WO2019118496A1 - External neonatal transilluminator - Google Patents

Abstract

A trans-illuminator device includes a removable ring adjustably sized to fit a human finger and housing a pressure- triggered optical source, a power source, and a cable linking the pressure-triggered thin optical source to the power source.

Description

EXTERNAL NEONATAL TRANSILLUMINATOR

STATEMENT REGARDING GOVERNMENT INTEREST

[001] None.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[002] This application claims benefit from ET.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/597,213, filed December 11, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] The present invention relates generally to neonatal intensive care devices, and more particularly to an external neonatal transilluminator.

[004] In general, a transilluminator is a device or instrument that projects light, ultraviolet radiation, and so forth, through a translucent sample for observation or photography. Premature infants are some of the most vulnerable patients and the majority require arterial blood draws during their stay in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

[005] Transilluminators aid in these procedures by providing contrast between arteries and surrounding tissue.

[006] Some issues with currently existing transilluminators include poor ergonomic designs, poor visual contrast, excessive heat production, and so forth. What is needed is a device that addresses these issues and meets other necessary requirements to create a more effective and user friendly transilluminator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[008] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a trans-illuminator device including a removable ring adjustably sized to fit a human finger and housing a pressure- triggered optical source, a power source, and a cable linking the pressure-triggered thin optical source to the power source.

[009] In another aspect, the invention features a device including a removable ring adjustably sized to fit a human finger and housing light-emitting diodes protected by a gel- pad, a removable wrist bracelet securing a thin rechargeable battery and including a charging port connected to the thin rechargeable battery, and a cable linking the pressure-sensitive light-emitting diodes to the thin rechargeable battery.

[0010] In still another aspect, the invention features an external neonatal transilluminator including a disposable ring element, the disposable ring element including one or more adjustable rings, a gel pad, a light source, a pressure sensitive switch and a power source.

[0011] Embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following advantages.

[0012] The present invention reduces interference with other medical equipment surrounding patient. [0013] In accordance with the present invention, the ring element can have a diameter less than four (4) centimeters (cm).

[0014] The present invention produces sufficient contrast between blood vessels and surrounding tissues.

[0015] The present invention can be able to withstand repeated exposure to germicidal disposable wipe products.

[0016] The present invention does not emit heat sufficient to warm human tissue greater than approximately 35°C.

[0017] The present invention can include a pressure sensor so that the device only shines light when pressed.

[0018] The present invention can use a rechargeable battery that can last for at least fifteen (15) minutes of continuous use.

[0019] These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of aspects as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0021] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary visible contrast.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top view of a transilluminator device of an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a bottom view of a transilluminator device of an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a side view of a transilluminator device of an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary external neonatal transilluminator.

[0026] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary bracelet element.

[0027] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary ring element. [0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of an external neonatal transilluminator.

[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment of an external neonatal transilluminator.

[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment of an external neonatal transilluminator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The subject innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the present invention.

[0032] In general, a transilluminator helps to locate the tiny veins in a neonate's small limbs for improved insertion of an IV, where an IV is considered to be a thin bendable tube that slides into one of a child's veins. The IV can stay there for a while, e.g., indwell and can be connected to tubing that carries fluid, medicine or blood to the child.

[0033] Premature babies are some of the most vulnerable patients and a blood draw is one of the most significant and common diagnostic tools used in the hospital. The majority of babies entering the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) must undergo an arterial blood draw. To facilitate these arterial blood draws, a transilluminator is used to help visualize the arteries in the baby's arm, making this process more efficient and accurate for the patient.

[0034] Currently the transilluminators available to doctors and nurses are inconvenient to use and therefore many medical professionals opt to attempt the blood draw procedure without the assistance of a transilluminator. This results in multiple unsuccessful attempts and thus, slows down the process of delivering the correct diagnosis and treatment for each baby. A redesign of the transilluminator is necessary because current products on the market do not meet the needs of the professionals using this device. The redesigned product should be easy and comfortable to use for learning residents, as well as experienced doctors. It should help make the arterial puncture procedure easier, and increase first time successes.

