Medical device and method for determining a height level difference between a first component of a medical device and a second component of the medical device

Abstract

Medical device (10), configured as a medical rinsing and / or suction pump (12), comprising a base unit (16) and a measuring unit (20) spatially separated from the base unit (16), wherein the measuring unit (20) comprises a first sensor (24) for determining a first altitude level value of the measuring unit (20), and wherein the first sensor (24) is configured as a first pressure sensor (26) such that the first altitude level value can be determined from an ambient air pressure of the measuring unit (20) by means of the first sensor (24).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a medical device and a method for determining a height level difference between a first component of a medical device and a second component of the medical device.

[0002] Medical irrigation and suction pumps are used during surgery to introduce fluid into the patient. The pressure at which the fluid exits or is drawn in at one end of the pump's tubing depends, among other things, on the difference in elevation between the pump unit and the end of the tubing.

[0003] While the end of the tubing is generally placed at or inside the patient, the delivery unit is usually located away from the patient. The height at which the delivery unit is positioned can vary from one operating room to another. For example, adjusting the height of the operating table can also change the height of the tubing end.

[0004] If the fluid exits the end of the line at excessive pressure, or if it is drawn in at excessive pressure, the patient can be harmed. Therefore, the pumps currently in use have the capability to input the height difference between the base unit housing the pumping unit and the end of the line, and the pumping unit's output is adjusted accordingly.

[0005] However, a disadvantage is that the elevation difference must be determined and entered manually. This is a relatively complex and error-prone process. As a result, the pump often stores an incorrect elevation difference, or the determination and entry of a potentially changed elevation difference is omitted altogether, which can lead to harm to patients.

[0006] The documents DE 11 2012 001 381 T5, DE 10 2022 211 030 A1 and WO 2018 / 083 179 A1 are cited as the printed state of the art.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device that simplifies the determination of a height level difference between several components of a medical device and that is also easy to manufacture and handle.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of providing a method that enables a simple determination of a height level difference between several components of a medical device.

[0009] The problems are solved according to the invention by a medical device with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 9.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] A medical device according to the invention comprises a base unit and a measuring unit spatially separated from the base unit, the measuring unit comprising a first sensor for determining a first height level value of the measuring unit. The measuring unit is preferably spatially separated from the base unit such that it can be moved independently of the base unit. The measuring unit can thus be positioned at the height level of a component of the medical device with respect to which a height level difference is to be determined. Preferably, the base unit and the measuring unit each have a separate housing. The measuring unit comprising the first sensor allows the determination of one or more height level values ​​to be at least partially automated, which can simplify the determination of a height level difference between several components of the medical device.In the following, the term "elevation level value" preferably refers to a value that indicates the elevation level of the corresponding unit, or from which the elevation level of the corresponding unit can be determined. An elevation level value therefore need not necessarily be expressed in a unit of length. In the following, the term "sensor" preferably refers to a unit that detects an elevation level value by means of a physical effect and converts it into a processable electrical signal.

[0012] The first sensor is configured as a pressure sensor. Using this first sensor, the first altitude value can be determined from the ambient air pressure of the measuring unit. This first altitude value can therefore be expressed in a pressure unit, for example, Pascal (Pa). Preferably, the first sensor is configured as an absolute pressure sensor. Here and in the following, an absolute pressure sensor preferably refers to a pressure sensor designed to measure absolute air pressure. If the first sensor is configured as an absolute pressure sensor, the first altitude value can preferably be determined solely from the ambient pressure of the measuring unit. Particularly preferably, the first pressure sensor is configured as a so-called MEMS sensor. "MEMS" stands for "micro-electro-mechanical system".Using such pressure sensors, the absolute air pressure can be determined with a tolerance of less than 1 Pa so accurately that the difference in altitude between the components of the medical device can be determined with sufficient accuracy.

[0013] The medical device can include an evaluation unit, and the first sensor can be connected to the evaluation unit via a wired and / or wireless connection for data transmission. The wired and / or wireless connection of the first sensor to the evaluation unit allows, in particular, the first altitude level reading from the measuring unit to be transmitted to the evaluation unit, preferably automatically.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, the base unit has a second sensor for determining a second altitude level value of the base unit. This allows the first altitude level value of the measuring unit and the second altitude level value of the base unit to be determined simultaneously. In particular, the second altitude level value of the base unit can thus be determined without the measuring unit being located at the same altitude level as the base unit.

