Endodontic Instrument Data Management via Blockchain Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endodontic instrument breakages during treatment are common, leading to extended procedure times, potential tooth weakening, infection risks, and difficulties in determining the cause of failure due to unreliable data collection and misuse factors.
Innovation Solution
A data management system for endodontic instruments that includes unique identifiers, real-time parameter monitoring, and blockchain authentication to record and verify usage, ensuring reliable data for clinical studies and regulatory compliance, and verifying practitioner competence to prevent misuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If instrument design is improved to increase resistance to stresses, then instrument strength is improved, but breakage factors related to usage and logistics are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring of instrument parameters during use, sterilization, and storage, with data fed back to assess instrument condition and predict potential failures before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessments of instrument condition through monitoring data before critical failures occur, allowing preventive actions to be taken such as adjusting usage parameters or replacing instruments before breakage
2Measurement precision
If real-time measurement devices are added to handpieces, then instantaneous operating parameters are measured, but fatigue breakages and other ruin types cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed to track multiple types of parameters including mechanical stresses, thermal exposure during sterilization, and usage patterns, providing comprehensive assessment beyond just instantaneous operating parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors parameters beyond what is strictly necessary for immediate operation control, including cumulative usage data and sterilization history, to predict long-term reliability and prevent various types of instrument ruin
3Ease of operation
If information collection relies on practitioner statements, then data collection is simple, but information reliability cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically collects and records instrument data through embedded sensors and monitoring devices, eliminating the need for manual practitioner reporting while ensuring objective, verifiable information
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback loops where monitoring data is continuously recorded, stored, and made accessible for verification, creating an objective record that can be independently assessed
4Reliability
If practitioner training verification is implemented, then patient safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system verifies practitioner training and competence before allowing instrument use, and continuously monitors whether the practitioner is performing appropriate actions during instrument operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between training organizations and practitioners, automatically verifying credentials and providing guidance on proper instrument usage without requiring complex manual verification processes
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing data of an environment of an endodontic instrument, which includes: an endodontic instrument, intended to experience several stages of the life cycle such as logistics, use during endodontic treatment, end of life, the instrument being equipped with a unique identifier, and presenting recommended use parameters; an element for obtaining at least one real usage parameter experienced by the instrument during a life cycle stage; an element for reading the unique identifier during at least one stage of the life cycle of the instrument; computer equipment intended to be connected to the reading element and the obtaining element, including a database, and executing a computer program. The computer program is configured to record in the database, during at least one life cycle step, the unique identifier of the instrument read, the actual usage parameter obtained, a timestamp, and this recording is authenticated.