Centralized Stent Graft Ordering System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical implant ordering systems face challenges with software updates, version inconsistencies, and installation complexities, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in the design and ordering process for customized grafts.
Innovation Solution
A centralized system for designing and ordering medical implants, featuring a user interface remote from the data processor, allowing for updates to be managed centrally, with a 3D verification capability and validation of design parameters, eliminating the need for individual software updates and simplifying the ordering process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software is distributed to individual physicians for graft design, then physicians can access the design tool at their location, but software updates require physical distribution to each physician increasing time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized ordering system that acts as an intermediary between the manufacturer and physicians. The system includes a centralized database and server that stores current software versions and design tools, which physicians access through their existing hospital computers via network connection. This eliminates the need for physical software distribution while maintaining physician access to up-to-date design tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized ordering system serves multiple functions: it acts as a software distribution platform, a design tool repository, an order management system, and a communication hub between manufacturers and hospitals. By consolidating these functions into a single universal system, the patent eliminates the need for separate software update distribution channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software is updated frequently to include new products, then the system remains current with available products, but multiple software versions cause confusion and require manufacturer familiarization with different ordering schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized ordering system serves as a single intermediary point that manages all software versions and product information. The manufacturer updates the system centrally, and all physicians automatically access the current version through the network, eliminating version fragmentation. The system translates various product specifications into a standardized ordering format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a homogeneous ordering interface and data structure across the entire system. All physicians use the same user interface and ordering scheme regardless of when they access the system. The centralized database enforces consistent data formats and ordering protocols, eliminating the confusion caused by multiple software versions.
3Ease of operation
If software is installed on individual physician computers, then the tool is accessible at the point of care, but installation requires phone support and adds to support costs
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized ordering system acts as an intermediary that delivers software functionality without requiring installation on individual computers. Physicians access the design tools through a web browser or network application on their existing hospital computers, eliminating the need for separate installation processes and reducing support requirements.
4Productivity
If centralized coordination is implemented for order processing, then order coordination and shipping can be managed efficiently, but the system requires uniform formatting and critical processing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized ordering system performs multiple critical functions in a single platform: it validates graft design parameters, generates standardized order formats, manages inventory coordination, and facilitates communication between hospitals and manufacturers. This universal system handles the complexity of centralized coordination while maintaining efficient order processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for designing and ordering a stent graft is described. The system includes a user interface for designing and ordering the stent graft, and a centralised data processor remote from and in communication with the user interface for processing and storing entered information. The user interface further includes a selection portion for selecting a stent graft design and a design portion for entering a plurality of design parameters related to the stent graft design. A verification portion is also provided to verify details of a completed stent graft design with an ordering portion to order the completed stent graft design. In one embodiment the verification portion includes the capability to display a 3-dimensional view of the completed stent graft design.