Patent ID: 7826890
Filing Date: 2010-11-02
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. Intravenous infiltration detection apparatus comprising: an electronic unit a power supply connected to the electronic unit, a continuous single wavelength single light source connected to the power supply for delivering non-encoded light in a certain spectral range, a first disposable light guide comprising an optical fiber having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being optically connected to the light source for conducting light from the light source, the distal end being configured for mounting near an IV infusion site of a patient, a second disposable light guide comprising an optical fiber having proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured for mounting near the infusion site for receiving the electromagnetic radiation reflected, scattered, diffused or otherwise emitted from the patient's tissue near an intravenous needle injection site, a detector in the electronics unit at the proximal end of the second light guide for detecting light from the guide, an analyzer in the electronics unit connected to the detector for analyzing the received light, wherein analyzing further comprises comparing intensity of the received light, an indicator connected to the analyzer in the electronics unit for providing information on the occurrence of infiltrations, and a disposable skin contact sensor fixed to and holding the distal ends of the first and second light guides against the patient's tissue.