Device and System Device and System for Imaging Veins
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Abstract
A hypodermic needle device (10) includes a hypodermic needle (1) having a tubular bore and at least one optical waveguide (12, 15) extending along said needle so that a distal end of the at least one optical waveguide is in proximity to a tip of the needle. A first coupler (25) secures the optical waveguide within the needle at the proximal end of the needle, and a second coupler (27) removably secures a proximal end of the optical waveguide to a respective illumination source (14) in order that light will emanate from the distal end of the at least one optical waveguide. The second coupler (27) contains a lens for focusing light from the illumination source through the at least one optical waveguide (12, 15), and the second coupler (27) is remote from the first coupler (25).
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Citations
67 Claims
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1-45. -45. (canceled)
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46. A hypodermic needle device, comprising:
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a hypodermic needle having a tubular bore; at least one optical waveguide extending along through said needle or along an exterior wall thereof so that a distal end of the at least one optical waveguide is in proximity to a tip of the needle; a first coupler for securing the at least one optical waveguide within the needle at the proximal end of the needle; and a second coupler for removably securing a proximal end of the at least one optical waveguide to a respective illumination source in order that light will emanate from the distal end of the at least one optical waveguide; wherein the second coupler contains a lens for focusing light from the illumination source through the at least one optical waveguide; and wherein the second coupler is remote from the first coupler. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61)
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62. A system comprising:
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an assembly comprising a hypodermic needle having a tubular bore and a catheter; at least one optical waveguide extending along said needle so that a distal end of the at least one optical waveguide is in proximity to a tip of the needle; a first coupler for securing the at least one optical waveguide within the needle at the proximal end of the needle, at least one illumination source optically coupled to inject light directly into a proximal end of the needle, such that light emanates from a distal end of the optical waveguide; a second coupler remote from the first coupler for removably securing the at least one optical illumination source to the needle; and a lens within the second coupler for focusing light from the at least one illumination source through the at least one optical waveguide. - View Dependent Claims (63, 64, 65, 66)
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67. A system for NIR vein visualization comprising:
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a hypodermic needle device including; a hypodermic needle having a tubular bore; at least one optical waveguide extending along through said needle or along an exterior wall thereof so that a distal end of the at least one optical waveguide is in proximity to a tip of the needle; a first coupler for securing the at least one optical waveguide within the needle at the proximal end of the needle; and a second coupler for removably securing a proximal end of the at least one optical waveguide to a respective illumination source in order that light will emanate from the distal end of the at least one optical waveguide; wherein the second coupler contains a lens for focusing light from the illumination source through the at least one optical waveguide; and wherein the second coupler is remote from the first coupler; at least one NIR camera disposed to image light scattered from tissue illuminated by the needle before and after said needle is injected into said tissue; a polarizer disposed in front of the camera and being manually adjustable for optimal vein image contrast; and a display coupled to the at least one NIR camera for presenting an image of said vein.
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Specification