U.S. patent application number 11/441585 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-28 for intravenous drip component illumination device.
Invention is credited to Alejandro Berenstein, Joan O'Donnell, Joel J. Rodriguez, Richard A. Simmers.
Application Number | 20060291211 11/441585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32849693 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060291211 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rodriguez; Joel J. ; et
al. |
December 28, 2006 |
Intravenous drip component illumination device
Abstract
A single intravenous drip components illumination device
containing a source of light that can illuminate IV bags or
bottles, drip chambers and tubing. The directed light of the light
source provides adequate lighting for use of the invention in unlit
or dimly lit settings with minimum lateral scattering. The
invention is powered by an external AC or DC power supply and/or by
batteries mounted internally to the base of the invention.
Inventors: |
Rodriguez; Joel J.;
(Gloucester, MA) ; Simmers; Richard A.;
(Gloucester, MA) ; O'Donnell; Joan; (Wilmington,
MA) ; Berenstein; Alejandro; (New York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
111 HUNTINGTON AVENUE
26TH FLOOR
BOSTON
MA
02199-7610
US
|
Family ID: |
32849693 |
Appl. No.: |
11/441585 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10366021 |
Feb 13, 2003 |
6877877 |
|
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11441585 |
May 26, 2006 |
|
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11032953 |
Jan 11, 2005 |
7052158 |
|
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11441585 |
May 26, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/249.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 5/14 20130101; Y10S
362/804 20130101; A61M 2205/587 20130101; Y10S 362/80 20130101;
A61M 5/1417 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/249 |
International
Class: |
F21V 21/00 20060101
F21V021/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for supporting and illuminating intravenous drip
components comprising: a base portion comprising a visible light
emitting device positioned to illuminate the drip components; and a
back portion for vertically supporting the drip components, wherein
said base portion is configured to support itself in an upright,
free standing position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said visible light emitting
device comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said visible light emitting
device further comprises a plurality of movable light source lenses
of various colors.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base portion further
comprises batteries as a power source for the visible light
emitting device.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an external
low-voltage power supply as a power source for the visible light
emitting device.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said back portion is slidably
connected to said base portion.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base portion further
comprises brackets for securing the apparatus to a standard
intravenous pole.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said back portion comprises a
means for hanging the apparatus from a support structure.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base portion further
comprises brackets for securing a plurality of the apparatus
together.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to, and claims priority from
U.S. Ser. No. 10/366,021 filed Feb. 13, 2003, and U.S. Ser. No.
11/032,953 filed Jan. 11, 2005, the entirety of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an illumination method and
device for use during interventional or diagnostic procedures. It
further relates to the illumination of intravenous (IV) drip
components such as IV medication/solution bags, their drip chambers
and tubing during interventional or diagnostic procedures. IV
fluids are generally supplied to a patient under the force of
gravity by positioning an IV bag containing the IV fluid at an
elevated position relative to the patient. The rate of flow is set
by a manually adjustable clamp positioned in the line between the
IV bag and the patient. The fluid flows to the patient via a drip
chamber attached to the lower, or outlet end of the IV bag. The
drip chamber generates discrete, successive drops that fall from
the drip chamber into a reservoir defined at the lower end of the
drip chamber from which the fluid flows to the patient via an IV
delivery tube.
[0003] The IV bag is transparent so that its fluid level may be
observed by medical personnel. The drip chamber is also transparent
so that the drips may be observed by an anesthesiologist or other
medical personnel to ensure that the drippage is occurring and to
further ensure that the drippage rate is within the appropriate
predetermined limits.
[0004] It is especially critical that a proper drippage rate be
maintained and verified during surgical or diagnostic procedures.
However, an increasing number surgical procedures are being
performed using fluoroscopy, in a dark room or a room with only
ambient lighting since any direct light will compromise the
performance of the radiologist or any medical professional, or
integrity of the procedure, with resulting risk to the patient. The
medical team must be able to clearly view the IV drip chamber and
confirm a constant fluid drip is being maintained in order to
prevent a life-threatening clot from forming at the tip of a
catheter which is utilized throughout the interventional
procedure.
[0005] It is also critical that a proper drippage rate be
maintained and verified for patients who require medical infusions
of medication around the clock. Often, a patient requires
medication every two or four hours. In order to properly administer
medication to patients on a 24-hour basis, including during the
hours of darkness or in patient rooms that are dark, the healthcare
worker must either turn the lights on in the patient's room or use
a portable flashlight.
