Medical Device Resource Information Key for Lost Documentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in ensuring that medical devices, such as intravascular catheters, have accessible information for practitioners, caregivers, and patients, as documentation may be misplaced or outdated, making it difficult to acquire necessary information for safe and effective use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a resource information key on the medical device that directs users to a website or uses a QR code for accessing information, including details about ethanol compatibility, ensuring that critical information is readily available and easily retrievable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If comprehensive printed documentation is provided with the medical device, then initial information availability is improved, but long-term accessibility deteriorates due to documentation being misplaced or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a digital copy of the device information stored in a database, which can be accessed remotely. This digital copy replaces the physical printed documentation, ensuring that information remains accessible even if the original printed materials are lost or misplaced. The system allows users to retrieve complete device information through electronic means, eliminating the reliability issues associated with physical documentation storage.
2Loss of information
If printed documentation is provided with the device, then initial information access is improved, but ease of obtaining updated information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a dynamic information retrieval system where device information can be updated in the database and made immediately available to users. Unlike static printed documentation, the electronic system allows manufacturers to update device information, warnings, or instructions in real-time, and these updates are automatically reflected when users query the system. This ensures continuous access to the most current information without requiring physical reprints or manual distribution.
3Quantity of substance
If detailed device information is included in printed materials, then comprehensive information provision is improved, but ease of retrieving information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing the mechanical system of physical document distribution and manual search with an electronic database system. Users can access comprehensive device information through a standardized query interface, eliminating the need to physically locate, handle, and search through printed manuals. The electronic system provides structured data that can be retrieved instantly through digital search functions, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining complete information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system by which resource information relating to an insertable medical device, such as an intravascular catheter, can be identified by its source so as to be accessed by a practitioner, caregiver, or patient, is disclosed. In particular, a resource information key is included at a predetermined key location on or proximate to the medical device, wherein the key indicates the source of the resource information. In one example embodiment, therefore, an insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”), is disclosed and comprises: an internal portion, and a portion external to the patient that includes a resource information key indicating a website where a user can acquire resource information relating to the medical device. In other embodiments indicia are provided as quick response (“QR”) codes, and as various markings to indicate compatibility of the medical device with ethanol.