FR3131190A1 - Tool for locating a blood vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for locating a blood vessel of a limb of a living being. According to the invention, the locating device comprises a first branch (41) comprising means (1) for locating the blood vessel, said first branch being provided to be positioned so as to bring the locating means and a surface of skin covering the blood vessel of said limb and a second branch (42) designed to hold the first branch against said limb, and in that the localization device comprises means for setting the first branch in relative motion with respect to the second branch . Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Tool for locating a blood vessel Technical field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to techniques allowing the localization of blood vessels, and in particular to the corresponding devices.

Technical background

Blood gas analysis (or blood gas analysis) is called “blood gas”. During such an analysis, the practitioner measures the acidity of the blood and the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Blood is preferably taken from an artery.

The examination makes it possible to evaluate pulmonary exchanges and to detect changes in the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the arterial blood and in particular in the blood which goes to the tissues. Indeed, for example, when blood passes through the lungs, it is enriched in oxygen and depleted in carbon dioxide.

Blood gas analysis also helps assess a patient’s acid-base balance.

During the examination, a blood sample is taken from an artery. In general, this is the radial (wrist), humeral (arm) or femoral (groin) artery. Once the sample has been taken, place a gauze or cotton pad and compress the puncture site firmly for a few minutes.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to accurately determine the location of the artery by non-invasive means prior to blood sampling, and to provide the practitioner with a visual indication of the artery location to facilitate blood sampling. .

In particular, it would be beneficial to display the location of the artery over sufficient length to allow the practitioner to determine the orientation of the artery, so that the needle or stylet can be positioned to cut the artery generally or approximately along its axis. It is generally desirable to cross the artery at an angle between approximately 30 degrees and 45 degrees. When the artery is properly located, the practitioner can then align the needle at an appropriate angle for insertion into the blood vessel.

Prior art systems, for example systems for locating a blood vessel, have been described.

For example, US Patent Application No. US2018325448A1 discloses an artery locator device that includes a sensor array configured to be attached to a skin surface overlying a target artery.

The sensor network is a network of detectors, for example pressure detectors configured to generate signals responsive to pressure or a change in pressure. A display device is disposed on the sensor array. A controller circuit is configured to receive signals generated by the sensor array, to identify from the received signals periodic pressure pulses which have a frequency within a predetermined frequency range corresponding to a pulsatile frequency and which define an elongated path at through at least a portion of the sensor array, and to display on the display device an image that covers the elongated path through the sensor array, such that the display shows a projection of the two-dimensional position of the artery under the display.

However, such a localization device based on a network of sensors is relatively bulky and does not have sufficient precision to detect arteries in all conditions of use of the device. In addition, such a device is not easy and quick to install on a patient.

On the basis of this problem, the present invention therefore has the task of developing a device for locating a blood vessel of the type previously indicated so as to guarantee greater precision. The invention, according to some of its embodiments, also aims to provide such a location device which is less bulky than certain devices of the prior art. The invention, according to certain of its embodiments, also aims to provide such a location device which indicates to the user who may be a caregiver or a practitioner a point on which he must carry out an operation (such as a blood sample). The invention, according to some of its embodiments, also aims to provide such a device which is easy and quick to install on a patient.

With regard to devices for locating blood vessels, the task on which the invention is based is solved by the subject of the present invention, advantageous developments of the locating device according to the invention being specified below.

Consequently, the invention relates in particular to a device for locating a blood vessel of a limb of a living being. According to the invention, the locating device comprises a first branch comprising means for locating the blood vessel, said first branch being intended to be positioned so as to place the locating means and a skin surface covering the blood vessel of said member and a second branch provided to hold the first branch against said member, and in that the locating device comprises means for setting the first branch in relative movement relative to the second branch.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the locating device comprises means for supplying electricity to the means for locating the blood vessel.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first and second branches has a substantially arcuate shape so as to match the morphology of the member.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the means of setting in motion comprise means of translation of the first branch relative to the second branch.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the means for setting in motion comprise means for articulating the first branch relative to the second branch.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the locating device comprises means for motorizing the means for setting in motion.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the motorization means of the moving means comprise a system based on pneumatic pressure.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the means for locating the blood vessel comprise at least one acoustic wave transmitter configured to emit acoustic waves - hereinafter emitted acoustic waves - in the limb through the skin surface, at least one acoustic wave receiver configured to receive the acoustic waves reflected by the limb – hereinafter reflected acoustic waves, a module for measuring a parameter of the reflected acoustic waves or a difference in the value of a parameter between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and a module for determining the location of the blood vessel as a function of said parameter or of said difference in value of said parameter.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first branch comprises a first finger facing a first portion of skin and a second finger facing a second portion of skin.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first finger comprises at least one first transmitter of acoustic waves and at least one first receiver of acoustic waves. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second finger comprises at least one second transmitter of acoustic waves and at least one second receiver of acoustic waves.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the measurement module is a module for measuring the phase shift between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and in that the module for determining the location of the blood vessel takes said measured phase shift into account .

