Taking a blood sample is something we all have to go through. But for some people it is more stressful because the clinician can’t find a vein. Without visible veins, the clinician is left to attempting; poking and stabbing until luck plays a part and a vein is found. Failed attempts are common, not just in those of us with less visible veins. More recently, the problem has increased due the popularity of fashionable tattoos that hide the veins, as well as the rise in the number of people with an above average body mass index (BMI).
The Novarix IV-eye promises to make blood sampling a stress-free exercise. Through real-time imaging of a patient’s vascular structure, this innovative little portable infra-red vein scanner shows the clinician where to strike.
The IV-eye has a unique interface with the patent: flexible wings. These innovative wings house the patented emitter electronics and provide a comfortable tailored fit to any arm, ensuring a clear image for the clinician to use.
Designing and developing these wings was a challenge. Novarix turned to product design company 3form Design to provide a complete turnkey product: designed, developed and manufactured.
Designer : 3formdesign for Novarix
The elegant solution that 3fD offered uses a polypropylene skeleton to provide the structural integrity. The dimensionally stable part constrains the other components during the over molding process. However, most importantly, it limits the movement of the TPR overmolding and this is key to a predictable flexible movement. Computer simulation allowed the assembly to be designed for the strict performance criteria. Testing the parts as they came off tool confirmed the theory and delighted Novarix.
The materials were carefully selected to ensure medical compliance, molding compatibility and performance. 3FormDesign’s experience in managing material supply chains provided the measure and avoided the design specifying headaches for production.
IV Therapy is used on a widespread basis across the world to aid the treatment of patients in hospitals, administering fluid, drugs, and nutrition. Over 1bn cannulas are used worldwide on an annual basis and an estimated 90% of all hospital admissions in the USA involve having a cannula inserted.
Tuvie has received “IV Eye Vein Scanner” project from our ‘Submit A Design‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their design/concept for publication.