[0035] The idea behind a transilluminator is that bright light-emitting diode (LED) lights help create a visual contrast between the biological tissue and the vessels, or veins and arteries. This is understood by the fact that biological tissue has different absorption and scattering coefficients than blood vessels. Biological tissue scatters more of the light than the blood vessels, which absorb more light.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary visible contrast between tissue and vessels in a full- term baby's wrist located between a palm 12 and a forearm 14. The contrast highlights superficial veins 16, a radial artery 18 and an ulnar artery 20.

[0037] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top view of one embodiment of an exemplary external neonatal transilluminator 200 affixed to an upper appendage 210, i.e., hand and arm.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a bottom view of the external neonatal transilluminator 200 of FIG. 2.

[0039] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a side view of the external neonatal transilluminator 200 of FIG. 2.

[0040] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a side view of the external neonatal transilluminator 200 of FIG. 2.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, an external neonatal transilluminator 500 can include three elements; a ring element 510, a bracelet element 520 and a wiring element 530 linking the ring element 510 with the bracelet element 520. In one embodiment, the bracelet element 520 is designed to fit a wrist and has a length of 24 - 30 cm and the ring element 510 has a ring diameter of 1.8 - 2.75 cm.

[0042] In an alternate embodiment, the external neonatal transilluminator 500 of FIG. 5 includes only one element, i.e., ring element 510. In this embodiment, the ring element 510 may include one or more of a gel pad, a light source, a pressure sensitive switch, adjustable rings and a power source, e.g., a battery. In this embodiment, when the power source loses its charge, the external neonatal transilluminator 500 may be disposed of. This embodiment also eliminates a requirement for the bracelet element and the wiring element, resulting in a substantially reduced overall form factor for the external neonatal transilluminator 500. This embodiment also makes the external neonatal transilluminator 500 easier to transport and handle than the embodiment encompassing three elements.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the bracelet element 520 includes a battery pack 600 that provides power to the ring element 510 (of FIG. 5). In an embodiment, the batter pack 600 is rechargeable. More specifically, a charging port 610 on the bracelet element 520 may be used to link a remote power source (not shown) to enabling charging of the batter pack 600. The battery pack 600 contains its own power switch. Being attached to a wrist prevents the bracelet element 520 from being accidentally dropped or knocked off of beds.

[0044] The bracelet element 520 may be secured around a wrist with a hardware clasp, such as a snap closure, or a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro®.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, the ring element 510 can include a gel pad 700, a light source 710, a pressure sensitive switch 720 and adjustable rings 730. The light source 710 is worn on a finger enabling flexibility in use. In a preferred embodiment, the light source 710 is LED, leading to increased brightness and greater visibility of landmarks. The light source 710 can be pressure-triggered by the pressure sensitive switch 720, which minimizes a risk of light accidentally damaging the eyes of an infant or distracting a clinician from a procedure. For example, the pressure-sensitive switch 720 can be configured to activate the light source 710 when the ring element 510 contacts and/or is pressed against the subject (e.g., the infant). In addition, depending upon pressure applied, the pressure sensitive switch 720 can adjust an intensity of light. In other embodiments, the light source 710 can be mounted on the bracelet element 520 and transmitted via fiber optics.

[0046] The gel pad 700 preferably has a medical coating that enables sterilization for reuse. The medical coating may be selected to prevent allergic material reactions. The medical coating may be made of rubber or polymers such that it is able to conform to the back of the baby's wrist and create an adequate layer to evenly penetrate light through the wrist. In one embodiment, a contact area with skin is configured to be flat to facilitate contact with the flat portion of backside of wrist. In another embodiment, alternative configurations may include a bubble that can press flat and revert to form.

[0047] The external neonatal transilluminator 500 effectively illuminates the arteries and veins in an infant's wrist, increases first-time success of blood draws and reduces time and discomfort of procedure. The external neonatal transilluminator 500 can limit heat emission to ensure the baby is not harmed or burned during this process. The external neonatal transilluminator 500 can exhibit improved ergonomics to enable ease of use in the procedure.