[0006] The constant disturbing of the patient every two or four
hours to administer medication, check the IV drip rate or to check
the amount of solution in the Iv bag results in the patient being
unable to obtain a necessary period of restful sleep. This lack of
uninterrupted sleep results in a recognized psychological disorder
referred to as Intensive Care Unit Psychosis. Importantly, the
ability of patients to recover from their ailments is endangered
because of the deprivation of proper rest.
[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
compact and portable device that is able to support IV drip
components such as an IV bag, its drip chamber and tubing and
provide a localized light source that is accurately directed
thereat so that a healthcare professional in an unlit, dimly or
normally lit room can easily and accurately determine that drippage
is in fact occurring and/or is occurring at the predetermined
satisfactory rate. It is especially critical that proper drippage
rate be maintained and verified during any medical, surgical or
diagnostic procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a compact and portable device that is able to support IV drip
components such as an IV medication/solution bag, its drip chamber
and tubing. The device also provides a localized light source that
is accurately directed at the IV drip components so that a
determination that drippage is in fact occurring and/or is
occurring at the predetermined satisfactory rate may be easily and
accurately made, even in an unlit, dimly lit or normal ambient lit
environment.
[0009] In its most general form, the device consists of a light
containing base portion and an adjustable and removable back
portion. The base portion contains a light source that can be
powered by internally stored batteries, rechargeable or not, or an
external low-voltage power supply or by a combination of batteries
and external power source. In one embodiment of the invention,
light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used as the light source. Other
light sources while being in association the other aspects of the
present invention form several embodiments. Examples of such other
light sources include, but are not limited to fiber optic lights,
phosphorescent lights, fluorescent lights or tungsten containing
devices (e.g., light bulbs), etc.
[0010] The back portion is designed for supporting IV drip
components such as an IV medication/solution bag, its drip chamber
and tubing. The back portion may be adjustable in order to
accommodate IV drip components of different sizes or to accommodate
other situations wherein the greater overall height of the IV drip
components might be useful.
[0011] The invention can be used in a wide variety of ambulatory
field environments. In one embodiment, the invention may be used as
a stand-alone device. That is, it may be attached to a tabletop or
any surface or plane by way of a retention means. In another
embodiment, the invention may be hung from virtually any
conceivable support structure. In yet another embodiment, the
invention may be attached to a vertical IV support pole by means of
brackets on the back portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A complete understanding of the present invention may be
obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, considered in
conjunction with the subsequent detailed description.
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the front and side portions
of the single intravenous drip component illumination device
according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the side and rear of the
single intravenous drip components illumination device;
[0015] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the front and side of the
single intravenous drip components illumination device with an
intravenous drip bag and drip chamber suspended therefrom;
[0016] FIG. 2A is an orthogonal side view of the light-containing
base portion of the single intravenous drip component illumination
device according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2B is an orthogonal top view of the base illuminator
assembly;
[0018] FIG. 2C is an orthogonal rear view of the moveable back
portion of the single intravenous drip component illumination
device;
[0019] FIG. 2D is an orthogonal side view of the moveable back
portion of the single intravenous drip component illumination
device;
[0020] FIG. 2E is an orthogonal side view of the assembled base
portion and moveable back portion of the single intravenous drip
components illumination device according to the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 3A is an orthogonal rear view of the moveable back
portion shown in its lower position relative to the
light-containing base portion; and;
[0022] FIG. 3B is an orthogonal rear view of the moveable back
portion shown in its raised position relative to the base
portion.
IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS IN THE FIGURES
[0023] For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and
components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout
the FIGURES.
