Medical fluid pump with possibility for remote support

Abstract

The present invention relates to operating modes of a medical device for support and for device training by a service agent connected via a data line. The invention relates in particular to the simulation of operating states of an insufflator by means of a computer located at a different location, e.g. in a training centre. The invention further relates to the simulation of operating states of a medical liquid pump by means of a computer located at a different location, e.g. in a training centre.

Description

[0001] Medical fluid pump with remote support capability

[0002] Subject of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to operating modes of a medical device for support and device training by a service employee connected via a data line.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Remote support or remote maintenance has been described for some time, for example, in DE2350371 C3 "Method and device for testing and servicing data processing systems using spatially remote maintenance stations." The possibility of connecting via existing network connections has also been described, for example, in US 6473788B1 "Remote maintenance and servicing of a network peripheral device over the world wide web" or EP1450542B1 "Remote maintenance and servicing of a network peripheral device over the world wide web." Further prior art is represented by the documents WO 2012 / 040221 A2, WO 2013 / 091814 A2, and US 2017 / 0173276 A1.

[0006] What is not yet known is a solution for training or product instruction for medical devices via such a network or internet connection. In order to protect the patient, it is particularly important to ensure that no settings harmful to the patient can be made via the remote connection. It is also important to ensure that no unauthorized external interventions are made during ongoing treatment. This poses a risk, as effects can be detected on-site—on the patient or by viewing other devices, such as an anesthesia monitor—which are not reliably accessible to the remote user. Therefore, device control or application via remote connection must be reliably excluded during patient treatment. i Inventive Solution

[0007] The invention relates firstly to an insufflator for minimally invasive surgery which is designed in such a way that it allows support, in particular a simulation of operating conditions from a distance.

[0008] In a first embodiment, the invention relates to an insufflator for minimally invasive surgery, comprising a) a gas connection with a proportional valve, b) a first trocar, c) a gas supply line for gas from the gas connection with a pressure sensor, a gas flow sensor and a connection to the first trocar, d) a suction device with adjustable suction power, e) a second trocar with a suction hose, connected to the suction device with adjustable suction power, f) an electronic control unit, g) a display device, h) an interface to a remote computer, wherein the electronic control unit transmits the current settings of the insufflator to the remote computer via the interface, wherein the remote computer simulates the treatment of a patient and transmits the operating values ​​resulting from the simulation back to the insufflator via the interface,the insufflator's display unit shows the simulated operating values.

[0009] The insufflator is essentially a medical device, as described in various forms in the state of the art. A detailed explanation of the individual components and functions is therefore unnecessary here.

[0010] In the embodiment of such an insufflator according to the invention, it contains an interface to a computer that is located remotely, ie at another location.

[0011] The distance between the insufflator and the remote computer can therefore be virtually unlimited. It is therefore possible to connect the insufflator located in a clinic to a computer located, for example, in a training center of the insufflator manufacturer. Corresponding transmission protocols are known in principle, including those for secure transmission. The remote computer simulates a treatment, as shown below, and transmits the operating values ​​resulting from the simulation back to the insufflator. In this way, personnel can be familiarized with the operation of the insufflator.

[0012] To ensure patient safety, the insufflator typically displays a warning signal indicating that the device is operating in simulation mode. This can be visual and / or audible.

[0013] During the simulation, it is expedient to ensure that the gas flow of the insufflator is completely blocked to prevent the accidental simulation of unusual operating conditions on a live patient. In specific embodiments of the invention, however, it is also possible to connect the insufflator to a dummy in order to test additional functions. A dummy is understood to be an artificial test object that has similar properties to a body part connected to the medical device. This could, for example, be an elastic balloon that can be expanded like an abdomen. It could of course also be a doll (possibly equipped with sensors) whose size and weight correspond to those of a human, with corresponding cavities that allow expansion using gas or liquid.An operation mode with the aid of a dummy also allows, for example, the changing of tubes, for example when simulating tube occlusions, but also the procedures in the event of any leaks. With this type of operation, however, it must be ensured that a dummy and not a patient is actually connected before a gas flow is actually generated. This can be achieved, for example, by providing the tubes and dummy with special data carriers for the simulation mode. These can be RFID modules, for example, which signal to the insufflator that special simulation tubes and a dummy are connected. A further embodiment of the invention consists in the remote computer being connected to a second identical insufflator. This identical insufflator can, for example, be connected to a dummy.In this embodiment, it is possible to carry out the simulation using the second insufflator of the same design and to transmit the operating values ​​measured in the simulation setup (e.g. pressures, volume flows, etc.) back to the first simulator.