According to one embodiment of the invention, the measurement module is a module for measuring the amplitude of the reflected acoustic waves and in that the module for determining the location of the blood vessel takes said amplitude into account.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the measurement module is a module for measuring the frequency difference between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and in that the module for determining the location of the blood vessel takes into account of said frequency difference.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the localization device comprises a module for displaying the location of the blood vessel comprising a first laser and a second laser whose beams intersect at a point on the surface of the skin, said point being indicative of the location of the blood vessel.

The invention also relates to a device for locating a blood vessel of a limb of a living being configured to be placed substantially facing a surface of skin covering the blood vessel of said limb, characterized in that the device comprises at least one acoustic wave transmitter configured to emit acoustic waves - hereinafter emitted acoustic waves - into the limb through the skin surface, at least one acoustic wave receiver configured to receive the acoustic waves reflected by the limb – hereinafter reflected acoustic waves, a module for measuring a parameter of the reflected acoustic waves or a difference in the value of a parameter between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and a module for determining the location of the blood vessel as a function of said parameter or of said difference in value of said parameter.

The localization device according to the invention can be used to locate any type of blood vessel such as for example veins, capillaries or arteries. It can be advantageously used on humans but can also be used on animals (veterinary applications).

Preferably, the localization device according to the invention is used to locate an artery as part of an arterial blood test.

Preferably, the measurement module is a module for measuring the phase shift between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and in that the module for determining the location of the blood vessel takes said measured phase shift into account.

Preferably, the measurement module is a module for measuring the amplitude of the reflected acoustic waves and in that the module for determining the location of the blood vessel takes said amplitude into account.

Preferably, the measurement module is a module for measuring the frequency difference between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and in that the module for determining the location of the blood vessel takes said frequency difference into account.

Preferably, the device comprises a first transmitter of acoustic waves and a first receiver of acoustic waves located in a first zone of the device and a second transmitter of acoustic waves and a second receiver of acoustic waves located in a second zone of the device .

Preferably, the device comprises a first matrix of transmitters and receivers of acoustic waves located in a first zone of the device and a second matrix of transmitters and receivers of acoustic waves located in a second zone of the device.

Preferably, the means for measuring a parameter or a difference in value of a parameter comprise means for measuring a first parameter value or difference in parameter value at the level of the first zone and means for measurement of a second parameter value or parameter value difference at the level of the second zone and in that the means for determining the location take into account a first location determined from the first parameter value or difference in parameter value and a second location determined from the second parameter value or difference in parameter value.

Preferably, each acoustic wave transmitter and/or receiver can be reconfigured respectively into a receiver and/or an acoustic wave transmitter.

Preferably, the acoustic wave transmitters and receivers comprise piezoelectric elements.

Preferably, the module for measuring a parameter or a difference in the value of a parameter comprises a filter and an amplifier.

Preferably, the device comprises a module for displaying the location of the blood vessel comprising a first laser and a second laser whose beams intersect at a point on the surface of the skin, said point being indicative of the location of the blood vessel.

The invention also relates to a clamp adapted to be placed on a limb of a living being.

Preferably, the blood vessel is an artery, the living being a human being and the limb a wrist.

Preferably, the clamp comprises a matrix made of silicone.

The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a device for locating a blood vessel according to the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during reading of the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which we will refer to the appended drawings in which:

schematically shows a top view of a clamp according to one embodiment of the invention;

schematically shows the means of locating the clamp of the installed on a wrist and the path of emitted and reflected acoustic waves;

shows a graph illustrating the amplitude of the phase shift as a function of time over the duration of a scan of a matrix of piezoelectric disks of the means for locating the clamp of the within the framework of a first embodiment of the invention.

watch is block diagram of the electronic circuit of the means of locating the clamp of the .