[0024] FIG. 1A
[0025] 10--the single intravenous drip components illumination
device invention
[0026] 12--base portion
[0027] 13--darkened external surface of base portion
[0028] 14--moveable back portion
[0029] 16--base illuminator assembly
[0030] 18--window (for light)
[0031] 22--nib for supporting IV bag
[0032] 26--on/off switch
[0033] 28--electric power receptacle
[0034] 34--integral structure with hole therethrough
[0035] FIG. 1B
[0036] 10--the single intravenous drip components illumination
device invention
[0037] 12--base portion
[0038] 14--moveable back portion
[0039] 16--base illuminator assembly
[0040] 18--window (for light)
[0041] 22--nib for supporting IV bag
[0042] 26--on/off switch
[0043] 28--electric power receptacle
[0044] 30--brackets for engaging standard IV pole
[0045] 32--hook
[0046] 34--integral structure with hole therethrough
[0047] 36--spring-loaded release
[0048] 38--finger pull ring on spring release 36
[0049] 40--flange for supporting moveable back portion
[0050] FIG. 1C
[0051] 10--the illuminated IV drip device invention
[0052] 12--base portion
[0053] 13--darkened external surface of base portion
[0054] 16--base illuminator assembly
[0055] 20--IV drip bag
[0056] 21--drip chamber
[0057] 22--nib for supporting IV bag
[0058] 23, 23'--IV line
[0059] 24--light rays
[0060] 26--on/off switch
[0061] 28--electric power receptacle
[0062] 34--integral structure with hole therethrough
[0063] 47--back side of base portion
[0064] FIG. 2A
[0065] 12--base portion
[0066] 16--base illuminator assembly
[0067] 26--on/off switch
[0068] 28--electric power receptacle
[0069] 30--brackets for engaging standard IV pole
[0070] 40--flange for supporting moveable back portion
[0071] 47--back side of base portion
[0072] 48--sheet of material disposed between the flange 40 and the
back wall 47 of the base portion 12
[0073] FIG. 2B
[0074] 16--base illuminator assembly
[0075] 18--window
[0076] 21--LEDs
[0077] FIG. 2C
[0078] 14--moveable back portion
[0079] 22--nib for supporting IV bag
[0080] 34--integral structure with hole therethrough
[0081] 36--spring-loaded release
[0082] 38--finger pull ring on spring release 36
[0083] 46--slot for engaging item 48 on back side of base
portion
[0084] FIG. 2D
[0085] 14--moveable back portion
[0086] 22--nib for supporting IV bag
[0087] 34--integral structure with hole therethrough
[0088] 36--spring-loaded release
[0089] 38--finger pull ring on spring release 36
[0090] FIG. 2E
[0091] 10--the single intravenous drip components illumination
device invention
[0092] 12--base portion
[0093] 14--moveable back portion
[0094] 16--base illuminator assembly
[0095] 22--nib for supporting IV bag
[0096] 26--on/off switch
[0097] 28--electric power receptacle
[0098] 30--brackets for engaging standard IV pole
[0099] 34--integral structure with hole therethrough
[0100] 36--spring-loaded release
[0101] 38--finger pull ring on spring release 36
[0102] 40--flange for supporting moveable back portion
[0103] 47--back side of base portion
[0104] FIG. 3A
[0105] 10--the single intravenous drip components illumination
device invention
[0106] 14--moveable back portion
[0107] 22--nib for supporting IV bag
[0108] 30--brackets for engaging standard IV pole
[0109] 34--integral structure with hole therethrough
[0110] 36--spring-loaded release
[0111] 38--finger pull ring on spring release 36
[0112] 40--flange for supporting moveable back portion
[0113] 44--bottom side of base portion
[0114] FIG. 3B
[0115] 10--the single intravenous drip components illumination
device invention
[0116] 12--base portion
[0117] 14--moveable back portion
[0118] 22--nib for supporting IV bag
[0119] 30--brackets for engaging standard IV pole
[0120] 34--integral structure with hole therethrough
[0121] 36--spring-loaded release
[0122] 38--finger pull ring on spring release 36
[0123] 40--flange for supporting moveable back portion
[0124] 42--hole in back side of base portion
[0125] 44--bottom side of base portion
[0126] 46--slot for engaging item 48 on back side of base
portion
[0127] 47--back side of base portion
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0128] The present invention is an intravenous illuminator
apparatus designed for illuminating an intravenous (IV) drip
chamber, IV tubing and medication/solutions bag(s). The apparatus
consists of a universal, adjustable, holder bracket for use with a
solution/medication bag and IV drip chamber and tubing, and it
incorporates a base illuminator assembly or light source that is
battery powered (DC) and/or AC powered via the use of a universal
power supply/charger.
[0129] The IV illuminator apparatus according to the present
invention also employs attachment brackets that facilitate the use
of this device with any standard IV pole. More generally, the
apparatus is comprised of a base portion and a detachable back
portion. The detachable back portion is designed to hold or support
any typical IV solution bag or bottle along with an IV drip chamber
and tubing. The inventors envision that the present apparatus may
be ganged, or attached together, for use when multiple IV solutions
or medications are being dispensed or infused into a patient. The
inventors also envision that the invention may be used in desk-top
or table-top settings, attached to or located near procedure tables
and that it may be attached to any surface, plane, hook, loop, etc
by way of a retention means, thereby allowing the apparatus to be
used in a wide range of ambulatory field environments.
[0130] A preferred embodiment of the invention uses light emitting
diodes (LEDs) as a light source, though other light sources such as
electroluminescent lights might conceivably also be used. The LEDs
can be powered by internally stored batteries, rechargeable or not,
or by an external low-voltage power supply or by a combination of
batteries and external power source or by other suitable
methods.
