Apparatus and method for storing, tracking and documenting usage of anesthesiology items
US6339732B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G12/001
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A computerized medication dispensing station that addresses anesthesia medication management and tracking problems is disclosed. Medications, including narcotic and non-narcotic, and supplies for use in anesthesia, are stored in secured, semi-secured, and unsecured containers of a mobile station. A computer housed in the station is used to track the anesthesiology items that have been removed from the station. For each item removed, the time of removal, who removed it, and to whom it was administered is tracked. Items that are not administered to a patient are returned to the pharmacy or wasted (i.e., disposed in accordance with regulations). Each type of event (administration to a patient, return, or waste) is documented so that a health care institution can track usage of items, including narcotic medications, for use in anesthesia.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.