Surgical instrument management method and device and dental aligner management method and device

Abstract

Provided are a surgical instrument management method and device, which can easily and accurately identify and manage individual surgical instruments for medical use. The present application is a surgical instrument management method for managing surgical instruments for medical use, characterized by comprising: a process of acquiring the size of a specific part determined in advance for each of a plurality of surgical instruments; a process of identifying the surgical instruments based on the acquired size of the specific part; and a process of managing the identified surgical instruments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a surgical instrument management method and apparatus for managing medical surgical instruments, and a dental orthodontic braces management method and apparatus for managing dental orthodontic braces. Background Technology

[0002] The Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) epidemic of the 1990s brought renewed attention to the importance of individual management of surgical instruments (managing which instrument was used, when, for which patient, and for which surgery). The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare issued a notice in 2006 regarding the individual management of steel surgical instruments, and in the April 2007 amendment to the Medical Care Act, obligations were imposed to use and manage steel surgical instruments based on evidence, including considerations of durability, cost, frequency of use, and other relevant factors. Furthermore, while surgical instruments are mostly made of metals such as stainless steel and titanium and are referred to as steel surgical instruments, the use of surgical instruments made from non-metallic materials such as engineering plastics and ceramics has been increasing in recent years.

[0003] Furthermore, the US FDA passed legislation in 2014 requiring all surgical instruments to bear a UDI (Unique Device Identification) label, imposing an obligation on all surgical instruments by 2020. Europe also passed legislation in 2017 imposing the same obligation. However, not only in Japan, but even globally, medical surgical instruments are often not subject to individual management.

[0004] Therefore, various methods have been continuously explored since the beginning of the necessity of individual identification and management of surgical instruments for medical use. As one method, the method of identifying and managing surgical instruments using QR codes is known (Non-Patent Document 1). In addition, as another method, the method of identifying and managing surgical instruments using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags is known (Patent Documents 1 to 3 and Non-Patent Document 2).

[0005] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-033370 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-174647 Patent Document 3: WO2021 / 075159 Non-patent literature Non-patent document 1: Japan Society of Medical Instruments, "Report on the Research Results on the Necessity of Two-Dimensional Structural Display of Small Steel Objects for Surgical Treatment", March 2007 Non-patent document 2: Tsutomu Tsutomu, "Introduction to the case of individual management of small steel objects using RFID at Shimane University School of Medicine Affiliated Hospital", June 2019 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, the aforementioned methods for identifying and managing surgical instruments using QR codes (Non-Patent Document 1, etc.) have the following problems. First, surgical instruments are used year-round through repeated procedures of surgery, disinfection, cleaning, and sterilization, and the QR codes deteriorate during this process, potentially becoming unreadable. Second, although QR codes can be laser-engraved onto surgical instruments, these instruments are generally not allowed to be taken out of the hospital. Therefore, a laser engraving machine must be brought into the hospital for engraving. In this case, the QR codes are very small, approximately 3 millimeters square (e.g., about 3.6 millimeters × 1.2 millimeters), requiring specialized technology for laser engraving. Third, due to the vast variety of surgical instruments (thousands of types), linking QR codes to corresponding surgical instruments requires specialized knowledge.

[0007] When laser-engraving QR codes onto surgical instruments, the engraving process and the association between the QR codes and the instruments are costly and labor-intensive. Furthermore, due to the existence of surgical instruments made of materials unsuitable for QR code engraving, and small surgical instruments lacking the space for engraving, it is impossible to engrave QR codes on all surgical instruments; only a subset of instruments can be managed individually.

[0008] Due to the above issues, the method of using QR codes to identify and manage surgical instruments has not yet become widespread.

[0009] On the other hand, while methods for identifying and managing surgical instruments using RFID tags exist, such as attaching RFID tags with a frequency of HF band (13.56MHz) to surgical instruments (Non-Patent Document 2, etc.), these methods have the following problems. Surgical instruments are reused after repeated procedures such as surgery, disinfection, cleaning, and sterilization. If RFID tags are only attached to surgical instruments with adhesive, the adhesion weakens during cleaning and sterilization, and the RFID tags tend to detach from the surgical instruments. Therefore, a process is used where ceramic RFID tags are placed inside a stainless steel housing and then laser-welded to the stainless steel housing and the surgical instruments. To eliminate gaps and improve cleanability after placing the RFID tags inside the stainless steel housing, the RFID tags must be covered with special engineering plastics. This is a very costly and labor-intensive process. In addition, to laser-weld the surgical instruments relative to the plane of the stainless steel housing, the surgical instruments need to be machined before laser welding.

[0010] For these reasons, attaching RFID tags to surgical instruments is quite time-consuming. Non-Patent Literature 2 reports that it took 2.5 months to attach RFID tags to 19,584 surgical instruments. Furthermore, the welding of surgical instruments to their stainless steel housings requires manual work, and there are difficulties in ensuring uniform weld quality.

[0011] Furthermore, in processes where ceramic RFID tags are placed inside stainless steel housings and then laser-welded to the surgical instruments, the installation location of the RFID tags is limited because the welding involves two flat metal surfaces of a certain area. Additionally, the RFID tags used in this process cannot be applied to metal surfaces, potentially protruding from the surgical instruments and obstructing the procedure. Even the smallest RFID tag, for example, has a diameter of 5.2 mm and a thickness of 2.0 mm, so the stainless steel housing with the RFID tag will protrude 6.5 mm from the surgical instruments. In particular, the metal surface used to mount the tag needs to be even larger, reaching 11 mm × 10 mm × 3.5 mm, thus increasing the mounting area and causing it to protrude even further than the surgical instruments.

