Medical Device Usage Tracking via Sensor Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the reusability of medical devices do not adequately account for the stresses and strains experienced during procedures, leading to potential misuse or premature disposal of devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that monitor device attributes and manipulations during procedures using sensors, analyzing location and force data to determine the total usage capability of medical devices, thereby deciding on their reprocessing potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If medical devices are reused based on simple attributes like number of procedures or hours of use, then the decision process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of determining reprocessability is insufficient and does not account for actual device stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of device attributes and manipulations during the procedure, collecting data on device stresses and strains before the reprocessing decision is made. This advance data collection enables more accurate assessment without complicating the final decision process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical counting methods (procedure counters, hour meters) with sensor-based monitoring systems that detect device manipulations and calculate stresses. This substitution uses electronic and computational systems to gather detailed mechanical data, improving assessment accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through automated analysis.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are added to monitor device manipulations, then the accuracy of usage assessment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors that serve multiple functions: they monitor device location, detect manipulations, and measure stresses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors and processing system are integrated into the device itself, enabling it to self-monitor and self-report its usage conditions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external monitoring equipment, reducing overall system complexity while improving assessment accuracy.
3Reliability
If detailed monitoring of device attributes is implemented, then the safety and lifespan of medical devices are enhanced, but the data processing requirements and system resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the most relevant features from the raw sensor data for reprocessing decisions, such as maximum stress levels and critical manipulation events. By filtering and selecting only essential information, the system reduces data processing requirements while maintaining high safety standards for device reprocessing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of monitoring total usage capability of a medical device includes monitoring one or more device attributes during a procedure and detecting device manipulations during the procedure based on the one or more device attributes. The method further includes determining whether the medical device may be reprocessed for subsequent use based, at least in part, on the detected device manipulations.