Detailed description of the invention

Various aspects of different embodiments of a blood vessel locator are described in more detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

There schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a device 10 for locating a blood vessel according to the invention. In the present embodiment of the invention, the device has a clamp shape 10 and is used to detect and locate the radial artery 11 in the wrist 12 of a human patient.

Of course, according to other embodiments, the clamp or even any other locating device according to the invention can be used to locate any blood vessel such as capillaries or veins or arteries for any living being such as a human being or an animal. Likewise, they can be used for such detection in any limb such as for example the wrist, arm, groin, and leg or paw.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the clamp 10 (or localization device 10) is used by a caregiver or practitioner as part of an arterial blood test to perform an analysis of the patient's blood gas. Thus, in the present example, the target artery is the radial artery 11 of the patient's wrist 12.

Preferably, the clamp 10 is placed on the wrist 12 of the patient so that locating means 1 of the clamp 10 are placed facing the interior face of the wrist 12.

For example, the clamp 10 (or localization device 10) comprises a first branch 31 comprising the means for locating the blood vessel. For example, the first branch 31 is intended to be positioned so as to place the locating means opposite each other. 1 and a surface of skin covering the blood vessel of the limb. For example, the clamp 10 also includes a second branch 32 intended to hold the first branch 31 against the member. For example, the clamp 10 comprises means for setting the first branch in relative movement relative to the second branch.

For example, the clamp 10 comprises means for supplying electricity to the means for locating the blood vessel. For example, these means of power are a rechargeable battery. For example, the battery is positioned in the first branch. Of course, the battery or more generally, any means of powering the pliers or means of locating the pliers can be located in any part of the pliers (for example in the second branch or even elsewhere) or even outside of the clamp and in this case the electrical energy can be brought to the clamp by any means such as an electric cable or wire or by induction.

For example, at least one of the first and second branches has a substantially arcuate shape so as to match the morphology of the member. For example, each of the first and second branches has a substantially arcuate shape and therefore fits the patient's wrist.

For example, in the clamp 10, the moving means comprise translation means 1000 of the first branch 41 relative to the second branch 42.

According to another example not illustrated, in the clamp 10, the moving means comprise means for articulating the first branch 41 relative to the second branch 42.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first branch 41 comprises a first finger 411 facing a first portion of skin and a second finger 412 facing a second portion of skin.

For example, the first finger 411 comprises at least one first acoustic wave transmitter and at least one first acoustic wave receiver and the second finger 412 comprises at least one second acoustic wave transmitter and at least one second acoustic wave receiver. acoustic waves.

For example, the clamp 10 comprises means for motorizing the means for setting in motion. For example, the motorization means of the moving means comprise a system based on pneumatic pressure. Of course, any other pressure system (for example hydraulic pressure) or any other motorization system can be implemented.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the means for locating the blood vessel comprise at least one acoustic wave transmitter configured to emit acoustic waves - hereinafter emitted acoustic waves - in the limb through the skin surface, at least one acoustic wave receiver configured to receive the acoustic waves reflected by the limb – hereinafter reflected acoustic waves, a module for measuring a parameter of the reflected acoustic waves or a difference in the value of a parameter between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and a module for determining the location of the blood vessel as a function of said parameter or of said difference in value of said parameter. Of course, the location means 1 can implement any other blood vessel location technology. For example, they can use optical waves transmitted and received (for example, in emission by diodes, lasers or any other light sources and, in reception, by photodiodes or any other light detection devices). For example, they can implement detection by pressure measurement, by emission of radio frequency waves or any other technology. For example again, they may only implement means of detecting optical, acoustic, radio frequency or pressure waves without means of emitting such waves or pressure.

The locating means 1 are configured to be arranged substantially facing a surface of skin covering the wrist artery. According to one embodiment of the invention, the locating means 1 are configured to be arranged substantially in contact with a skin surface covering the wrist artery. However, according to variants of this embodiment of the invention, the location means can be provided to be arranged at a distance (for example a few millimeters or a few centimeters) from the skin surface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the two branches can be made of a plastic material, PVC, silicone, leather, nylon, or any other synthetic or natural material. The two branches can attach to each other at their free end (the one opposite the end in contact with the means of movement) thanks to any securing mechanism (for example push button, buckle with pin metallic, …). Of course, the branches can also not attach to each other at their free end (the one opposite the end in contact with the means of setting in motion) as illustrated by the .

In a clamp (or a locating device) according to the invention, at least one or each of the first and second branches may comprise at least two strands articulated or secured to each other.