[0015] Preferably, the second sensor is configured as a second pressure sensor, particularly preferably an absolute pressure sensor. Using this second sensor, the second altitude level value can be determined from the ambient air pressure of the base unit. Particularly preferably, the second pressure sensor is configured as a so-called MEMS sensor.

[0016] The second sensor can be connected to the evaluation unit via a wired and / or wireless connection for data transmission. In particular, the second altitude level reading from the base unit can be transmitted to the evaluation unit via a wired and / or wireless connection of the second sensor to the evaluation unit.

[0017] The evaluation unit is preferably designed to determine the difference in elevation between the measuring unit and the base unit. This allows the evaluation unit to determine the difference in elevation between the measuring unit and the base unit by taking into account the first and / or second elevation values. The difference in elevation can be determined in the unit of the elevation value, for example, a unit of pressure or length. The evaluation unit is particularly preferably arranged in and / or on the base unit.

[0018] According to the invention, the medical device is designed as a medical pump, specifically as a medical irrigation and / or suction pump. To provide a delivery rate, the medical pump preferably has a pumping unit, which is particularly preferably arranged in the base unit. The measured difference in elevation can be used to adjust the pumping unit, in particular the delivery rate. The medical pump can have a line with a line end that can be used, in particular, to transport fluid from the pumping unit to a patient or vice versa. For example, to pump fluid into or out of the patient during an operation, the line end can be positioned within the patient. To determine the difference in elevation between the base unit and the line end, the measuring unit is preferably arranged at the same elevation as the line end.

[0019] A method according to the invention for determining a height level difference between a first component of a medical device and a second component of the medical device, wherein the first component is arranged at a first height level and the second component is arranged at a second height level, comprises the following steps: • Determining a second elevation level value of the second elevation level, • Arranging a measuring unit with a first sensor at the first elevation level, • Determining an initial elevation level value of the first elevation level using the first sensor, • Determining the difference between the first elevation level value and the second elevation level value using an evaluation unit.

[0020] The first sensor can be positioned at the first elevation level in such a way that the first elevation value can be determined with sufficient accuracy. An elevation deviation between the position of the first sensor and the position of the first component can be up to one to two times the tolerance of the first sensor.

[0021] The first elevation level reading can be transmitted from the first sensor to the evaluation unit via cable and / or wirelessly. While a wired transmission allows for easy assignment of the first sensor to the evaluation unit, a wireless transmission allows for more flexible positioning of the first sensor and the evaluation unit relative to each other.

[0022] To determine the first altitude level value, the first sensor, according to the invention, measures the ambient air pressure at the first altitude level. The first altitude level value can therefore be specified in a pressure unit, for example, Pascal (Pa). Preferably, the first altitude level value is determined by measuring the absolute ambient air pressure at the first altitude level.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the second height level value is determined by means of a second sensor located at the second height level. Preferably, the second sensor is located on and / or within the second component.

[0024] The method is preferably designed such that, to determine the second altitude level value, the second sensor measures the ambient air pressure at the second altitude level. The second altitude level value can, like the first altitude level value, be expressed in a pressure unit, for example, Pascal (Pa). Preferably, the second altitude level value is determined by measuring the absolute ambient air pressure at the second altitude level.

[0025] According to the invention, the medical device is designed as a medical pump, specifically as a medical irrigation and / or suction pump. Preferably, the first component is designed as the working end, particularly preferably as the line end, and / or the second component as the base unit. This allows the line end of the medical irrigation and / or suction pump to be located at the first level and the base unit of the medical irrigation and / or suction pump to be located at the second level.