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of an external neonatal transilluminator 800 that includes a ring element 810 and a handheld power supply 820. The ring element 810 is linked to the handheld power supply 820 by a flexible wiring element 830. As fully described above, the ring element 810 can includes a gel pad, a light source (e.g., LED lighting), a pressure sensitive switch and adjustable rings. The light source cam be worn on a finger enabling flexibility in use. The handheld power supply 820 may be held in a user's hand or placed on a surface. Placement of the handheld power supply 820 on a surface may be direct or through the use of one or more hooks or clamps associated with the handheld power supply 820. The handheld power supply 820 may include alkaline batteries or rechargeable batteries, or be directly adapted to plug into a current of electricity such as from a household electrical outlet.

[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment of an external neonatal transilluminator 900 that includes a light element 910 and a power supply element 920. The light element 910 and the power supply element 920 linked together by a flexible wiring element 930. The light element 910 can be portable and may be carried in a user's hand or suspended to an external fixture. The light element 910 can include one or more of a gel pad, a light source (e.g., LED lighting) and a pressure sensitive switch.

[0050] The power supply element 920 may be implemented as a bracelet. The bracelet can include, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, a rechargeable battery and a battery port. The battery port can be used to charge the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery can be connected by the wiring element to the light element.

[0051] FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment of an external neonatal transilluminator 1000 that includes ring/power supply element 1010 and a portable charging element 1020. The ring/power supply element 1010 includes one or more of a gel pad, a light source (e.g., LED lighting), a pressure-sensitive switch, adjustable rings and a rechargeable battery. The portable charging element 1020 can provide wireless charging of the rechargeable battery when the ring/power supply element 1010 and a portable charging element 1020 are positioned proximate to each other.

[0052] In general, wireless charging is based on the principle of magnetic resonance, or Inductive Power Transfer (IPT). This is the process of transferring an electrical current between two objects through the use of coils to induce an electromagnetic field.

[0053] More specifically, an alternating current (AC) is sent to a transmitter coil by the transmitter circuit in the portable charging element. The alternating current induces a time- varying magnetic field in the transmitter coil. Alternating current flowing within the transmitter coil induces a magnetic field, which extends to a receiver coil (when within a specified distance) located in the ring/power supply element. The magnetic field generates current within the receiver coil of the ring/power supply element. Current flowing within the receiver coil is converted into direct current (DC) by the receiver circuit, which can then be used to wirelessly charge the battery in the ring/power supply element. By eliminating the use of physical connectors and cables, wireless charging provides a number of efficiency, cost and safety advantages over a traditional charging cable.

[0054] Although the external neonatal transilluminator has been described with respect to infants, it may be adapted to older individuals.

[0055] It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be within the scope of the present invention except as limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A trans-illuminator device comprising:

a removable ring adjustably sized to fit a human finger and housing a pressure- triggered optical source;

a power source; and

a cable linking the pressure-triggered thin optical source to the power source.

2. The trans-illuminator device of claim 1 wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery.

3. The trans-illuminator device of claim 2 wherein the optical source is a light-emitting diode.

4. The trans-illuminator device of claim 1 wherein the power source includes a switch configured to control flow of electricity to the removable ring.

5. The trans-illuminator device of claim 1 wherein the pressure-triggered thin optical source is protected by a gel pad radially external to the optical source.

6. The trans-illuminator device of claim 1 wherein the removable wrist bracelet further comprises a charging port.

7. The trans-illuminator device of claim 6, wherein the charging port is linked to the power source by a charging cable.

8. The trans-illuminator device of claim 1 wherein the removable wrist bracelet is a snap bracelet.

9. The trans-illuminator device of claim 1 wherein opposite ends of the removable wrist bracelet comprise hook-and-loop fasteners.

10. A device comprising:

a removable ring adjustably sized to fit a human finger and housing a plurality of light-emitting diodes protected by a gel-pad;

a removable wrist bracelet securing a thin rechargeable battery and including a charging port connected to the thin rechargeable battery; and

a cable linking the plurality of pressure-sensitive light-emitting diodes to the thin rechargeable battery.

12. An external neonatal transilluminator comprises:

a disposable ring element, the disposable ring element comprising one or more of a plurality of adjustable rings, a gel pad, a light source, a pressure sensitive switch and a power source.

13. The external neonatal transilluminator of claim 12 wherein the power source is a battery.

14. The external neonatal transilluminator of claim 12 wherein the light source is a light- emitting diode.

15. The external neonatal transilluminator of claim 12 wherein the plurality of adjustable rings are configured to fit a plurality of human finger sizes.