Implanted Medical Device UDI Tracking Without Surgical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with implanted medical devices face challenges in accessing device information, such as specifications, maintenance guidelines, and recall notifications, due to the device's implanted state, which is typically inaccessible without surgical intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system and method enabling wireless communication between a mobile device and an implanted medical device to retrieve a Unique Device Identifier (UDI), allowing access to device information via a mobile application, which can integrate with local or remote databases to provide device details, alerts, and interaction with manufacturers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the medical device is implanted into the patient, then the device can be securely positioned and function reliably, but the patient cannot access device information without surgical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a mobile device application and database that mediates between the implanted medical device and the patient. The application wirelessly communicates with the device to retrieve information, which is then displayed to the patient without requiring surgical access. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by enabling information access while maintaining device security and implantation integrity.
2Ease of operation
If written records are provided to the patient, then device information can be accessed, but the records can become misplaced or lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on physical written records that can be lost, the patent creates a digital copy of device information stored in a database that is accessible via mobile device. The system retrieves information directly from the implanted device and stores it electronically, eliminating the risk of physical records being misplaced while maintaining reliable access to accurate device information.
3Loss of information
If the device is made accessible for information retrieval, then patients can view specifications, but surgical or percutaneous access is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical or percutaneous access method with a wireless communication system. Instead of physically accessing the implanted device through the patient's skin, the system uses wireless signals to communicate with the device and retrieve information electronically. This substitution eliminates the complexity of surgical procedures while ensuring complete information availability.
4Productivity
If manufacturer updates and recall information are communicated traditionally, then information can be released, but patients cannot be properly informed in a timely manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile device application continuously communicates with the implanted medical device and monitors for updates. When new information, maintenance alerts, or recall notifications are released by the manufacturer, the system automatically receives and displays them to the patient. This real-time feedback loop ensures timely and reliable delivery of critical information directly to the patient without delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of obtaining medical information related to an implanted medical device of a patient comprises detecting that a mobile device is within a predetermined distance of the patient and wirelessly communicating with the implanted medical device or wirelessly obtaining information associated with a Unique Device Identifier of the implanted medical device. Information is displayed on a display of the mobile device.