Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in performing operations requiring location of blood vessels such as intravenous injections or drawing blood in which a charge coupled device camera is focused on an area of the body such as the arm that is illuminated by a light source which emits light that is partly in the infrared range and partly in the ultraviolet range but from which light light having a wavelength in the visible range has been substantially eliminated. The useful range of wavelengths may be provided by any one of several methods including having an infrared source and an ultra violet source or an incandescent source emitting wavelengths extending from the infrared to the ultra violet and having a filter for removing the range of visible light.

Abstract: A device for aiding a technician to locate a vein for inserting a hyperdermic needle therein in which, in one embodiment, the technician dons a headpiece supporting an infrared light source illuminating an appropriate area of the flesh so that a view is generated showing the location of a subcutaneous vein. The headpiece also supports an infrared sensitive video camera and monitor screen in front of one eye and an opaque shield over the other eye. The lines of sight of the one eye viewing the screen is coincident with the line of sight of the camera and both lines of sight are directed toward the vein of the patient. The tip of the needle is moved into the line of sight then moved along the line of sight to the vein. In another embodiment, two cameras and screens are provided for viewing by both eyes and each camera and monitor can be positioned with line of sight coincident with the line of sight of the respective eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gaining intravenous access including a source of radiation for irradiating an area of the patient wherein the radiation has a wavelength such that the radiation is absorbed in areas containing veins and reflected in all other areas thereby forming a view which is seen through a screen to be the area where venous structure appears as dark lines thereby enabling a user to position the tip of a hypodermic needle at an appropriate location for drawing blood. In one arrangement, the apparatus is mounted on the head of the user. In another arrangement the device is mounted on a floor stand. In another embodiment, the apparatus is equipped with an image intensifier. In another embodiment, a mirror is provided enabling the user to view the selected area and the image simultaneously.