Systems and methods to identify and disable re-used single use devices based on time elapsed from first therapeutic use
US6387092B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0803
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A medical system for limiting usage of a medical probe, such as, e.g., a catheter or surgical probe, is provided. The medical system includes a medical probe that includes electronic storage componentry for storage of data. The medical system further includes a control unit to which the medical probe is connected. The control unit is configured for writing and reading data to and from the electronic storage componentry of the medical probe when the medical probe is connected to the control unit. The control unit includes a clock that generates a time signal, which is used to determine an initial probe usage time and a reference time. The control unit further includes a control circuit that writes the initial probe usage time to the electronic storage componentry of the medical probe when the medical probe is initially operated. During a subsequent procedure, the control circuit reads the initial probe usage time from the electronic storage componentry. The control circuit determines an elapsed probe usage time based on the initial probe usage time and the reference time. The control circuit then determines whether a predetermined elapsed time limit has expired based on the elapsed …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.