[0012] Furthermore, since external impacts are directly applied to the stainless steel housing and RFID tags, there are issues with RFID tag damage and tag detachment due to poor laser welding. Additionally, when surgical instruments are made of engineering plastics, ceramics, or other similar materials, there is a challenge in laser welding ceramic RFID tags, which are placed inside the stainless steel housing, to the surgical instruments.

[0013] Due to the above problems, the method of using RFID tags to identify and manage surgical instruments has not become widespread.

[0014] For these reasons, although attempts have been made to implement individual management of surgical instruments in Japan since 2007, when laws mandated individual management of surgical instruments, such as QR code printing and RFID tag installation, individual management of surgical instruments has been in place for about 20 years since the research stage and for 16 years since the legislation began. Due to the various problems mentioned above, it has not been possible to achieve individual management of surgical instruments except for a very small number of hospitals.

[0015] Furthermore, traditional orthodontic techniques used metal wires, which, due to the visible metal wires, resulted in unsightly appearances. Therefore, in recent years, orthodontic techniques using inconspicuous transparent aligners (dental braces) have emerged and rapidly gained popularity. Multiple aligners are made even for the same patient during the treatment phase. While accurate individual identification and management are desirable with these aligners, their transparency makes it difficult to distinguish between multiple aligners for the same patient. Additionally, for the same reasons as surgical instruments, traditional methods of individual identification and management using QR codes and RFID tags are also unsuitable.

[0016] The present invention was made to solve the problems of the prior art mentioned above. Its purpose is to provide a surgical instrument management method and apparatus that can easily and cost-effectively and accurately identify and manage individual surgical instruments, and a dental orthodontic braces management method and apparatus that can easily and cost-effectively and accurately identify and manage individual orthodontic braces.

[0017] Methods for solving problems To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a surgical instrument management method for managing medical surgical instruments, characterized by comprising: a step of obtaining the dimensions of predetermined specific parts for each of multiple surgical instruments; a step of identifying the surgical instruments based on the obtained dimensions of the specific parts; and a step of managing the identified surgical instruments.

[0018] In this invention, multiple surgical instruments are identified based on the dimensions of specific parts predetermined for each instrument, which are inherently different from each other (in other words, capable of distinguishing between multiple surgical instruments). This allows for easy and cost-effective, accurate identification and management of surgical instruments. In other words, according to this invention, the identification and management of surgical instruments can be performed without the problems associated with methods using QR codes or RFID tags for individual identification and management of surgical instruments as described in the "Problems to be Solved by the Invention" section.

[0019] In this invention, it is preferred that, in the acquisition step, if the size of the specific part is the same for multiple surgical instruments that have been identified as having the same specific part, one or more sizes that are different from the size of the specific part are reacquired for each of the multiple surgical instruments, and in the identification step, the multiple surgical instruments are identified based on the one or more different sizes.

[0020] According to the present invention configured in this way, even if the dimensions of a specific portion obtained for multiple surgical instruments are the same, multiple surgical instruments can be accurately identified based on one or more dimensions that are different from the dimensions of that specific portion.

[0021] In this invention, it is preferred that, in the acquisition step, if the dimensions of the specific portion obtained for multiple surgical instruments that have determined the same specific portion are the same, the dimensions of the specific portion of one or more of the multiple surgical instruments after cutting are obtained again, and in the identification step, the multiple surgical instruments are identified based on the dimensions of the specific portion after cutting.

[0022] According to the present invention configured in this way, even if the dimensions of a specific portion obtained from multiple surgical instruments are the same, multiple surgical instruments can be accurately identified based on the dimensions after cutting that specific portion.

[0023] In this invention, it is preferred to further include a step of determining that the dimensions of a specific part are the same when the dimensions of a specific part obtained from multiple surgical instruments are within a predetermined tolerance.

[0024] In this invention, if the dimensions of multiple specific parts are within the specified tolerances, these specific parts can be considered to have the same dimensions.

[0025] In this invention, it is preferred that, in the acquisition step, the dimensions of specific parts of multiple surgical instruments are acquired simultaneously, and in the identification step, the multiple surgical instruments are identified separately based on the dimensions of the specific parts acquired simultaneously for the multiple surgical instruments.

[0026] According to the present invention configured in this way, multiple surgical instruments can be identified efficiently.

[0027] In this invention, it is preferred to further include: a step of pre-storing the dimensions of specific portions acquired for multiple surgical instruments; and in the identification step, identifying a surgical instrument having the dimensions of the specific portions acquired in the acquisition step by comparing the dimensions of the specific portions stored in the storage step with the dimensions of the specific portions acquired in the acquisition step after the storage step.

[0028] According to the present invention configured in this way, surgical instruments can be accurately identified by comparing them with the dimensions of specific parts stored in advance.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dimension of the specific portion is the width of the protrusion of the surgical instrument. In another preferred embodiment, the dimension of the specific portion is the width of the end of the surgical instrument. In yet another preferred embodiment, the dimension of the specific portion is the width of the portion passing through the center of the rotation axis of the surgical instrument.

[0030] In this invention, it is preferred that, during the identification process, surgical instruments are identified based on the value of micrometer or submicrometer units in the size of a specific portion.

[0031] According to the present invention configured in this way, surgical instruments can be identified more accurately due to the use of micrometer or submicrometer units of size.

[0032] In this invention, it is preferable that, in the identification process and the management process, a value corresponding to the size of a specific part is used as an ID to identify and manage the surgical instruments.

