Point-of-care guidance system for diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures

#Various embodiments of devices, tools, techniques, and computer-based technology are provided to assist with medical and veterinarian diagnostic imaging and image guided procedure performance. In particular embodiments, point of care ultrasound (POCUS) techniques can be used for evaluating vascular conditions and characteristics, and for guiding and facilitating vascular access procedures performed during a medical procedure.

#Vascular access as well as other medical treatments and procedures, such as procedures involving drainage, biopsies, perfusions, infusions, injections, nerve block injections, tubes for spine treatment, as well as others are important considerations for healthcare professionals. Whether these procedures are performed optimally can have a significant impact on effective patient treatment. For example, identifying an appropriate blood vessel in the arm of a patient, as well as the vessel's suitability for an injection procedure, are essential elements of effectively administering medicine to the patient. Such medical procedures need to be performed in ways that reduce or eliminate opportunities for human error whenever possible.

#In view of these issues, improved tools and techniques are needed which can facilitate vascular access and other procedures needed for both routine and emergency medical treatments and diagnoses, guide the medical professional's decision-making process for the appropriate procedure, and train medical professionals in how to effectively and efficiently perform procedures.

#Various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views:

#FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a vascular guidance system structured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

#FIG. 2 shows the vascular guidance system of FIG. 1 held in the hand of a user.

#Many medical and veterinarian procedures and treatments are often aided by imaging apparatus and devices. Such procedures and treatments may include, for example and without limitation, biopsies, drainage of fluid collections from the body cavities or organs, perfusions, infusions, soft tissue injections, nerve block injections, placement of tubes or catheters within the organs, body cavities, or the vascular system, as well as diagnosing normal and pathologic conditions. The ability to use portable, real-time, single hand use, direct line of sight, 360-degree image acquisition and guidance can have a significant impact on a patient's treatment and well-being. Such procedures need to be performed in efficient ways that reduce or eliminate opportunities for human error whenever possible. For example, identifying an appropriate blood vessel that is suitable for a desired infusion or treatment and successfully accessing the selected vessel is often an essential element of a patient's treatment.

#In various embodiments of the present invention, a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) guidance apparatus can be provided as a coupling device which provides single-hand use, direct line of sight imaging with 360° rotation of the display with respect to the ultrasound probe or other imaging apparatus. The display may also be positioned in either portrait or landscape configuration and the angle adjusted for optimal viewing during procedure performance. The guidance apparatus can be embodied as a device which is inclusive of, or provides a means of coupling, an imaging modality including but not limited to ultrasound, x-ray and ultraviolet light; and a display, as a single unit which provides real-time, portable, single hand use, direct line of sight, three hundred-and sixty degrees image acquisition for medical and veterinarian diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. For example, the device can facilitate the identification of an organ or selected tissue, its morphology and recognition of pathology. It can provide information regarding the depth of the organ or selected tissue, its pathologic condition, and also allow the user to evaluate the optimal angle of approach if an invasive procedure is performed. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can assist in the evaluation of adjacent or overlying structures that could lead to complications in the diagnosis and/or procedure performance. The device may be connected, wired or wirelessly, to a mobile device or other types of computing devices for the purposes of accessing display functions of the mobile device. Non-limiting examples of suitable mobile display devices include mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, graphic display enabled eyeglasses or goggles, wristband computing devices, or other devices which have a screen display capable of effective use with the imaging modality.

#In certain embodiments, the guidance apparatus can be configured to work in conjunction with a computer-based software application programed to facilitate performance of diagnostic and intervention procedures. The software application may enhance image acquisition, organ identification, pathology recognition, appropriate treatment selection as well as facilitate the performance of invasive procedures including but not limited to those listed above. In addition, the guidance apparatus and/or the computer software application can be used in conjunction with multiple types of training simulation devices to facilitate the training of medical and veterinarian professionals in performing both diagnostic and interventional procedures (e.g., vascular access procedures).