Clinical assessment of an intravenous catheter site
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11400212-B2
Publication Date
2022-08-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system and method for assessing an intravenous catheter site is described in embodiments herein. An application accessible on a mobile device may be used to take calibrated photographs of an intravenous catheter site. The resulting calibrated image may be compared to previously taken calibrated images to determine a complication. Success of treatments to the complication may be tracked and the patient's electronic medical record may be updated.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to assessing an intravenous catheter site using a camera associated with a mobile device to obtain the intravenous catheter site and a calibration object. A calibration zone is displayed on a display associated with the mobile device for aligning the calibration object on the display, and a calibrated image is stored that includes the intravenous catheter site, the calibration object, and the calibration zone.
The invention calibrates the captured image based on alignment of the calibration object on the display with the calibration zone on the display. In some embodiments, the calibration zone is used to align an intravenous catheter and to store a calibrated image that is calibrated when the intravenous catheter is aligned with the calibration zone.
The invention further compares the calibrated image with at least one previously stored calibrated image of the intravenous catheter site and determines a difference between the images. The difference is determined and can be used to indicate a complication, and the determined difference can be categorized as at least one of color variation, swelling, streaking, or hardness.
The invention also includes determining a complication by selecting from a list comprising phlebitis, infection, allergic reaction, compromised dressing, infiltration, and occlusion. In some embodiments, the invention compares calibrated images, determines differences, suggests at least one treatment for a complication, tracks intravenous catheter site progress as the treatment is implemented, and updates the treatment suggestion based on the progress.
Claims Coverage
Three independent claims are directed to camera-based obtaining of an intravenous catheter site, display and use of a calibration zone for alignment, storage of a calibrated image, and comparison of calibrated images to determine a difference. The independent claims introduce about seven main inventive features across the three claims.
Camera-based obtaining of the intravenous catheter site
Obtaining the intravenous catheter site via a camera associated with a mobile device.
Camera-based obtaining of the calibration object
Obtaining a calibration object via the camera.
Displaying a calibration zone for aligning the calibration object
Displaying a calibration zone on a display associated with the mobile device for aligning the calibration object on the display.
Storing a calibrated image including site, calibration object, and calibration zone
Storing a calibrated image comprising the intravenous catheter site, the calibration object, and the calibration zone.
Calibrating the image when the intravenous catheter is aligned with the calibration zone
Storing a calibrated image of the intravenous catheter site and the calibration zone, wherein the calibrated image is calibrated when the intravenous catheter is aligned with the calibration zone.
Calibrating by alignment of a calibration object on the display with the calibration zone on the display
Storing a calibrated image comprising the intravenous catheter site and the calibration zone, wherein the calibrated image is calibrated by alignment of a calibration object on the display with the calibration zone on the display.
Comparing calibrated image with previously stored calibrated images to determine a difference
Comparing the calibrated image with at least one previously stored calibrated image of the intravenous catheter site; and determining a difference between the calibrated image and the at least one previously stored calibrated image.
The core claim coverage centers on mobile-device camera acquisition of an intravenous catheter site, display of a calibration zone to align a calibration object or the catheter, storage of a calibrated image, and comparison to previously stored calibrated images followed by determining a difference between the images.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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