[0033] According to the present invention configured in this way, surgical instruments can be easily and accurately identified and managed.

[0034] In this invention, preferably, during the management process, any one or more of the following are managed in correspondence with the ID: the name of the surgical instrument, the size of a specific part of the surgical instrument, the group name of the surgical instrument, the sub-category of the surgical instrument, the manufacturer name of the surgical instrument, the usage history of the surgical instrument, the service life of the surgical instrument, the maintenance history of the surgical instrument, and the purchase history of the surgical instrument.

[0035] In this invention, preferably, it further includes: a step of further acquiring the height of each of the plurality of surgical instruments; and in the identification step, identifying the surgical instruments based on the acquired height and the size of a specific portion.

[0036] According to the present invention configured in this way, surgical instruments can be identified more accurately.

[0037] In this invention, preferably, it further includes: a step of acquiring one or more of the following: surface roughness, surface gloss, types of elements constituting the surgical instrument, and composition ratio of such elements; and in the identification step, identifying the surgical instrument based on one or more of the acquired surface roughness, surface gloss, types of elements, and composition ratio of such elements, and the size of a specific portion.

[0038] According to the present invention configured in this way, surgical instruments can be identified more accurately.

[0039] In this invention, it is preferred that surgical instruments be managed in units of sterilization containers containing multiple surgical instruments during the management process.

[0040] According to the present invention configured in this way, multiple surgical instruments can be managed easily and accurately.

[0041] In other viewpoints, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention is a surgical instrument management device for managing medical surgical instruments, characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the dimensions of predetermined specific parts for each of a plurality of surgical instruments; an identification unit that identifies the surgical instruments based on the acquired dimensions of the specific parts; and a management unit that manages the identified surgical instruments.

[0042] In another viewpoint, the present invention is a method for managing dental orthodontic braces, characterized by comprising: a step of obtaining the dimensions of predetermined specific portions of multiple dental orthodontic braces; a step of identifying dental orthodontic braces based on the obtained dimensions of the specific portions; and a step of managing the identified dental orthodontic braces.

[0043] In another viewpoint, the present invention is a dental orthodontic brace management device, characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the dimensions of predetermined specific portions of multiple dental orthodontic braces; an identification unit that identifies the dental orthodontic braces based on the acquired dimensions of the specific portions; and a management unit that manages the identified dental orthodontic braces.

[0044] Invention Effects The surgical instrument management method and apparatus and the dental orthodontic braces management method and apparatus of the present invention enable easy and cost-effective accurate individual identification and management of medical surgical instruments and dental orthodontic braces. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of a surgical instrument management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which describes a surgical instrument management method and apparatus.

[0046] Figure 2 An overall view showing the pliers in the open state, and a magnified view of the pliers' ratchet.

[0047] Figure 3 A further enlarged view showing the ratchet of the pliers.

[0048] Figure 4 An enlarged view showing the groove formed on the ratchet of the pliers.

[0049] Figure 5 An overall diagram showing the scissors in the closed state, and an enlarged view of the scissors' rotation axis.

[0050] Figure 6 An overall view showing the closed state of the needle holder, and an enlarged view of the front end of the needle holder's gripping part.

[0051] Figure 7 This shows an overall view of the tweezers and an enlarged view of the rear end of the tweezers' connecting part.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the master registration of surgical instruments performed by the surgical instrument management device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the individual identification and management of surgical instruments performed by the surgical instrument management device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 10 This is a top view of a dental orthodontic brace used in a modified embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Hereinafter, the surgical instrument management method and apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] <Composition of Surgical Instrument Management System> Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of a surgical instrument management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a surgical instrument management method and apparatus. Figure 1 As shown, the surgical instrument management system 1 has a precision dimension measuring device 2 and a surgical instrument management device 3. The precision dimension measuring device 2 precisely measures the dimensions of surgical instruments (not shown), and the surgical instrument management device 3 acquires the dimensions measured by the precision dimension measuring device 2 and performs individual identification and management of the surgical instruments based on these dimensions.

[0057] The precision dimension measuring instrument 2 is a device equipped with a worktable (not shown) for optically measuring the dimensions of surgical instruments placed on the worktable. Specifically, the precision dimension measuring instrument 2 measures the dimensions of a specific part of a pre-specified surgical instrument (the part specified by the surgical instrument management device 3). For example, the precision dimension measuring instrument 2 takes an image of the surgical instrument placed on the worktable and determines the dimensions of the specific part of the surgical instrument by analyzing the captured image. Furthermore, the precision dimension measuring instrument 2 is configured to measure dimensions in micrometers or submicrometers, and to have repeatability tolerances within a few micrometers or submicrometers.

[0058] The surgical instrument management device 3 is composed of a general computer. The device controls the precision dimension measuring device 2 by sending control signals to it, thereby measuring the dimensions of a predetermined specific part of each of a plurality of surgical instruments. Furthermore, the device performs the following processing: receiving measurement signals corresponding to the dimensions of the specific parts measured by the precision dimension measuring device 2 to individually identify and manage the surgical instruments. For example, this specific part may be a characteristic part of each of the multiple surgical instruments (a part that can be considered characteristic when compared with other parts of a particular surgical instrument), a part that is not prone to deterioration or changes over time, or a part that is easy to measure in size, and is thus specified in advance by the user. Moreover, the same specific part is used in surgical instruments of the same group and type.