[0026] The method is particularly preferably configured such that the measuring unit with the first sensor is arranged at the first elevation level, i.e., at the elevation level of the pipe end. The first elevation level value of the pipe end can be determined by the first sensor measuring the ambient air pressure at the first elevation level. The second elevation level value can be determined by the second sensor measuring the ambient air pressure at the second elevation level, i.e., the elevation level of the base unit. The first and second elevation level values ​​can be transmitted to the evaluation unit, which is preferably located in the base unit. The evaluation unit can then determine the difference between the first and second elevation level values, which preferably corresponds with sufficient accuracy to the elevation difference between the pipe end and the base unit of the medical irrigation and / or suction pump.The determined difference in elevation can be used to adjust the pumping unit, in particular the pumping capacity, of the medical rinsing and / or suction pump.

[0027] Two embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to the following figures. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a medical device, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a medical device.

[0028] The Fig. Figures 1 and 2 show different embodiments. The same reference numerals are used for identical and functionally equivalent parts. For clarity, not all reference numerals are used in every figure.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a medical device 10 in the form of a medical irrigation and / or suction pump 12 with a line 13 comprising a first component 15 designed as a line end 14. The medical irrigation and / or suction pump 12 also comprises a second component 18 designed as a base unit 16 and a measuring unit 20 spatially separated from the base unit 16. To provide a delivery capacity, the medical irrigation and / or suction pump 12 preferably has a pumping unit (not shown), which is particularly preferably arranged in the base unit 16.

[0030] The measuring unit 20 is preferably spatially separated from the base unit 16 such that the measuring unit 20 can be moved independently of the base unit 16. Preferably, the base unit 16 and the measuring unit 20 each have a separate housing 22. The measuring unit 20 comprises a first sensor 24 for determining a first height level value of the measuring unit 20.

[0031] The first sensor 24 is configured as a first pressure sensor 26, preferably an absolute one. Using the first sensor 24, the first altitude level value can be determined from the ambient air pressure of the measuring unit 20.

[0032] The base unit 16 preferably has a second sensor 30 for determining a second altitude level value of the base unit 16. This allows the first altitude level value of the measuring unit 20 and the second altitude level value of the base unit 16 to be determined simultaneously. In particular, the second altitude level value of the base unit 16 can thus be determined without the measuring unit 20 being located at the same altitude level as the base unit 16. Preferably, the second sensor 30 is configured as an absolute second pressure sensor 32, so that the second altitude level value can be determined from the ambient air pressure of the base unit 16 using the second sensor 30. Particularly preferably, the first pressure sensor 26 and the second pressure sensor 32 are each configured as so-called MEMS sensors.

[0033] Out of Fig. Figure 1 shows that the line end 14 is located at a first elevation level 36 and the base unit 16 is located at a second elevation level 38, which differs from the first elevation level 36. Between the first elevation level 36 and the second elevation level 38, there exists in the Fig. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, there is a height level difference 34. The height level difference 34 results, for example, from the fact that, during an operation, the cable end 14 can be located inside a patient and thus near an operating table 40, while the base unit 16 is located next to the operating table 40 on an elevated stand. In this exemplary application, the measuring unit 20 can be arranged on the operating table 40. The first sensor 24 can thus determine the first height level value, representative of the first height level, from the ambient air pressure of the measuring unit, and the second sensor 30 can determine the second height level value, representative of the second height level 38, from the ambient air pressure of the base unit 16.

[0034] The medical device 10 can further comprise an evaluation unit 28, with which the first sensor 24 and the second sensor 30 can be coupled for data transmission. The evaluation unit 28 is preferably configured to determine the difference in elevation 34 between the measuring unit 20 and the base unit 16. This allows the evaluation unit 28 to determine the difference in elevation 34 between the measuring unit 20 and the base unit 16, taking into account the first and second elevation values. The evaluation unit 28 is particularly preferably arranged within the base unit 16.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows that the first sensor 24 and the second sensor 30 can each be connected to the evaluation unit 28 by means of a cable connection 42. This is shown in Fig. The second embodiment shown in Figure 2 differs from the first embodiment in that the first sensor 24 is wirelessly coupled to the evaluation unit 28 by means of a radio connection 44.

