Systems and methods to identify and disable re-used devices based on detecting environmental changes
US6792390B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0813
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A medical system for limiting usage of a medical probe, such as, e.g., a catheter or a surgical probe, is provided. The medical system comprises a medical probe that includes an electronic storage component for storage of data. The electronic storage component has environmental sensing capabilities and detects an environmental condition to which the medical probe is exposed. If the detected environmental condition is associated with a sterilization cycle, the electronic storage component stores a probe sterilization indicator indicating that the medical probe has been sterilized. The medical system further includes a medical probe control unit to which the medical probe is connected. The medical probe control unit is configured for writing and reading data to and from the electronic storage component of the medical probe when the medical probe is connected to the control unit. The medical probe control unit comprises a control circuit that prevents operation of the medical probe based on the presence of the probe sterilization indicator. Prevention of the medical probe operation is also based on a probe usage indicator, which is employed to distinguish between legitimate and illegi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.