[0059] In this embodiment, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses a precision dimension measuring device 2 to pre-measure the dimensions of specific parts of multiple surgical instruments and stores these measured dimensions of specific parts for each of the multiple surgical instruments (hereinafter appropriately referred to as the "master register"). In this case, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses the numerical value corresponding to the dimension of the specific part (e.g., a value in micrometers or submicrometers) as an ID to identify and manage the multiple surgical instruments separately. This embodiment is based on the idea that if multiple surgical instruments are viewed using precisely measured dimensions, all surgical instruments can be distinguished, and in particular, not only different types of surgical instruments, but even surgical instruments of the same type can be distinguished (because individual differences will occur when viewed using precisely measured dimensions).

[0060] Then, if the master registration described above is completed, after the surgical instruments are actually used, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses the precision dimension measuring device 2 to measure the dimensions of specific parts of the surgical instruments and compares these measured dimensions with the dimensions (corresponding to the ID values) stored in advance through the master registration to individually identify the surgical instruments. At this time, as part of the management of the identified surgical instruments, the surgical instrument management device 3 appropriately updates the information of the surgical instruments (e.g., usage history). Surgical instruments repeat the process of surgery → disinfection → cleaning → sterilization. In a typical example, such individual identification and management of surgical instruments is performed when the surgical instruments are cleaned and returned to the sterilization container. In this case, the surgical instrument management device 3 manages the surgical instruments on a unit basis, which includes a sterilization container containing multiple surgical instruments.

[0061] More specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the surgical instrument management device 3 includes: a processing unit 3a, which has one or more microprocessors as a central processing unit (CPU) for executing programs; a storage unit 3b, which is composed of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., to store programs and data; an input unit 3c for user input of information, such as a mouse and keyboard; and a display unit 3d for displaying various information.

[0062] In this embodiment, the processing unit 3a executes programs for controlling the dimensional measurement of the precision dimensional measuring instrument 2, and programs for individually identifying and managing surgical instruments based on the dimensions measured by the precision dimensional measuring instrument 2. The processing unit 3a functions as the "acquisition unit," "identification unit," and "management unit" in this invention. Additionally, the storage unit 3b stores programs for managing information related to multiple surgical instruments. Specifically, the storage unit 3b manages, corresponding to the ID (the numerical value of the aforementioned dimensions) of each of the multiple surgical instruments, the name of the surgical instrument, the measured dimensions of a specific part, the group name of the surgical instrument, the sub-category of the surgical instrument, the manufacturer's name of the surgical instrument, the usage history of the surgical instrument (history of patients, cleaning, sterilization, storage, etc.), the service life of the surgical instrument, the repair history of the surgical instrument, and the purchase history of the surgical instrument.

[0063] Surgical instruments are grouped into larger categories, such as forceps, scissors, tweezers, and needle holders. Surgical instruments are further subdivided into categories. For example, forceps include Kocher forceps, long Kocher forceps, mosquito Kocher forceps, Péan forceps, mosquito Péan forceps, infant mosquito Péan forceps, miniature mosquito Péan forceps, Kelly forceps, long Kelly forceps, mosquito Kelly forceps, Mikulicz forceps, Magill forceps, Bulldog forceps, Allis forceps, lymph node forceps, gastric forceps, and intestinal forceps. Additionally, based on the presence or absence of a retractor at the tip, they are also classified as forceps with hooks and forceps without hooks. In addition, scissors include Cooper scissors, Mayo scissors, Metzenbaum scissors, and ophthalmic scissors, etc. They are also categorized as straight scissors (with straight blades) and curved scissors (with curved blades). Forceps are divided into hooked forceps and non-hooked forceps, and include Adson forceps, McKendry forceps, DeBakey forceps, and diamond forceps with diamond-coated tips, each with different functions. Needle holders include Mathieu needle holders and Hegar needle holders. Furthermore, retractors are subdivided into muscle retractors, saddle retractors, liver retractors, single-hook retractors, multi-hook retractors, and suture devices.

[0064] <Specific examples of the dimensions of a particular part> Next, refer to Figures 2 to 7 Specific examples of the dimensions of a particular part of the surgical instrument used in this embodiment will be described.

[0065] first, Figures 2 to 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the dimensions of a specific part of the pliers 10. Specifically, Figure 2 An overall view showing the open state of the pliers 10, and an enlarged view of the ratchet 12 of the pliers 10. Figure 3 A further enlarged view showing the ratchet 12 of the pliers 10. Figure 4 This is an enlarged view showing the groove 12b formed on the ratchet 12 of the forceps 10. In this embodiment, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses the protrusion of the forceps 10, i.e., the ratchet 12, as the aforementioned specific part, and identifies multiple forceps 10 based on the width of the ratchet 12.

[0066] Specifically, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses a portion of its width that is separated from the front end 12a of the ratchet 12 by a predetermined distance. Figure 2 and Figure 3The example illustrates the widths W11 (1 mm from the tip 12a), W12 (3 mm from the tip 12a), and W13 (5 mm from the tip 12a). In one example, these widths W11, W12, and W13 are measured to be 3.519 mm, 3.774 mm, and 4.036 mm, respectively, using the precision dimension measuring instrument 2. Here, the precision dimension measuring instrument 2 determines the ratchet 12 and its tip 12a near the ring 11 after identifying the ring 11 for the user's finger insertion in the pliers 10, based on an image taken from the pliers 10. Then, it measures the width (any one or more of W11, W12, and W13) of the portion separated from the tip 12a by a predetermined distance.