[0014] As an alternative to the implementation using a second, identically constructed insufflator, it is also possible to run the simulation on software. This software is typically run on the second computer, allowing the operating conditions to be simulated remotely, for example, by training staff at the insufflator manufacturer's training center. This allows the training staff to demonstrate insufflator operation, including correcting errors or dealing with unusual operating conditions (e.g., caused by a tube occlusion).

[0015] During the simulation, it is advisable to maintain a voice or video connection between the training staff and the insufflator operator (e.g., a physician) in addition to the data connection. A video conferencing tool, which can also be integrated into the insufflator, can be used for this purpose. This allows the training staff to identify operating errors and communicate corrections.

[0016] In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the software for simulating operating states can also be run directly on the insufflator. In this case, too, it must be ensured that no patient is connected to the insufflator during the simulation. Analogous to the options described above, the gas flow can either be completely blocked in this case, or safety measures can be taken to ensure that only a dummy is connected to the insufflator. In this case, the simulated operating states are transmitted to the remote computer (e.g., in the training center) so that the training staff can monitor the simulation. In this case, too, a voice or video connection with the training staff is recommended for monitoring the simulation and correcting any errors that may occur.

[0017] The invention therefore also relates to an insufflator for minimally invasive surgery, comprising a) a gas connection with a proportional valve, b) a first trocar c) a gas supply line for gas from the gas connection with a pressure sensor, gas flow sensor and connection to the first trocar, d) a suction device with adjustable suction power, e) a second trocar with a suction hose, connected to the suction device with adjustable suction power, f) an electronic control unit, g) a display device, h) an interface to a remote computer, wherein the electronic control unit runs software which simulates the treatment of a patient on the basis of the current settings of the insufflator and displays the operating values ​​resulting from the simulation on the display unit of the insufflator and on the remote computer.

[0018] The solution according to the invention therefore consists in a special operating mode that does not allow the pumping or discharging of expansion medium into a patient.

[0019] All steps initiated by the user on the device are displayed in the preferred operating mode purely on the input / user interface of the medical device, without controlling the corresponding actuators in the device. The device is therefore used purely for simulator operation. This user interface is preferably overlaid with a clearly recognizable visual signal, e.g. a “training mode” watermark or a special coloring of the user interface. Alternatively or in parallel, the training status can be indicated by an acoustic signal, e.g. a sentence such as “Training mode - press “Exit” to return to patient treatment” that is played repeatedly when a button is pressed. This signaling is used to prevent the user from assuming that patient treatment can be carried out in the current mode.

[0020] The inventive solution requires a network connection on the device. This can be implemented as an internet connection or another network connection, with a remote technician or expert having a data connection to the device. Optionally, this technician can also have a parallel voice / video connection to a user of the medical device who is being trained or supported.

[0021] In the "remote training" embodiment, the user's input is accepted and translated into calculated display values, either by a sequence control stored in the device or via a remote connection with a sequence control by a remote computer. These display values ​​are accompanied by explanations of the changes taking place - in text form, as an audio recording, or by a remotely located technician or expert. The time sequences contain not only the expected and desired behavior, but also malfunctions and unexpected display values, in order to train the user in troubleshooting, troubleshooting, and counter-reactions in the event of undesirable conditions. According to the invention, the audio / voice connection to the technician can be established via the medical device. It is also according to the invention to establish a parallel audio / voice connection or video conference with the instructor.In both cases (audio-voice connection via the medical device or a parallel option), the instructor has remote access to the user interface of the medical device, meaning they can see the display being observed by the user and can also influence its values, perform an interaction, or start training units that process specific display values ​​and user inputs. When the remote instructor interacts, their interaction is visually indicated according to the invention, e.g., with a mouse cursor or a finger symbol, which points to the operated element. The invention also includes a computer program that runs on the remote computer and simulates the performance of a medical procedure, iewhich receives user inputs and, over time and depending on the given situation, either generates messages on the medical device that do not correspond to the usual sequence but rather convey user knowledge, or simulates the usual behavior of the medical device with the option of generating error cases or critical states and training the user in possible solutions. For example, a message could read "Tube set occlusion!", whereupon a selection of possible actions is displayed to the user as a selection option. This can be done on the touchscreen of the medical device or via the labeling of the selection options on the operating elements, e.g. buttons with microswitches, if these are located, for example, at the edge of the screen.

