Method of using a combination vein contrast enhancer and bar code scanning device

• US 9,345,427 B2
• Filed: 06/05/2013
• Issued: 05/24/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AccuVein LLC
• Original Assignee: AccuVein LLC
• Inventors: Wood, Fred, Goldman, Ron, Conlon, Stephen, Luciano, Vincent
• Primary Examiner(s): KISH, JAMES M
• Application Number:
  US13/910,257
• Publication Number:
  US 20140024952A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,084 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/366 using projection of images directly onto the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2576/00 Medical imaging apparatus involving image processing or analysis A61B1/00009, A61B6/52 and A61B8/52 take precedence; image processing per se G06T; details of algorithms for analysing medical images G06T7/0012
• 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 5/0082 adapted for particular medical purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/024 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate A61B5/0205, A61B5/021 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02416 using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation A61B5/14552 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1172 using fingerprinting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1176 Recognition of faces
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/15003 for venous or arterial blood
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150343 Collection vessels for collecting blood samples from the skin surface, e.g. test tubes, cuvettes sampling from within body cavities A61B5/150015, A61B5/150045
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150748 Having means for aiding positioning of the piercing device at a location where the body is to be pierced means for aiding positioning of devices for bringing media into the body A61M5/427, locating blood vessels A61B5/489
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150786 Optical identification systems, e.g. bar codes, colour codes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/153 Devices specially adapted for taking samples of venous or arterial blood, e.g. with syringes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/489 Blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/72 Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes character recognition, recognising digital ink, document-oriented image-based pattern recognition G06V30/00; recognition or understanding of postal images G06V30/424
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7495 using a reader or scanner device, e.g. barcode scanner
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/98 using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/276 preventing unwanted use
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/50 : with microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/52 : with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/609 : Biometric patient identification means
• 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: G06V 40/14 : Vascular patterns

Abstract

It is known in the art to use an apparatus to enhance the visual appearance of the veins and arteries in a patient to facilitate insertion of needles into those veins and arteries. This application discloses a number of inventions that add additional data collection and presentation capabilities to a handheld vein enhancement apparatus and a set of processes for the collection of blood and the delivery of IV medicines that use the handheld device to mediate the process.

Claims

1. A method of facilitating a venipuncture procedure for a patient, using a handheld vein enhancing device, said method comprising:

storing in a memory, a list of identification data for one or more patients, and storing corresponding required venipuncture procedure data; and

associating said data for each of the one or more patients with a corresponding bar code on a wrist band;

identifying the patient to receive the venipuncture procedure by using a scanner of said device for scanning of the bar coded patient wrist band using a first wavelength of light, and comparing, by a microprocessor in said device, said scanned bar code to each of the corresponding patient bar codes stored in said memory until said scanned bar code matches one of said stored patient bar codes;

displaying, on a display means of said device, said data for said required venipuncture procedure for said imaged bar code;

gathering equipment needed to perform the required venipuncture procedure, in accordance with said required venipuncture procedure data;

locating one or more subcutaneous veins in a target area on the patient, by scanning said first wavelength of light in a pattern onto the target area, thereby creating a contrasted image of the subcutaneous veins of the target area, resulting from differential absorption and reflection between the subcutaneous veins and the surrounding tissue therein, and by an image capture means receiving said contrasted image and outputting a signal representing said contrasted image to said second laser;

receiving, by said second laser, said signal output by said image capture means; and

emitting, by said second laser, said contrasted image using a second wavelength of light, and scanning said contrasted image onto the target area to overlay the subcutaneous veins therein, for locating a suitable vein for the required venipuncture procedure.

2. The method of performing a venipuncture according to claim 1, further comprising:

storing a list, in said memory, of one or more valid users having required training and privileges to operate said device; and

verifying access privileges to said device for a current user, by using an identification means therein to compare said current user to said list of valid users; and

permitting use of said device when said current user is a valid user.

3. The method of performing a venipuncture procedure according to claim 2, wherein said required venipuncture procedure data comprises a quantity of blood to be removed;

and wherein said required venipuncture procedure comprises removing blood by filling one or more vials to equal said quantity.

4. The method of performing a venipuncture procedure according to claim 2, wherein said required venipuncture procedure comprises injecting a medicine;

and wherein said required venipuncture procedure data comprises a type of medicine to be injected.