[0067] Furthermore, there is a ratchet 12 on the pliers 10 such as Figure 4 The multiple slots 12b shown (in) Figure 4 In the diagram, the upper figure shows the ratchet 12 in the closed state, and the lower figure shows the ratchet 12 in the open state. The groove 12b is used to fix the forceps 10 in the position clamping the blood vessel. The width of the ratchet 12 is measured on the side of the ratchet 12 opposite to the side where the groove 12b is formed. Specifically, the size is measured using a precision dimension measuring instrument 2 with the side of the ratchet 12 with the groove 12b facing down and the side without the groove 12b facing up.

[0068] then, Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the dimensions of a specific part of the scissors 20. Figure 5 An overall view of the scissors 20 in their closed state and an enlarged view of the rotation axis 22 of the scissors 20 are shown. In this embodiment, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses the rotation axis 22 of the scissors 20 as the aforementioned specific part, and identifies multiple scissors 20 based on the width W2 of the portion through which the center 22a of the rotation axis 22 passes. In one example, this width W2 is 7.801 mm when measured using a precision dimension measuring device 2. Here, the precision dimension measuring device 2 determines the rotation axis 22 located near the blade 21 and its center 22a based on an image obtained by photographing the scissors 20, for example, after determining the blade 21 of the scissors 20, and then measures the width W2 of the portion through which the center 22a passes. Alternatively, instead of determining the rotation axis 22 after determining the blade 21, the rotation axis 22 can be determined directly.

[0069] then, Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the dimensions of a specific part of the needle holder 30. Figure 6An overall view of the needle holder 30 in its closed state and an enlarged view of the front end 31a of the gripping portion 31 of the needle holder 30 are shown. In this embodiment, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses the front end 31a located at the end of the gripping portion 31 as the aforementioned specific part, and identifies multiple needle holders 30 based on the width near this front end 31a. Specifically, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses the width of the portion separated from the front end 31a of the gripping portion 31 by a predetermined distance. Figure 6 Examples include the width W31 of the portion separated from the front end 31a by 3 mm, the width W32 of the portion separated from the front end 31a by 5 mm, and the width W33 of the portion separated from the front end 31a by 10 mm. In one example, these widths W31, W32, and W33 are 5.428 mm, 6.683 mm, and 7.125 mm, respectively, when measured using the precision dimension measuring instrument 2. Here, the precision dimension measuring instrument 2 determines the width (any one or more of W31, W32, and W33) of the portion separated from the front end 31a by a predetermined distance from the needle holder 30, for example, after determining the gripping part 31 of the needle holder 30.

[0070] then, Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the dimensions of a specific part of the tweezers 40. Figure 7 An overall view of the forceps 40 and an enlarged view of the rear end 42a of the connecting portion 42 of the forceps 40 are shown. In this embodiment, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses the rear end 42a of the connecting portion 42 of the two components, rather than the front end 41a of the gripping portion 41 of the forceps 40, as the specific part mentioned above, and identifies multiple forceps 40 based on the width near this rear end 42a. Specifically, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses the width of the portion separated from the rear end 42a of the connecting portion 42 by a predetermined distance. Figure 7 Examples include the width W41 of the portion separated from the rear end 42a by 3 mm, the width W42 of the portion separated from the rear end 42a by 5 mm, and the width W43 of the portion separated from the rear end 42a by 10 mm. In one example, these widths W41, W42, and W43 are 12.317 mm, 11.572 mm, and 10.236 mm, respectively, when measured using the precision dimension measuring instrument 2. Here, the precision dimension measuring instrument 2 determines the rear end 42a of the connecting portion 42 after determining the connecting portion 42 of the tweezers 40 based on an image obtained by photographing the tweezers 40, and then measures the width (any one or more of W41, W42, and W43) of the portion separated from the rear end 42a by a predetermined distance.

[0071] Thus, in Figures 2 to 7In the example shown, the measurement range of the precision dimension measuring device 2 is narrowed. That is, instead of measuring the dimensions of the entire surgical instrument, only a narrower range (specifically, a narrower range containing a specific part) is measured. This shortens the measurement time of the precision dimension measuring device 2. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously measure the dimensions of multiple surgical instruments using the precision dimension measuring device 2 in a relatively short time. As a result, by placing multiple surgical instruments on the stage of the precision dimension measuring device 2 and measuring them simultaneously, the dimensions of multiple surgical instruments can be measured efficiently.

[0072] Furthermore, the needle holder 30 also has the same ratchet as the forceps 10, so the width of the ratchet of the needle holder 30 can also be used as the dimension of a specific part. Additionally, the forceps 10 and the needle holder 30 also have the same axis of rotation as the scissors 20, so the width of the portion passing through the center of the axis of rotation of the forceps 10 and the needle holder 30 can also be used as the dimension of a specific part. Furthermore, the forceps 10 and the scissors 20 can also, in the same way as the needle holder 30 and the tweezers 40, use the width of their ends (typically the tip) as the dimension of a specific part.

[0073] The above description exemplifies commonly used surgical instruments, such as forceps 10, scissors 20, needle holders 30, and tweezers 40, which are referred to as general-purpose instruments. However, there are thousands of other types of surgical instruments besides general-purpose instruments. These other surgical instruments can also have specific parts sized and be individually identified and managed based on those dimensions, just like general-purpose instruments. In this case, the thousands of surgical instruments can be categorized into general-purpose instruments and other specialized instruments for measurement, identification, and management. Furthermore, since scalpels (scalpel blades) are disposable after surgery, they do not require identification and management. However, scalpel handles, being reusable, are identified and managed.

