Remote Medical Device Support via Wearable Video

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical procedures face challenges due to the physical presence of medical device manufacturer representatives in the operating room, which can lead to infection risks, distractions, delays, and increased costs, along with a lack of effective communication systems for coordination and inventory management.

Innovation Solution

The Virtual Rep system employs wearable video and audio technology, such as Google Glass, to establish a real-time communication link between remotely located trained implant device manufacturer representatives and surgical staff, facilitating efficient planning and execution of procedures without the need for physical presence, using a web-based communication system integrated with inventory tracking and billing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manufacturer representative is physically present in the operating room, then device calibration and real-time support can be provided, but infection risk and distractions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice calibration and supportVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a communication system as an intermediary between the manufacturer representative and the surgical team. The representative remains outside the operating room but can still provide real-time device calibration instructions, troubleshooting, and support through audio-visual communication devices worn by surgical staff, eliminating infection risk while maintaining reliable device support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical presence of the representative (physical body in the room) with an electronic communication system. Audio-visual devices and communication networks substitute for direct physical interaction, allowing the representative to provide support without being physically present in the sterile field

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a manufacturer representative is physically present in the operating room, then real-time device support can be provided, but surgical delays occur due to representative availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time device supportVSAvoidsurgical delays

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system enables continuous real-time communication between the representative and surgical team throughout the procedure. The representative can provide uninterrupted device support, calibration guidance, and troubleshooting without leaving the location or being subject to travel delays, ensuring continuous useful action throughout surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic communication system serves as a mediator that eliminates the representative's need to physically travel between hospitals and procedures. The representative can support multiple surgeries sequentially without geographic constraints, eliminating delays caused by transportation and scheduling conflicts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a manufacturer representative is physically present in the operating room, then device expertise can be provided, but costs increase due to representative salary and travel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice expertiseVSAvoidcosts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system creates a virtual copy of the representative's presence through audio-visual technology. The representative's expertise and knowledge are transmitted electronically to the surgical team, providing the same device support capabilities without the costs of physical travel, accommodation, and per-diem expenses associated with in-person presence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple representatives are sent to different hospitals, then device support coverage is improved, but coordination failures and communication breakdowns occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice support coverageVSAvoidcommunication failures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system merges multiple representatives and surgical locations into a single integrated network. All representatives and surgical teams are connected through a common communication platform, enabling real-time coordination, information sharing, and centralized oversight that eliminates communication failures and ensures consistent device support across multiple locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11823789B2Communication system and method for medical coordination

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 HENDERSON TIMOTHY

AI summary

The invention includes remote-participation of a medical device manufacturing company representative in a medical procedure, whereby the device representative uses a variety of components to track and monitor devices in an operating room in “real-time,” while checking on device status and advising a surgeon through Wearable Video Technology rather than being physically present in the operating room. A system allows for a remote surgeon to advise surgeons, prepares for surgeries, chooses and tracks implant devices, evaluates and reports on device implantation, calibration and performance, evaluates surgeries and staff, prepares for and concludes procedures, trains medical staff members, performs billing functions, performs legal compliance functions, performs inventory restocking functions, and various other functions.