For example, the locating means 1 comprise at least one acoustic wave transmitter 2, 21, 22 configured to emit acoustic waves (hereinafter emitted acoustic waves) in the limb through the skin surface, at least one receiver of acoustic waves 3, 31, 32 configured to receive the acoustic waves reflected by the wrist 12 (hereinafter reflected acoustic waves).

As illustrated by the , the locating means 1 comprise a first matrix 7 of transmitters 21 and receivers 31 of acoustic waves located in a first zone 61 of the device 1 and a second matrix 8 of transmitters 22 and receivers 32 of acoustic waves located in a second zone 62 of the location means.

Of course, according to variants of the invention, the location means can comprise in the first zone 61, any number of acoustic wave transmitters and receivers organized in a matrix or not and they can also comprise in the second zone 62, any number of acoustic wave transmitters and receivers organized in a matrix or not. For example, the locating means comprise a first transmitter of acoustic waves and a first receiver of acoustic waves located in the first zone 61 of the device 1 and a second transmitter of acoustic waves and a second receiver of acoustic waves located in the second zone 62 of the location means.

For example, the location means 1 have a substantially square or rectangular shape when viewed from above. Preferably the distance between the first zone 61 where the first matrix 7 is located and the second zone 62 where the second matrix 8 is located is less than 2cm and even preferably less than 1.5cm so that the artery can be considered as substantially rectilinear between the first matrix 7 and the second matrix 8.

According to one embodiment, each acoustic wave transmitter 2, 21, 22 and receiver 3, 31, 32 can be reconfigured respectively into a receiver and/or an acoustic wave transmitter. Of course, according to variants of this embodiment, only part of the transmitters and/or receivers (for example at least one of them) can be reconfigured. According to yet another variant, none of the receivers or transmitters are reconfigurable.

For example, each of the acoustic wave transmitters and receivers comprises a piezoelectric element, for example a piezoelectric disk whose diameter is for example between 0.5mm and 1cm and more preferably still between 1mm and 3mm. For example, each of the piezoelectric disks has a diameter of 1 mm. Of course, the invention can be implemented with any other diameter value of the piezoelectric disks. Furthermore, any other form of piezoelectric element can be implemented in the context of the invention. Furthermore, other types of transmitters and receivers than piezoelectric solutions can be implemented within the framework of the invention.

For example, the locating means 1 of the clamp 10 also include means for controlling the transmitters and receivers. These control means are for example produced in the form of an electronic circuit 100. Thus, according to a preferred implementation of the invention, the electronic circuit can power some of the transmitters and receivers of the first 7 and second 8 matrices according to a determined sequence . For example, referring to the which schematically shows the clamp 10 installed on the wrist 12 and the path of the emitted 13 and reflected 14 acoustic waves, such a sequence can include the simultaneous implementation of the following four steps:

• Configure as a transmitter the first piezoelectric disk of the first matrix starting from the left on the outer line of the first matrix (the line of piezoelectric disks farthest from the center of the locating means 1)
• Configure as a receiver the first piezoelectric disk of the first matrix starting from the left on the interior line of the first matrix (the line of piezoelectric disks closest to the center of the locating means 1)
• Configure as a transmitter the first piezoelectric disk of the second matrix starting from the left on the interior line of the second matrix (the line of piezoelectric disks closest to the center of the locating means 1)
• Configure as a receiver the first piezoelectric disk of the second matrix starting from the left on the interior line of the second matrix (the line of piezoelectric disks farthest from the center of the locating means 1)

Then, the simultaneous implementation of the same four steps with the second piezoelectric disk of each row of each matrix and so on so as to horizontally scan all the piezoelectric disks of the first matrix and second matrix.

Such scanning makes it possible to measure the acoustic waves reflected 14 by the wrist 12 over the entire length of the piezoelectric disk arrays.

The length of the first and second array is the same and the spacing between the disks in each row is also the same. Thus, each row of each matrix includes the same number of piezoelectric disks. For example, the length of the first matrix 7 and the second matrix 8 is provided in the locating means 1 so that each matrix in the device overhangs the artery 11 in the wrist 12.

The electronic circuit 100 comprises a module for measuring a parameter of the reflected acoustic waves 14 or a difference in the value of a parameter between the reflected acoustic waves 14 and the emitted acoustic waves 13. The electronic circuit 100 also comprises a module determining the location of the blood vessel as a function of said parameter or of said difference in value of said parameter.