[0022] The knowledge imparted through these computer programs includes everything necessary for product training:

[0023] • Commissioning of the medical device,

[0024] • Meaning of the ads,

[0025] • Setting options and their storage

[0026] • stored selection options or presets,

[0027] • Procedures in a medical procedure - each for the procedures typically performed with the medical device,

[0028] • possible error messages, alarms and warnings and their meaning,

[0029] • Elimination of conditions that lead to error messages or insufficient performance of the medical device,

[0030] • Demonstration of optical and acoustic signaling, acknowledgment of signals,

[0031] • etc. Another inventive operating mode is "Support," which allows a user in a critical situation to call in an external expert who can assess the observed and explained situation, view all device parameters, including the user interface, but cannot make any adjustments. This "Support" mode is limited to exclude patient treatment, thus allowing only one-way information transfer (medical device to external) when requested during a medical procedure involving patient treatment.

[0032] In a further development of this invention, for device control by an externally connected device on the medical device, a message can be confirmed or an assigned control element can be pressed to authorize execution.

[0033] In an even more advanced “Service” operating mode, the medical device can be connected to a service center to enable the installation of new operating software / updates or to read out data on the status of the medical device via a connection from the medical device to a device in the service center.

[0034] According to the invention, such a connection requires various safety aspects, including:

[0035] • Reading the serial number or a unique identification feature of the medical device,

[0036] • End-to-end encryption of all sent and received data,

[0037] • Sending instructions to specific hardware elements and evaluating the response generated during execution, such as components that generate specific codes in response to a request (e.g. so-called crypto chips),

[0038] • Executing an operating software update only after on-site interaction (e.g., pressing a button by the user) to prevent accidental updates during a procedure. Other security elements according to the state of the art are also considered to be in accordance with the invention.

[0039] The invention can equally be implemented in other forms, such as in joint arthroscopy, in which fluid is pumped into a joint by means of adapted irrigation pumps (e.g. roller wheel pumps) for the purpose of dilatation.

[0040] The invention therefore also relates to a medical fluid pump for minimally invasive surgery, comprising a) a fluid reservoir, b) a first trocar, c) a fluid supply line for fluid from the reservoir with a pressure sensor, a flow sensor and a connection to the first trocar, d) a fluid suction device with adjustable suction power, e) a second trocar with a suction hose, connected to the fluid suction device with adjustable suction power, f) an electronic control unit, g) a display device, h) an interface to a remote computer, wherein the electronic control unit transmits the current settings of the medical fluid pump to the remote computer via the interface,wherein the remote computer simulates the treatment of a patient and transmits the operating values ​​resulting from the simulation back to the medical fluid pump via the interface, wherein the display unit of the medical fluid pump displays the simulated operating values.

[0041] The medical fluid pump is essentially a medical device, as described in various forms in the prior art. A detailed explanation of the individual components and functions is therefore unnecessary here. The functions and operating modes of such a medical fluid pump according to the invention correspond to those of the insufflators described above, so reference can be made to them to avoid repetition.

[0042] The invention also relates in an analogous manner to a medical fluid pump for minimally invasive surgery, comprising a) a fluid reservoir, b) a first trocar c) a fluid supply line for fluid from the reservoir with a pressure sensor, flow sensor and connection to the first trocar, d) a fluid suction device with adjustable suction power, e) a second trocar with a suction hose, connected to the fluid suction device with adjustable suction power, f) an electronic control unit, g) a display device, h) an interface to a remote computer, wherein the electronic control unit runs software which simulates the treatment of a patient on the basis of the current settings of the medical fluid pump and displays the operating values ​​resulting from the simulation on the display unit of the medical fluid pump and on the remote computer.

[0043] Description of the characters

[0044] The invention is basically shown in Figure 1.

[0045] The reference symbols used in Figure 1 have the following meaning:

[0046] (1 ) Gas connection

[0047] (2) Proportional valve

[0048] (3) Gas supply line

[0049] (4) Volume flow control

[0050] (5) Pressure sensor

[0051] (6) Volume flow sensor

[0052] (7) first trocar

[0053] (8) Cavity

[0054] (9) Suction hose

[0055] (10) second trocar

[0056] (11 ) Suction device with adjustable suction power (optional)

[0057] (12) electronic control unit

[0058] (13) Display device

[0059] (14) Interface

[0060] (15) remote computer

[0061] (16) Display device of the remote computer Figure 2 shows the embodiment in which the insufflator according to the invention is connected to a second insufflator of the same construction.

