Vein Finder

Overview

Vein Finder is a near-infrared vein-visualization device developed through more than 10 hands-on prototype iterations. Feedback from nurses helped shape the design around real vascular-access needs.

Problem

Difficult IV insertion can cause repeated attempts, patient pain, and workflow inefficiency. I wanted to explore whether a low-cost imaging-based system could help improve vein visualization.

Objectives

• Improve subcutaneous vein visibility
• Build a practical prototype with accessible hardware
• Explore optical and imaging tradeoffs
• Support real-time visualization concepts

System Architecture

The device combines near-infrared illumination with a purpose-built enclosure and viewing setup designed in Autodesk Inventor.

Prototypes

Hardware

• near-infrared illumination
• soldered electronics
• iterated prototype housing
• Autodesk Inventor CAD

Key Decisions and Tradeoffs

• Balanced imaging clarity with practical prototyping constraints
• Explored illumination geometry and camera-window tradeoffs
• Focused on translating a human-centered medical problem into a workable system

Biggest Challenge

A major challenge was getting a meaningful imaging setup using accessible components while balancing illumination and visibility. I addressed that through repeated physical prototyping and iteration on the optical layout.

Validation and Testing

• prototype testing
• imaging comparison
• setup iteration
• visual quality evaluation

Impact

The project earned a Top 3 Medical Innovation in Canada award at HOSA and was showcased internationally.

Next Improvements

• Improve image quality
• Tighten the optical system
• Validate performance more rigorously
• Continue evolving the form factor