Mounted vein contrast enchancer

• US 20110021925A1
• Filed: 07/13/2010
• Published: 01/27/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Fred Wood, Ron Goldman, Vincent Luciano
• Original Assignee: Fred Wood, Ron Goldman, Vincent Luciano
• Inventors: Luciano, Vincent, Wood, Fred, Goldman, Ron
• Application Number:
  US12/804,088
• Publication Number:
  US 20110021925A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/476
• 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 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 5/0064 Body surface scanning
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/489 Blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6887 mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/50 Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05 Parts, details or accessories of beds devices for prevention against falling out A47C21/08, A47D7/00 ; mattresses A47C27/00
• 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: E05B 73/00 Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices motorcycle helmets A42B3/0413; supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening helmets B62J11/24; gun racks A47B81/005; showcases with theft protection A47F3/002; anti-theft means for peg-boards, grids or rods for hanging merchandise A47F5/0861; show stands, hangers, shelves with provision against unauthorised removal A47F7/024; for self-service hand-carts A47F10/04; locking skis A63C11/004; locking bolts, nuts or pins F16B41/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/041 Allowing quick release of the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/025 for translational movement

Abstract

A vein-image-enhancing system transmits two different wavelengths of laser light, being directed by a steering means, to form a raster pattern on a target. Reflected light comprises a contrasted image formed by a portion of the first wavelength being absorbed by veins, and a portion of that first wavelength being reflected from the target. A photodectector sensitive to the first wavelength captures reflected light. The contrasted image is projected onto the target to illuminate vein locations using the second wavelength, which comprises visible light. Projection may operate according to one of three modes: the alternating frame mode, a dual buffer mode, and real time mode. The AFM and DBM modes incorporate analog to digital converters and digital memory for timed projection onto the target. The vein enhancer may be specially attached to different platforms—hospital bed, IV stand, wheelchair, etc., to enable convenient use of the enhancer on a patient.

Claims

1. A vein-image-enhancing system comprising:

a vein scanner for creating an image of a vein of a patient;

a platform for storing said scanner; and

a mounting means for mounting said scanner to said platform, said mounting means permitting said scanner to be moveable from a stored position in said platform to a position being proximate to a patient.

2. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 1, wherein said scanner comprises:

a first source of laser light and a second source of laser light, said first source of laser light transmitting laser light at a wavelength different from the wavelength transmitted by said second source of laser light; and

wherein said light from said first and second sources of laser light are transmitted along a single path and directed along said path to a target; and

wherein a portion of said laser light from said second source of said laser light is absorbed by said target and another portion of said laser light from said second source of laser light is reflected from said target thereby forming a contrasted image and wherein said first beam of laser light is transmitted onto the target and thereby forming a visible image representative of the contrasted image on said target.

3. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said platform comprises a hospital bed.

4. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said platform comprises an IV stand.

5. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said platform comprises a stretcher.

6. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said platform comprises a gurney.

7. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said platform comprises a wheel chair.

8. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said platform comprises an ICU boom.

9. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said platform comprises a lighting boom.

10. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said platform comprises a medical cart.

11. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said mounting means for mounting said scanner to said platform comprises a support arm, said support arm extending from a portion of said platform.

12. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 11, wherein said support arm is rigid.

13. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 11, wherein said support arm is flexible, said flexible support arm permitting deflection of said support arm to relocate said scanner to be in close proximity to a target field of view.

14. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at least a portion of said support arm is hollow to provide a conduit for passage of wiring to deliver electrical power to said device.

15. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 11, wherein said support arm terminates in a rigid sleeve, said rigid sleeve comprising an annular ring;

and wherein said sleeve of said support arm is received in a collar in said platform, said collar comprising an annular groove, said sleeve of said support arm being received within said collar until said annular ring of said sleeve contacts said annular groove of said collar.

16. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 15, wherein said sleeve of said support arm is secured to said collar using a keyed lock.

17. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 3, wherein one end of said support arm terminates in a means of securing said support arm to one or more of:

a headboard of said bed;

a footboard of said bed;

a side rail of said bed; and

a frame of said bed.

18. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 13, wherein said flexible support arm may be flexed so as to locate said scanner within a storage compartment of said bed.

19. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 17, wherein said bed includes a connection to a source of electrical power;

and wherein said storage compartment comprises electrical wiring extending from said connection to power said scanner.

20. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 11, wherein one end of said support arm terminates in a means of securing said support arm to one or more of:

a pole of said stretcher;

a handle of said stretcher; and

a frame of said stretcher.

21. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 7, wherein one end of said support arm terminates in a means of securing said support arm to a frame of said wheel chair.

22. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 21, wherein said wheel chair comprises a battery pack secured to said frame, said battery pack providing power for said vein scanner.

23. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 8, wherein one end of said support arm terminates in a means of securing said support arm to said boom, said means being a clamp on the end of said support arm to clamp said support arm to a frame of said boom.

24. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 8, wherein one end of said support arm terminates in a means of securing said support arm to said boom, said means being a threaded member on the end of said support arm, said threaded member being threadably received in a threaded orifice in a portion of said boom.

25. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said laser light transmitted along said single path is coaxial.

26. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 25 further comprising a means for steering said laser light, said means for steering being positioned to receive said single path of laser light and move said single path of laser light to form a scanned pattern on said target.

27. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 34 wherein said means for steering comprises one or more mirrors.

28. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 27 wherein said mirror is a single biaxial mirror.

29. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 27 wherein there is a first mirror and a second mirror.

30. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 29 wherein said first and second mirrors are orthogonal to each other.

31. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 25 wherein at least one photo detector receives light from said second laser reflected from said target area.

32. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 31 wherein said photo detector outputs a detection signal which is representative of an image of said target area.

33. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 32 wherein there is a means for controlling said first laser as a function of said detection signal.

34. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 32 wherein the detection signal is stored in an image memory and wherein said image memory drives said first source of laser light.

35. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 32 wherein there is a first image memory and wherein said detection signal is stored in said first image memory, and wherein there is a second image memory.

36. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 35 wherein as said first image memory fills, the contents of said first image memory is transferred over to said second image memory and said first image memory is refilled, wherein the contents of said second image memory drives said first source of laser light.

37. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 31 wherein there are first and second photo detectors.

38. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 37 wherein said photo detectors are spatially separated.

39. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2 where said first source of laser light transmits laser light in the visible spectrum.

40. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 39 wherein the second source of laser light transmits light in the infrared spectrum.

41. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 2 further comprising at least one photodetector, and a means for steering said laser light.

42. The vein-image-enhancing system according to claim 41 wherein said first and second sources of laser light, said photodetector, and said means for steering are housed in a miniature projection head.