[0131] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the front and one side of
the single intravenous drip components illumination device 10
according to the present invention, showing the two main components
which are a light containing base portion 12 and a moveable back
portion 14. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one side and the rear
of the single intravenous drip components illumination device 10
comprised of the base portion 12 and moveable back portion 14. In
both FIGURES, a base illuminator assembly 16 on the base portion 12
incorporates a window 18 beneath which (i.e., inside the
illuminator 16) is an array of LEDs (not shown). FIG. 1C shows an
intravenous drip bag 20 hanging from the hook nib 22 at the top of
the moveable back portion 14. The bag 20 is being lit by light rays
24 emanating from the base illuminator assembly 16.
[0132] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C also show the on/off switch 26,
electrical input receptacle 28 and, in the partial backside view
shown in FIG. 1B, the IV pole support brackets 30 with which the
present invention can be attached to a vertical IV support pole
(not shown). The presence of the power receptacle 28 is not meant
to imply that external power is the only source of energy for the
light source in the base illuminator assembly 16;
[0133] the inventors conceive that batteries, rechargeable or not,
can be incorporated within the base portion 12 and used with or
without the benefit of a source of electrical energy that is
external to the invention. FIG. 1B also shows a large hook ring 32
from which the single intravenous drip component illumination
device 10 can be hung from a support structure (not shown). The
hook ring 32 is attached to the back portion 14 by way of the
integral structure 34 having a hole therethrough. And a spring
release latch device 36, with a finger pull ring 38 secured
thereto, serves to lock the moveable back portion 14 to the base
portion 12 in a plurality of vertical positions, as described
hereinbelow.
[0134] The darkened surface 13 on the base portion 12 provides a
background that enhances the visibility of the IV drip components
being lit by the illuminator assembly 16.
[0135] FIG. 2A is an orthogonal side view of the base portion 12 of
the present single intravenous drip components illumination device,
with the moveable back portion 14 removed and shown separately in
orthogonal rear view in FIG. 2C and in orthogonal side view in FIG.
2D. FIG. 2E shows the fully assembled single intravenous drip
component illumination device 10 in orthogonal side view. FIG. 2B
shows the base illuminator assembly 16 from the direction of the
arrow A in FIG. 2A. The base illuminator assembly 16 is comprised
of a transparent window 18 beneath which are light sources such as
light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Other portions of the base
illuminator assembly are made of translucent to opaque material so
as to prohibit lateral scattering of light from the LEDs or other
light sources, so that the light shines primarily upward, toward
and illuminates a suspended IV bag and the other IV drip
components. The base illuminator assembly 16 of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention contains four white LEDs 21
which are mounted upon a circuit board located in the portion of
the base illuminator assembly opposite the window 18. Light from
the LEDs 21 shines upward upon the intravenous drip bag 20 and the
other IV drip components as shown in FIG. 1C.
[0136] An additional feature of the assembled single intravenous
drip component illumination device 10 according to the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In FIG. 3A, the moveable
back portion 14 is shown in its lowest position relative to the
bottom 44 of the base portion 12. In FIG. 3B, the moveable back
portion 14 is shown in its elevated position relative to the base
portion. The two or more different positions of the back portion of
the invention 10 are intended to accommodate IV drip bags of
varying sizes, or to accommodate other situations wherein the
greater overall height of the invention might be useful. The
spring-loaded plunger type latch or locking device 36 has a finger
pull ring 38 with which the plunger can be withdrawn from the hole
42 in the base portion 12, as shown in FIG. 3B, thereby freeing the
moveable backing plate 14 to be moved to and locked into two or
more different positions. The spring-loaded plunger type locking
device 36 engages a hole 42, shown in FIG. 3B, so as to lock the
backing plate 14 firmly to the base portion 12 in the elevated
position.
[0137] The flange plate 40 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is also shown
in side view in FIG. 2A. Those skilled in the art will readily
understand the way that the slot 46 in the moveable back plate 14
(as shown in FIGS. 2C and 3B) engages a corresponding sheet of
material 48, shown in FIG. 2A to be disposed between the flange 40
and the back wall 47 of the base portion 12.
[0138] The inventors envision that two or more of the single
intravenous drip components illumination devices 10 according to
the present invention can be ganged together so as to hold multiple
bags or bottles of IV solutions of different types, for use with
multiple patients or with single patients or for other purposes.
The inventors further envision that ganged single intravenous drip
components illumination devices 10 can be distinguished from one
another in dark settings by way of the use of color filters that
can be laid over or otherwise attached to the respective windows 18
of the illuminator assemblies 16 of each unit 10 ganged together.
Alternatively, the inventors envision that the illuminator assembly
can use red, green and blue LEDs having individual controls so that
individual primary colors can be "dialed in," thereby producing any
desired identifying illuminating light color.
* * * * *