Preferably, the module for measuring the parameter of the reflected acoustic waves 14 or a difference in the value of a parameter between the reflected acoustic waves 14 and the emitted acoustic waves 13 comprises a filter and an amplifier.

Preferably, the means for measuring a parameter or a difference in value of a parameter comprise means for measuring a first parameter value or difference in parameter value at the level of the first zone and means for measuring a second parameter value or parameter value difference at the second zone.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the measurement module is a module for measuring the phase shift between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the measurement module is a module for measuring the amplitude of the reflected acoustic waves.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, the measurement module is a module for measuring the frequency difference between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves.

There shows a graph illustrating the amplitude of the phase shift ∆f in mV as a function of time t over the duration of a scan of a matrix of piezoelectric disks of the clamp 10 in the context of the first aforementioned embodiment. The phase shift ∆f is equal to the phase difference Phi 1 - Phi between the reflected waves 14 and the emitted waves 13.

Thus, for example, when scanning the arrays of piezoelectric disks implemented by the electronic circuit previously described, the means for measuring the phase shift will measure the phase shift between the emitted waves 13 and the reflected waves 14 at the level of each pair of disks piezoelectric on the two lines of each matrix and make it possible to obtain the graph as illustrated in which represents the measurement of the phase shift as a function of time over the duration of a scan of one of the first 7 and second 8 matrices, for example the second matrix 8.

When the emitted acoustic waves reach the artery 11, the phase shift between the emitted waves and the reflected waves will present a maximum value which is characteristic of the presence of the artery. Thus, the electronic circuit of the locating means can identify from the measured phase shift as represented on the the maximum phase shift value which is characteristic of the presence of the artery under the piezoelectric disk torque in the wrist.

In the context of the second embodiment, the amplitude of the reflected waves is measured at the place of the phase shift and, in the same way, the maximum value of the amplitude is characteristic of the presence of the artery.

In the context of the third embodiment, the frequency difference between the reflected waves and the emitted waves is measured instead of the phase shift and, in the same way, the maximum value of the frequency difference is characteristic of the presence of the 'artery.

The electronic circuit 100 also includes a module for determining the location of the artery as a function of the phase shift measured in the first aforementioned embodiment (or as a function of the amplitude of the reflected acoustic waves in the second aforementioned embodiment or again depending on the frequency difference between the reflected waves and the waves emitted in the third embodiment mentioned above).

This module will therefore identify the maximum phase shift measured by the phase shift measurement module in the first embodiment (or the maximum amplitude of the reflected acoustic waves in the second embodiment or the maximum frequency difference in the third embodiment) during scanning on each of the first and second matrices, which allows it to determine which piezoelectric disk torque is concerned by the minimum at each of the first 7 and second 8 matrices.

This therefore allows it to locate the artery at two points: one at the level of the first matrix and the other at the level of the second matrix. Then, for example, the module for determining the location of the artery 11 carries out a linear interpolation between the two points and determines a point located in the middle of the two aforementioned points on the line passing through these two points. This midpoint being the representative point of the location of artery 11.

For example, the clamp 10 also includes a module for displaying the location of the artery comprising a first laser 91 and a second laser 92 which are controlled by the electronic circuit 100 and whose beams intersect at a point on the surface of the artery. the skin, said point being indicative of the location of the blood vessel. Preferably, the first laser 91 and the second laser 92 are provided to move in translation respectively along a first and a second side of the device for displaying the location of the artery. For example, each of the first laser 91 and second laser 92 is mounted on first and second linear actuators provided on a card carrying the electronic circuit. The actuators can be controlled by the electronic circuit and for example by the module for determining the location of the artery as a function of the measured phase shift (or the measured amplitude or even the measured frequency difference). For example, the first and second sides are orthogonal.

The display module controls the movement of the first 91 and second 92 laser so that their respective beams intersect at the point representative of the location of the artery 11.

There watch is block diagram of the electronic circuit of the clamp 10 of the .

An acoustic signal 700 (reflected on the wrist) is received by a piezoelectric disk configured as a receiver 701. The electrical signal generated consequently by the piezoelectric disk (receiver) is then transmitted to a parasitic filter 702 which then transmits the filtered signal to a amplifier 703.

The parasitic filter 702 is for example a third order active high pass filter which has for example a gain of 24 dB (obtained by the following formula: Gain = 33000/1500+22000/9100 ~= 24dB).

