Surgical Instrument Usage Data Processing via Segmented Memory Card
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack a flexible and efficient method for tracking and restricting usage, leading to inflexible pricing models and potential misuse, as well as inadequate monitoring of instrument performance and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument design featuring a modular structure with an internal power source and memory card system that allows for data storage and wireless communication, enabling usage tracking, flexible pricing based on procedure complexity, and real-time monitoring of instrument performance through a data card and base station connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments use traditional pricing models, then billing is simple, but flexibility in pricing based on usage and procedure complexity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into separable components including a disposable instrument portion and a reusable handle portion. The disposable portion includes an integrated memory device that stores usage data, allowing pricing flexibility without adding complexity to the main instrument system.
Solution Approach 2:
A memory device acts as an intermediary between the surgical instrument and the billing system. It stores usage data locally and can be read by external devices, enabling flexible pricing based on actual usage without requiring complex real-time tracking infrastructure.
2Reliability
If surgical instruments lack usage tracking, then device complexity is low, but monitoring of instrument performance and maintenance is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into disposable and reusable portions, with the memory device integrated into the disposable portion. This segmentation allows reliability monitoring without permanently increasing the complexity of the reusable instrument components.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device automatically records usage data during instrument operation without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability ensures reliable performance monitoring while minimizing the complexity of external tracking systems.
3Loss of information
If surgical instruments use fixed pricing models, then billing is straightforward, but accurate reflection of usage time and procedure complexity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device serves as an intermediary that captures and preserves usage data locally. This eliminates information loss by ensuring data is stored at the source, while the simple read-out mechanism avoids complex data transmission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device is pre-configured to automatically capture usage data during instrument operation. This preliminary action ensures accurate recording of usage information before the instrument is disposed of, eliminating the need for complex post-operation data collection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments lack modular design, then manufacturing is simpler, but flexibility in sterilization and maintenance protocols is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into disposable and reusable portions that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation enables different sterilization protocols for each portion while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument portion that requires sterilization is designed as a disposable component with integrated memory device. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization protocols for the reusable handle while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized disposable component production.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a lower portion with a hingedly attached end piece. When open, the end piece allows for receipt of a data card in a lower portion aperture. When closed, the end piece covers the aperture. In another version, the aperture is configured to receive a data card and battery pack assembly. Information is readable from and to the data card to measure a number of minutes the instrument was used during a procedure. Such information is communicated via wired or wireless communication to another device to determine a payment for the number of minutes used. Minutes are buyable from the device and writable onto the data card prior to insertion of the card into the instrument. In another version, a testing sequence is used in saline or via a tissue proxy to test the functionality of an instrument prior to a procedure.