Resource Information Key for Insertable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices inserted into patients often face challenges where accompanying documentation is misplaced or outdated, making it difficult for practitioners, patients, or caregivers to access necessary information for proper device use and safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a resource information key on or near the medical device that indicates a website or URL where users can find additional information, ensuring easy access to critical details even when printed materials are lost or outdated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If comprehensive printed documentation is provided with the medical device, then complete information is available for device use, but the documentation may be misplaced or lost making information inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions information storage from a physical two-dimensional printed document to a three-dimensional space by placing a compact key on the device that opens to multiple informational layers or dimensions, including printed information, website URLs, and bar codes that lead to additional digital resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary key component that mediates between the physical device and the information resources. This key serves as a bridge containing multiple types of access information (printed text, URLs, bar codes) that connect users to comprehensive device information without requiring the user to handle or retain separate documentation
2Reliability
If printed documentation is provided with the medical device, then initial information is available, but the information may become outdated after device distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the information system dynamic by incorporating changeable elements within the key, such as removable information pages, updateable bar codes, or modifiable URL references that can be revised without replacing the entire device or its permanent components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for future information updates by pre-establishing the key infrastructure that can accommodate changes. The key is designed from the beginning to accept informational updates through multiple access methods, allowing manufacturers to push updates without requiring physical recall or replacement of the medical device itself
3Ease of operation
If detailed information is provided with the medical device, then complete usage instructions are available, but the device and packaging become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information delivery system into distinct functional components: the permanent key structure, removable information pages, bar code elements, and external digital resources. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide comprehensive information access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal key system that performs multiple functions: it serves as a physical identifier, contains printed information, provides website access through URLs and bar codes, and can accommodate different types of medical devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate information systems for different devices or situations
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. A resource information key is included at a predetermined key location on or proximate to the medical device, the resource information key indicating the source of the resource information. The resource information key may be positioned on an insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”) having an internal portion configured for intravascular insertion into the patient, and an external portion. The external portion of the PICC may include the resource information key positioned at a predetermined key location. The resource information key may provide a website where a user can acquire the resource information relating to the medical device.