[0074] <Processing Flow> Next, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The specific processing performed by the surgical instrument management device 3 in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the master registration of surgical instruments performed by the surgical instrument management device 3 in this embodiment. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the individual identification and management of surgical instruments performed by the surgical instrument management device 3 in this embodiment. These processes are implemented by the processing unit 3a reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 3b within the surgical instrument management device 3.

[0075] First of all, Figure 8In the process, in step S11, the surgical instrument management device 3 obtains the group names of multiple surgical instruments (i.e., those placed on the worktable of the precision dimension measuring device 2) that are the objects of measurement by the precision dimension measuring device 2, as specified by the user via the input unit 3c, etc. It is assumed that these multiple surgical instruments substantially belong to the same group and that the same specific parts are identified. As described above, in this embodiment, the precision dimension measuring device 2 simultaneously measures the dimensions of specific parts among the multiple surgical instruments, and the surgical instrument management device 3 simultaneously obtains the dimensions of these multiple specific parts.

[0076] Furthermore, in other examples, the images obtained from the precision dimensional measuring device 2 can be analyzed to determine the group names to which multiple surgical instruments belong, instead of using user-specified group names. Additionally, in yet another example, surgical instrument subcategories, as described above, can be used instead of group names.

[0077] Next, in step S12, the surgical instrument management device 3, based on the group name obtained in step S11, identifies a pre-determined specific part among the surgical instruments belonging to that group, and controls the precision dimension measuring device 2 to measure the size of that specific part. Then, the surgical instrument management device 3 acquires the size of the specific part measured by the precision dimension measuring device 2. In this case, the surgical instrument management device 3 acquires the sizes of specific parts of multiple surgical instruments simultaneously measured by the precision dimension measuring device 2.

[0078] Next, in step S13, the surgical instrument management device 3 determines whether there are identical measured dimensions among the acquired dimensions of multiple specific parts. In this case, if the dimensions of multiple specific parts are within a predetermined tolerance (e.g., ±5 micrometers), the surgical instrument management device 3 determines that the dimensions of the specific parts are identical.

[0079] If the result of step S13 is that no two instruments have the same measured size (step S13: No), the surgical instrument management device 3 proceeds to step S15, whereby it assigns a value (e.g., a value in micrometers or submicrometers) corresponding to the size of a specific part to each of the multiple surgical instruments as an ID, thereby managing the multiple surgical instruments based on the ID. In this case, the surgical instrument management device 3 stores the name of the surgical instrument, the measured size of the specific part, the group name of the surgical instrument, the sub-category of the surgical instrument, the manufacturer name of the surgical instrument, the usage history of the surgical instrument, the service life of the surgical instrument, the maintenance history of the surgical instrument, the purchase history of the surgical instrument, etc., corresponding to the ID representing each of the multiple surgical instruments in the storage unit 3b.

[0080] In contrast, if the result of step S13 is that the same measured size exists (step S13: yes), the surgical instrument management device 3 proceeds to step S14. As for the precision dimension measuring device 2, as described above, since the repeatability accuracy falls within the tolerance of a few micrometers or submicrometers, the possibility of the measured size being the same is very low. However, the size of surgical instruments manufactured by the same manufacturer in the same batch may be the same within micrometers or submicrometers.

[0081] In step S14, for multiple surgical instruments with the same dimensions for a specific portion initially measured by the precision dimension measuring device 2, the surgical instrument management device 3 uses the precision dimension measuring device 2 to measure dimensions that differ from the dimensions of that specific portion, and re-acquires those different dimensions. In a typical example, the surgical instrument management device 3 causes the precision dimension measuring device 2 to measure the dimensions of other portions within the same specific portion (in one example, such as...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, if the width W11 of the forceps 10 was initially used, then widths W12 and W13 are reused. After such step S14, the surgical instrument management device 3 performs the same process as described above in step S15. Furthermore, if other dimensions are also the same, other dimensions can be used further. That is, multiple other dimensions are measured until the measured dimensions are different.

[0082] Furthermore, in other examples, in step S14, for multiple surgical instruments with the same size in a specific part, a few micrometers to tens of micrometers can be cut away from that specific part to create a difference in size between the specific parts of the surgical instruments. The size of the cut specific part (the size with the difference) is then used instead of a size different from the size of the specific part. In this case, it is not necessary to bring cutting machinery into the hospital; a precision file or abrasive can be used to cut the specific part of the surgical instrument. Additionally, it is preferable to cut parts that have minimal impact on the function of the surgical instrument.

[0083] Next, regarding Figure 9 The procedure is explained below. This procedure is performed when surgical instruments, after being sterilized and cleaned following surgery, are returned to the sterilization container. Additionally, the procedure is performed on the sets and sterilization container units being returned to the sterilization container.

[0084] First, in step S21, the surgical instrument management device 3 acquires the group names of multiple surgical instruments (i.e., those placed on the worktable of the precision dimension measuring device 2) that are the objects of measurement by the precision dimension measuring device 2, as specified by the user via the input unit 3c, etc. It is assumed that these multiple surgical instruments substantially belong to the same group and that the same specific parts are identified. As described above, in this embodiment, the precision dimension measuring device 2 simultaneously measures the dimensions of specific parts among the multiple surgical instruments, and the surgical instrument management device 3 simultaneously acquires the dimensions of these multiple specific parts.

[0085] Furthermore, in other examples, the images obtained by the precision dimensional measuring device 2 can be analyzed to determine the group names to which multiple surgical instruments belong, instead of using user-specified group names. Additionally, in yet another example, the group names of the surgical instruments, or the detailed categories of surgical instruments as described above, can be used instead.