[0036] Based on the examples in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In addition, the inventive method for determining the height level difference 34 between the first component 15 of the medical device 10 and the second component 18 of the medical device can be explained in section 2. The method is particularly preferably designed such that the measuring unit 20 with the first sensor 24 is arranged at the first height level 36, and thus at the height level of the line end 14. The first height level value of the line end 14 can be determined by the first sensor 24 measuring the ambient air pressure at the first height level 36, preferably absolutely. The second height level value can be determined by the second sensor 30 measuring the ambient air pressure at the second height level 38, i.e., the height level of the base unit 16, preferably absolutely.

[0037] The first elevation level value and the second elevation level value can be transmitted to the evaluation unit 28, which is preferably arranged in the base unit 16. In the first embodiment ( Fig. 1) The transmission between the first sensor 24 and the evaluation unit 28 and between the second sensor 30 and the evaluation unit 28 is carried out by means of the cable connection 42, preferably wired. Fig. Figure 2 shows that the transmission between the first sensor 24 and the evaluation unit 28 can also be carried out wirelessly via the radio connection 44.

[0038] The evaluation unit 28 can be used to determine the difference between the first and second elevation values, which preferably corresponds with sufficient accuracy to the elevation difference 34 between the end of the line 14 and the base unit 16 of the medical irrigation and / or suction pump 12. The elevation difference 34 thus determined can be used to adjust the pumping unit, in particular the pumping capacity, of the medical irrigation and / or suction pump 12. Reference symbol list 10 medical devices 12 medical irrigation and / or suction pump 13 Management 14 Line end 15 first component 16 basic unit 18 second component 20 units of measurement 22 cases 24 first sensor 26 first pressure sensor 28 evaluation units 30 second sensor 32 second pressure sensor 34 elevation difference 36 first elevation level 38 second altitude level 40 operating tables 42 cable connection 44 radio connection

Claims

[1] Medical device (10) configured as a medical rinsing and / or suction pump (12) comprising a base unit (16) and a measuring unit (20) spatially separated from the base unit (16), wherein the measuring unit (20) comprises a first sensor (24) for determining a first altitude level value of the measuring unit (20), and wherein the first sensor (24) is configured as a first pressure sensor (26) such that the first altitude level value can be determined from an ambient air pressure of the measuring unit (20) by means of the first sensor (24). [2] Medical device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first sensor (24) is designed as the absolute first pressure sensor (26). [3] Medical device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the medical device (10) includes an evaluation unit (28) and the first sensor (24) can be connected to the evaluation unit (28) via a wired or wireless connection for data transmission. [4] Medical device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base unit (16) has a second sensor (30) for determining a second altitude level value of the base unit (16). [5] Medical device according to claim 4, characterized by , that the second sensor (30) is designed as a, preferably absolute, second pressure sensor (32). [6] Medical device according to claim 3 and one of claims 4 to 5, characterized by , that the second sensor (30) can be coupled to the evaluation unit (16) for data transmission via cable and / or wirelessly. [7] Medical device according to claim 3 and any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the evaluation unit (16) is designed to determine a height level difference (34) between the measuring unit (20) and the base unit (16). [8] Medical device according to claim 3 and any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the evaluation unit (28) is arranged in and / or on the base unit (16). [9] Method for determining a height level difference (34) between a first component (15) of a medical device (10) designed as a medical irrigation and / or suction pump (12) and a second component (18) of the medical device (10), wherein the first component (15) is arranged at a first height level (36) and the second component (18) is arranged at a second height level (38), comprising the following steps: • Determining a second elevation level value of the second elevation level (38), • Arranging a measuring unit (20) with a first sensor (24) at the first elevation level (36), • Determining a first elevation level value of the first elevation level (36) using the first sensor (24), • Determining the difference between the first elevation level value and the second elevation level value using an evaluation unit (28), characterized by, that to determine the first altitude level value, the first sensor (24) measures an ambient air pressure at the first altitude level (36). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , that the first elevation level value is transmitted via cable and / or wirelessly from the first sensor (24) to the evaluation unit (28). [11] Method according to any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized by , that the second altitude level value is determined by means of a second sensor (30) which is located at the second altitude level (38). [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized by , that to determine the second altitude level value, the second sensor (30) measures an ambient air pressure at the second altitude level (38). [13] Method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by , that the first component (15) is designed as a working end, preferably as a line end (14), and / or the second component (18) is designed as a base unit (16).

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