[0062] The reference symbols used in Figure 2 have the following meaning:

[0063] (1 ) / (1 ') Gas connection (2) / (2') Proportional valve

[0064] (3) / (3') Gas supply line

[0065] (4) / (4') Volume flow control

[0066] (5) / (5') Pressure sensor

[0067] (6) / (6') Volume flow sensor (7) / (7') first trocar

[0068] (8) / (8') cavity

[0069] (9) / (9') Suction hose

[0070] (10) / (10') second trocar

[0071] (11 ) / (11 ') Extractor with adjustable suction power (optional) (12) / (12') Electronic control unit

[0072] (13) / (13') Display device

[0073] (14) Interface

[0074] (15) remote computer

[0075] (16) Display device of the remote computer

Claims

Patent claims: 1.) Insufflator for minimally invasive surgery, comprising: a) a gas connection with proportional valve, b) a first trocar, c) a gas supply line for gas from the gas connection with pressure sensor, gas flow sensor and connection to the first trocar, d) a suction device with adjustable suction capacity, e) a second trocar with suction hose connected to the suction device with adjustable suction capacity, f) an electronic control unit, g) a display unit, h) an interface to a remote computer, wherein the electronic control unit transmits the current settings of the insufflator to the remote computer via the interface, wherein the remote computer simulates the treatment of a patient and transmits the operating values ​​resulting from the simulation back to the insufflator via the interface, wherein the display unit of the insufflator displays the simulated operating values. 2.) Insufflator according to claim 1, wherein the insufflator provides an optical and / or acoustic indication when a simulation is being performed. 3.) Insufflator according to claim 1, wherein the insufflator completely blocks the gas flow during the simulation. 4.) Insufflator according to claim 1, wherein the insufflator is connected to a dummy during the simulation. 5.) Insufflator according to claim 1, wherein the remote computer simulates the Treatment is carried out by connecting a second identical insufflator, wherein the identical insufflator is connected to a dummy. Insufflator according to claim 1, wherein the remote computer simulates the Treatment is performed using software. Insufflator according to claim 1, wherein the insufflator additionally has a voice or video connection to the remote computer. Insufflator according to claim 1, wherein the remote computer is within the scope of theSimulation also simulates device, accessory, and / or process errors. Insufflator for minimally invasive surgery, comprising: a) a gas connection with proportional valve, b) a first trocar, c) a gas supply line for gas from the gas connection with pressure sensor, gas flow sensor, and connection to the first trocar, d) a suction device with adjustable suction capacity, e) a second trocar with suction hose connected to the suction device with adjustable suction capacity, f) an electronic control unit, g) a display unit, h) an interface to a remote computer, wherein the electronic control unit runs software that simulates the treatment of a patient based on the current settings of the insufflator and displays the operating values ​​resulting from the simulation on the display unit of the insufflator and on the remote computer.Insufflator according to claim 9, wherein the insufflator provides visual and / or audible indication when a simulation is being performed. Insufflator according to claim 9, wherein the insufflator completely blocks the gas flow during the simulation. Insufflator according to claim 9, wherein the insufflator is connected to a dummy during the simulation. Insufflator according to claim 9, wherein the remote computer is within the scope of the Simulation also simulates device, accessory, and / or process errors. Medical fluid pump for minimally invasive surgery, comprising: a) a fluid reservoir, b) a first trocar, c) a fluid supply line for fluid from the reservoir with pressure sensor, flow sensor, and connection to the first trocar, d) a fluid aspiration device with adjustable suction capacity, e) a second trocar with suction hose connected to the fluid aspiration device with adjustable suction capacity, f) an electronic control unit, g) a display unit, h) an interface to a remote computer, wherein the electronic control unit transmits the current settings of the medical fluid pump to the remote computer via the interface. Computer transmits, wherein the remote computer simulates the treatment of a patient and transmits the operating values ​​resulting from the simulation back to the medical fluid pump via the interface, wherein the display unit of the medical fluid pump displays the simulated operating values. Medical fluid pump for minimally invasive surgery, comprising a) a fluid reservoir, b) a first trocar, c) a fluid supply line for fluid from the reservoir with pressure sensor, flow sensor and connection to the first trocar, d) a fluid aspiration device with adjustable suction capacity, e) a second trocar with suction hose connected to the fluid aspiration device with adjustable suction capacity, f) an electronic control unit, g) a display unit, h) an interface to a remote computer, wherein the electronic control unit runs software which, based on the current settings of the medical fluid pump, simulates the treatment of a patient and displays the operating values ​​resulting from the simulation on the display unit of the medical fluid pump and on the remote computer.A medical fluid pump according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the medical fluid pump provides visual and / or audible indication when a simulation is being performed. A medical fluid pump according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the medical fluid pump completely blocks the gas flow during the simulation. A medical fluid pump according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the medical fluid pump is connected to a dummy during the simulation. A medical fluid pump according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the remote computer performs the simulation of the treatment by connecting a second identical medical fluid pump, the identical medical fluid pump being connected to a dummy. A medical fluid pump according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the remote computer performs the simulation of the treatment using software. A medical fluid pump according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the medical fluid pump additionally has a speech or A medical fluid pump according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the remote computer also simulates device, accessory and / or process errors as part of the simulation.

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