[0086] Next, in step S22, the surgical instrument management device 3, based on the group name obtained in step S21, identifies a pre-determined specific part among the surgical instruments belonging to that group, and controls the precision dimension measuring device 2 to measure the size of that specific part. Then, the surgical instrument management device 3 acquires the size of the specific part measured by the precision dimension measuring device 2. In this case, the surgical instrument management device 3 acquires the sizes of specific parts of multiple surgical instruments simultaneously measured by the precision dimension measuring device 2.

[0087] Next, in step S23, the surgical instrument management device 3 compares the dimensions measured by the precision dimension measuring device 2 with the dimensions (corresponding to the ID values) stored in advance through the main registration, and performs individual identification (i.e., determines the ID) on the measured surgical instruments. At this time, in order to manage the surgical instruments that have been individually identified, the surgical instrument management device 3 appropriately updates the stored information of the surgical instruments (e.g., usage history, cleaning history, sterilization history, etc.).

[0088] In addition, in order to suppress the effects of thermal expansion and contraction of surgical instruments (i.e., dimensional changes caused by temperature). Figure 8 and Figure 9 The treatment shown is preferably performed in an environment that maintains a constant, specified temperature; in other words, it is preferably performed on surgical instruments that maintain a constant, specified temperature.

[0089] <Functions and Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the surgical instrument management device 3 is configured to acquire the dimensions of predetermined specific parts for each of multiple surgical instruments, identify the surgical instruments based on the acquired dimensions of these specific parts, and manage the identified surgical instruments. In this embodiment, multiple surgical instruments are identified based on the dimensions of predetermined specific parts for each of the multiple surgical instruments, which are subject to individual differences (in other words, the ability to distinguish between multiple surgical instruments). Therefore, the identification and management of surgical instruments can be performed easily and accurately at low cost. In other words, according to this embodiment, the identification and management of surgical instruments can be performed without the problems described in the "Problems to be Solved by the Invention" section regarding the method of individual identification and management of surgical instruments using QR codes or RFID tags.

[0090] Specifically, according to this embodiment, since the dimensions of the surgical instruments are measured as is, even for surgical instruments made of materials other than metals such as ceramics and engineering plastics that are not equipped with RFID tags, or small surgical instruments that do not have space for RFID tags or QR codes, their individual identification and management can be accurately performed.

[0091] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, there is no need for a laser engraving machine for printing QR codes onto surgical instruments or a laser welding machine for attaching RFID tags to surgical instruments, and it is unnecessary to bring these machines into the hospital. Additionally, since the labor costs associated with such operations are eliminated, the overall cost can be significantly reduced.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, manual labor is reduced, eliminating quality variations caused by human skill levels. In particular, according to this embodiment, individual identification and management are possible simply by placing surgical instruments on the worktable of the precision dimensional measuring device 2 and performing measurements.

[0093] Thus, according to this embodiment, surgical instruments can be individually identified without processing them to engrave QR codes or install RFID tags, and all surgical instruments can be individually identified and managed regardless of their material, shape, or size.

[0094] Furthermore, the surgical instrument management device 3 can manage surgical instruments in units of sterilization containers containing multiple surgical instruments. In this case, a system can be constructed where RFID tags and QR codes resistant to sterilization environments are installed on the sterilization containers to identify the quantity and type of surgical instruments contained within. Generally, experienced kit packers retrieve surgical instruments from storage racks and kite them. This kitting relies on the operator's experience and knowledge, and even then, shortages, errors, or excesses of surgical instruments may occur. Managing surgical instruments as described above allows for the separation of used and unused instruments after surgery, removing unused instruments from the kits, thus streamlining the kit contents. Additionally, the accuracy of kit packing is improved by identifying the instrument ID and deleting it from the computer screen during the kitting process. Furthermore, even staff with limited surgical instrument expertise can perform kit packing, eliminating manpower shortages and reducing labor costs. Without proper surgical instrument management, inventory management is impossible. Specifically, it's impossible to track the quantity, cost, replenishment, maintenance, usage frequency, and service life of surgical instruments within a hospital. However, managing surgical instruments as described above automates the ordering process and saves manpower. Ultimately, it eliminates the need for kit packaging, allowing sterilized containers to function as surgical kits. While universal surgical instruments increase the overall number of instruments compared to the current system of rotating between kits, they offer numerous advantages in surgical instrument management: for example, streamlined kit contents, reduced labor costs due to manpower savings, improved kit packaging accuracy, control over excess inventory through inventory management, and prevention of unnecessary and non-urgent instrument purchases through appropriate service life management.

[0095] <Variation Example> Next, variations of the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0096] In the above embodiments, the surgical instrument was identified using the dimensions (typically the width) of a specific portion. However, in other examples, the height of the surgical instrument can also be obtained through three-dimensional measurement, using the height in addition to the dimensions of the specific portion to identify the surgical instrument. For example, for a surgical instrument that includes a retractor, the surgical instrument can also be identified based on the width and height of the retractor.

[0097] In yet another example, in addition to the dimensions of a specific part (height may also be used), surgical instruments can be identified by any one or more of the following: surface roughness, surface gloss, the types of elements in the materials that make up the surgical instrument, and the composition ratio of those elements.

