Systems and methods for RFID-based medical implant identification

a technology of medical implants and identification systems, applied in the field of radio frequency identification systems, can solve the problems of no methods or equipment that exist today that allow one, less than ideal solutions, and wear and tear, and achieve the effect of less reliant, efficient and accura

US20060235488A1Inactive Publication Date: 2006-10-19WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2006-10-19
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

Methods and systems for identifying medical implants. Data input is supplied by an operator including implant identification number, procedure date, and / or other patient record information. An RF module writes the data input to an RFID tag associated with and / or attached to the medical implant. Once the implant is set, but prior to closure, the RF module reads the data from the tag to insure readability. A data record including the data input and other procedure specific information may be automatically transmitted to a patient record management system in a medical facility.
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Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 108,130 filed on Apr. 18, 2005 and entitled “;Method and Apparatus for Implant Identification,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to radio frequency identification systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for identification of medical implants using RFID-based identification techniques. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Hips and knees receive continuous stress from walking, running, sporting activity, and / or injury. These joints are more commonly affected by the wearing of cartilage (degenerative arthritis) than the hand joints. Advances in medical technology have improved the prognoses of persons who suffer from degenerative joint-based ailments. Knee, hip, hand, wrist, shoulder and even spine-based medical i...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028] The following description is intended to convey a thorough understanding of the embodiments described by providing a number of specific embodiments and details involving systems and methods of programming and tracking medical implants using radio frequency identification techniques. It is understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and details, which are exemplary only. It is further understood that one possessing ordinary skill in the art, in light of known systems and methods, would appreciate the use of the invention for its intended purposes and benefits in any number of alternative embodiments, depending upon specific design and other needs.

[0029] As used herein, the expressions “RFID tag” and “RFID transponder tag” will refer to any active or passive type of electronic data storage device, read-only or read and write, that is wirelessly activated in the presence of a radio frequency (RF) field, including any currently av...