Systems for identifying catheters and monitoring their use
US5383874A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/70
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter carries a functional component, like an ablating electrode, having a predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter also electronically retains an identification code that uniquely identifies the predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter is capable of transmitting the identification code to an external reader in response to a predetermined prompt. An associated apparatus, like an ablating energy source, reads the identification code and compares it to predetermined operating criteria. The apparatus will not permit interaction with the functional catheter component, if the identification code indicates that the functional characteristics of the catheter are not suited for the intended interaction. The catheter can also store usage information, to prevent reuse.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.