On-patient medical information encoding : image guided fistula cannulation assistant for hemodialysis

Abstract

This thesis documents the process of invention and design of on-patient encoding of medical information. The work is demonstrated through the development of a prototype medical device system that addresses clinically observed issues associated with dialysis treatment for patients afflicted with kidney failure. Implemented as a temporary tattoo, the medical system is intended to be widely deployable in a variety of settings for a myriad of populations, including developed and emerging medical communities, in-clinic or at-home, and across a spectrum of human skin tones. Addressing hemodialysis challenges is important because, if one's kidneys fail, the ideal option is to receive a transplant, though for many patients (millions globally), the short-term and often long-term solution must be hemodialysis. Through this treatment, a patient regularly has large needles inserted into his or her arm through which the blood is pumped into an artificial kidney machine.

This must be done several times each week for four to eight hours at a time, often in a clinic though ideally (albeit uncommonly) at patients' homes. Presented is the development process of problem identification, concept generation, testing, and prototyping of image guidance systems for hemodialysis needle insertion. This serves to curb fear so patients and caregivers experience improved key performance indicators including: -- Less Pain - Fewer needle 'mis-sticks' -- Quicker Learning - Shortened treatment training time -- Simpler Treatment - Reduced dependence on one or more caregivers when cannulating -- Improved Access to Care - Designed for a broad range of patients. The project involves infrared illumination of hemoglobin, undistortion and mapping of vein images, and special ink chemistry based on temporary tattoos. The results of this project are intended to lay the engineering, business, and design groundwork for a Class 11 product and service suite consisting of: --

A vein mapper: a device consisting of an infrared vein illuminator (hardware) and real-time optical enhancement (software). -- An indelible dye: a mixture that stains immediately, resists clinical washing, and persists for days -- A cannulation key: a process by which an inkjet printer is used to produce a vein map guide that is then transferred onto a patient's arm.