1, wherein the attachment portion comprises at least one buckle.

8. The subcutaneous access device of claim 1, wherein the attachment portion comprises hook-and-loop fastener.

9. The subcutaneous access device of claim 1, wherein outwardly exposed edges of the multi-layered structure comprise a reflective or absorbing material for redirecting of light in relation to the body portion of interest.

10. The subcutaneous access device of claim 1, wherein the device provides hands-free transillumination of the body portion of interest.

11. The subcutaneous access device of claim 1, wherein the device is disposable.

12. The subcutaneous access device of claim 1, wherein the device is capable of multiple effective uses.

13. A kit for subcutaneous access, comprising:

the subcutaneous access device of claim 1; and

a light detector for detecting light emitted from the subcutaneous access device.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the light detector comprises a low-level light detector.

15. The kit of claim 13, wherein the light detector comprises night vision goggles.

16. Use of the kit of claim 13 for access of a subcutaneous structure.

17. Use of the kit of claim 13 for access of a subcutaneous structure, wherein such use is proximate a battlefield.

18. Use of the kit of claim 13 for access of a subcutaneous structure, wherein such use is in a forward surgical unit of a temporary battlefield installation.

19. Use of the kit of claim 13, wherein the subcutaneous access device is attached to the patient'"'"'s body such that the body portion of interest is between the light source and the light detector.

20. Use of the kit of claim 13, wherein the body portion of interest is transilluminated hands-free.