For example, the 703 amplifier is an AD847 amplifier which has a gain per bandwidth product of around 50MHz. The amplifier 703 then transmits the amplified signal to a data processing module 705 (which includes the parameter or parameter difference measurement module and the location determination module previously mentioned). The data processing module 705 transmits a signal to a control module 706 which controls a power supply module 707 which itself supplies a motor control of the actuator of the first laser 91, a motor control of the actuator of the second laser 92 as well as the first 91 and second 92 laser. A power supply 704 supplies the transmitting and receiving piezoelectric disks, the parasitic filter 702 and the amplifier 703.

For example, the 704 power supply powers piezoelectric disks when configured as transmitters with a 3 MHz signal.

The invention also relates in particular to a method for manufacturing/assembling a device for locating a blood vessel.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments of the device for locating a blood vessel according to the invention shown in the drawings, but arises from a global vision of all the characteristics disclosed here.

This also applies, in particular, to the potential union of components. It is therefore conceivable that certain modules, components or boxes described above could be connected in a single piece to each other.

The invention has been described above based on design examples and variations (which may also be called modifications, further developments, alternatives or options). The invention itself is defined by the appended claims. The illustrations and description of the design examples serve to explain and understand the claimed invention. Individual features of a design example or variation thereof may be combined with any other related design example or variation and shall also be considered disclosed in this sense even if not expressly described in the context. , unless this proves obviously impossible or meaningless for technical or physical reasons. Conversely, individual features of a design example or variations thereof do not limit an invention and may be omitted if the remaining combination of features solves a technical problem. Notably, any combination of individual features described herein that solves a technical problem in a non-obvious way may form a distinct subject matter of the invention.

List of reference signs

1 means of location

2 acoustic wave transmitter

21 acoustic wave transmitter

22 acoustic wave transmitter

3 acoustic wave receiver

31 acoustic wave receiver

32 acoustic wave receiver

41 first branch

411 first finger

412 second finger

42 second branch

61 first zone

62 second zone

7 first matrix

8 second matrix

91 first laser

92 second laser

10 pliers

11 Artery

12 wrist

13 acoustic waves emitted

14 reflected acoustic waves

100 electronic circuit

1000 means of translation

Claims (12)

Device for locating (10) a blood vessel of a limb of a living being, characterized in that it comprises a first branch (41) comprising means for locating (1) the blood vessel, said first branch being intended to be positioned so as to place the locating means and a surface of skin covering the blood vessel of said limb and a second branch provided to hold the first branch against said limb, and in that the locating device comprises means relative movement of the first branch (41) relative to the second branch (42). Blood vessel locating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for electrically supplying the blood vessel locating means. Device for locating a blood vessel (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the first (41) and second branch (42) has a substantially arcuate shape so as to adapt to the morphology of the member. Device for locating a blood vessel (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving means comprise means for translating the first branch relative to the second branch. Device for locating a blood vessel (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving means comprise means for articulating the first branch (41) relative to the second branch ( 42). Device for locating a blood vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for motorizing the means for setting in motion. Device for locating a blood vessel (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the motorization means of the moving means comprise a system based on pneumatic pressure. Device for locating a blood vessel (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for locating the blood vessel comprise at least one acoustic wave transmitter (2, 21, 22) configured to emit acoustic waves - hereinafter emitted acoustic waves - in the limb through the skin surface, at least one acoustic wave receiver (3, 31, 32) configured to receive the acoustic waves reflected by the limb - hereinafter reflected acoustic waves, a module for measuring a parameter of the reflected acoustic waves or a difference in the value of a parameter between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and a module for determining the location of the blood vessel in function of said parameter or of said difference in value of said parameter. Device for locating a blood vessel (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the measuring module is a module for measuring the phase shift between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and in that the module for determining the location of the blood vessel takes said measured phase shift into account. Device for locating a blood vessel according to claim 8, characterized in that the measuring module is a module for measuring the amplitude of the reflected acoustic waves and in that the module for determining the location of the vessel blood takes said amplitude into account. Device for locating a blood vessel according to claim 8, characterized in that the measuring module is a module for measuring the frequency difference between the reflected acoustic waves and the emitted acoustic waves and in that the module for determining the location of the blood vessel takes said frequency difference into account. Device for locating a blood vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a module for displaying the location of the blood vessel comprising a first laser (91) and a second laser ( 92) whose beams intersect at a point on the surface of the skin, said point being indicative of the location of the blood vessel.