[0098] In the above embodiments, an example of applying the present invention to surgical instruments (surgical instrument management method and apparatus) has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to surgical instruments; it can also be applied to dental orthodontic braces. That is, the present invention can configure the above-described surgical instrument management method and apparatus as a dental orthodontic braces management method and apparatus. (See also...) Figure 10 This variation will be explained. Figure 10 This is a top view of the dental orthodontic aligner 50 used in a modified example. The dental orthodontic aligner 50 is made of, for example, polyurethane and is transparent. In the modified example, as a specific part described above, the dental orthodontic aligner management device identifies multiple dental orthodontic aligners 50 based on at least one of the longitudinal length W50 on one side, the longitudinal length W51 on the other side, and the transverse length W52 orthogonal to these longitudinal directions. For example, the precision dimension measuring instrument 2, based on an image obtained by taking a picture of the dental orthodontic aligner 50, determines the portion 51 of the posterior teeth and the portion 52 of the anterior teeth on one side, and then measures the length W50 between these portions 51 and 52. Similarly, after determining the portion 53 of the posterior teeth and the portion 54 of the anterior teeth on the other side, the precision dimensional measuring instrument 2 measures the length between these portions 53 and 54, i.e., length W51. Additionally, after determining the portions 55 and 56 of a pair of teeth arranged laterally, it measures the length between these portions 55 and 56, i.e., length W52. Even for the same patient, multiple dental orthodontic aligners 50 may be fabricated during the orthodontic stage. By measuring at least one of the aforementioned lengths W50, W51, and W52, the individual dental orthodontic aligner 50 used during which orthodontic stage can be accurately identified.

[0099] Thus, the above embodiments are examples used to illustrate the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0100] 1 Surgical Instrument Management System 2 Precision Dimensioning Instrument 3 Surgical Instrument Management Device 10 Pliers 12 Ratchets 20 scissors 22 Rotation shaft 30 needle holders 40 tweezers 50 Dental braces

Claims

1. A method for managing surgical instruments, characterized in that, have: A procedure for obtaining the dimensions of specific parts of multiple surgical instruments in advance; The procedure of the surgical instrument is identified based on the obtained dimensions of the specific portion; as well as The procedure for managing the identified surgical instruments.

2. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the acquisition process, if the dimensions of the specific portion are the same for multiple surgical instruments that have been identified as having the same specific portion, then for each of the multiple surgical instruments, one or more dimensions different from the dimensions of the specific portion are reacquired. In the identification process, the plurality of surgical instruments are identified based on one or more different sizes.

3. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the acquisition process, if the dimensions of the specific portion obtained from multiple surgical instruments that have identified the same specific portion are identical, the dimensions of the specific portion of one or more of the multiple surgical instruments after cutting are re-obtained. In the identification process, the plurality of surgical instruments are identified based on the dimensions of the specific portion after cutting.

4. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The surgical instrument management method further includes a step of determining that the dimensions of a specific part are the same if the dimensions of the specific part obtained for the plurality of surgical instruments are within a predetermined tolerance.

5. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the acquisition process, the dimensions of specific portions of multiple surgical instruments are acquired simultaneously. In the identification process, the multiple surgical instruments are identified separately based on the dimensions of the specific portions obtained simultaneously for each of the multiple surgical instruments.

6. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surgical instrument management method further includes a step of pre-storing the dimensions of the specific portions obtained for multiple surgical instruments. In the identification process, the surgical instrument having the size of the specific portion obtained in the acquisition process is identified by comparing the size of the specific portion stored in the storage process with the size of the specific portion obtained in the acquisition process after the storage process.

7. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimension of the specific portion is the width of the protrusion of the surgical instrument.

8. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimension of the specific portion is the width of the end of the surgical instrument.

9. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimension of the specific portion is the width of the portion passing through the center of the rotation axis of the surgical instrument.

10. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the identification process, the surgical instrument is identified based on the value of the micrometer or submicrometer unit in the size of the specific part.

11. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the identification process and the management process, the surgical instruments are identified and managed using a value corresponding to the size of the specific part.

12. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the management process, one or more of the following are managed in correspondence with the ID: the name of the surgical instrument, the size of the specific part of the surgical instrument, the group name of the surgical instrument, the sub-category of the surgical instrument, the manufacturer name of the surgical instrument, the usage history of the surgical instrument, the service life of the surgical instrument, the maintenance history of the surgical instrument, and the purchase history of the surgical instrument.

13. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surgical instrument management method further includes a step of obtaining the height of each of the surgical instruments. In the identification process, the surgical instrument is identified based on the acquired height and the dimensions of the specific portion.

14. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surgical instrument management method further includes the step of obtaining one or more of the following: surface roughness, surface gloss, types of elements constituting the surgical instrument, and composition ratio of those elements. In the identification process, the surgical instrument is identified based on any one or more of the acquired surface roughness, surface gloss, type of element, and composition ratio of the element, as well as the size of the specific portion.

15. The surgical instrument management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the management process, the surgical instruments are managed in units of sterilization containers containing multiple surgical instruments.

16. A surgical instrument management device for managing medical surgical instruments, characterized in that, have: The acquisition unit acquires the dimensions of predetermined specific parts for each of multiple surgical instruments; An identification unit that identifies the surgical instrument based on the size of the acquired specific portion; as well as The management unit manages the identified surgical instruments.

17. A method for managing dental orthodontic braces, characterized in that, have: The process of obtaining the dimensions of specific parts of multiple dental orthodontic aligners in advance; The process of identifying the dental orthodontic braces based on the obtained dimensions of the specific portion; and The procedure for managing the identified dental orthodontic braces.

18. A dental orthodontic braces management device, characterized in that, have: The acquisition unit acquires the dimensions of predetermined specific portions for each of multiple dental orthodontic aligners; An identification unit that identifies the dental orthodontic braces based on the size of the acquired specific portion; as well as The management unit manages the identified dental orthodontic braces.

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