Medical Device Identification via Color-Coded Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical procedures involving multiple treatment devices connected to a treatment source, such as electrosurgical generators, it is challenging to accurately identify which device corresponds to which channel, leading to confusion and potential errors, especially when issues like high impedance occur.
Innovation Solution
Each treatment device is equipped with a unique visual identifier, such as colored lights, alphanumeric IDs, or symbols, which correspond to the treatment source channel, and a user interface displays this information to facilitate device identification and provide real-time feedback on device status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple treatment devices are connected to a treatment source, then the capability to perform multiple treatments is improved, but the difficulty to identify which device corresponds to which channel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to treatment devices and corresponding cables, where each device is assigned a specific color that matches its channel identifier. This visual differentiation allows practitioners to quickly identify which device corresponds to which channel without confusion, resolving the identification difficulty while maintaining multi-device capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cable hubs as intermediary components that connect multiple cables to the treatment source. Each cable hub is color-coded to match its associated device, serving as a visual mediator that clarifies the connection relationships and helps practitioners track which device is connected to which channel
2Ease of operation
If visual identifiers are added to treatment devices, then the ease of identification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple color coding on devices and cables rather than complex identification systems. The color information is visually encoded on the device housing and cable insulation, providing immediate identification without adding electronic complexity or requiring additional active components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of identification information through color coding and labeling that can be perceived at a glance. The cable hubs and device housings carry visual representations of their identity, allowing practitioners to identify connections without complex digital displays or additional active identification systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables practitioners to easily distinguish between multiple treatment devices connected to a treatment source, allowing for timely adjustments during procedures and reducing the risk of errors by providing clear visual and auditory feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a visual indicator, such as a light, e.g. an LED (light-emitting diode)
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of use thereof are disclosed, the system including a treatment source, such as an electrosurgical generator and a plurality of treatment devices operable to be coupled to the treatment source, one or more of the treatment devices being associated with one or more device identifiers which can be, for example, physically present on the device or contained in device software.