Patent classifications
A61B1/121
System, Method, and Computer Program Product for Tracking Endoscopes in a Forced-Air Drying Cabinet
Described are a system, method, and computer program product for tracking endoscopes in a forced-air drying cabinet including a compressor, a plurality of support arrangements, and an inner area accessible by a door. The method may include receiving a signal from a signal emitting member attached to and associated with an endoscope. The method may also include determining an identifier and a drying protocol of the endoscope. The method may further include identifying a support arrangement to support the endoscope and determining a connection status of the endoscope to a first airflow output and a second airflow output. The method may further include initiating a drying process, when the endoscope is connected, according to the drying protocol by causing the compressor to create at least one airflow through the endoscope from the first airflow output, the second airflow output, or a combination thereof.
Automatic Probe Reinsertion
In accordance with one embodiment, an automated probe system includes a probe configured to be reversibly inserted into a live body part, a robotic arm attached to the probe and configured to manipulate the probe, a first sensor configured to track movement of the probe during an insertion and a reinsertion of the probe in the live body part, a second sensor configured to track movement of the live body part, and a controller configured to calculate an insertion path of the probe in the live body part based on the tracked movement of the probe during the insertion, and calculate a reinsertion path of the probe based on the calculated insertion path while compensating for the tracked movement of the live body part, and send control commands to the robotic arm to reinsert the probe in the live body part according to the calculated reinsertion path.
Cleaning system for reprocessing medical devices
A cleaning fixture for cleaning a medical device includes a shaft receiving portion configured to receive a shaft and an end effector assembly of the medical device. The shaft receiving portion includes a nozzle disposed towards a distal end of the shaft receiving portion such that the nozzle is positioned adjacent the end effector assembly of the medical device upon receipt of the shaft and end effector assembly of the medical device within the shaft receiving portion. A handle receiving portion is configured to receive the housing and handle of the medical device. The handle receiving portion is releasably securable with the shaft receiving portion to enclose the medical device therein. The handle receiving portion includes a lever activation assembly positioned adjacent the handle and operable to selectively actuate the handle to manipulate the end effector assembly.
Use of human input recognition to prevent contamination
Embodiments of a system and method for processing and recognizing non-contact types of human input to prevent contamination are generally described herein. In example embodiments, human input is captured, recognized, and used to provide active input for control or data entry into a user interface. The human input may be provided in variety of forms detectable by recognition techniques such as speech recognition, gesture recognition, identification recognition, and facial recognition. In one example, the human input recognition techniques are used in connection with a device cleaning workflow used to obtain data and human input during cleaning procedures while minimizing cross-contamination between the contaminated device or person and other objects or persons. In another example, the human input recognition techniques are used in connection with a device tracking workflow used to obtain data and human input while tracking interactions with and locations of the contaminated or uncontaminated device.
Cleaning device for cleaning a scope, laparoscope or microscope used in surgery or other medical procedures and a method of using the device during surgical or other medical procedures
A device and method for cleaning or defogging a surgical scope during minimally-invasive surgery, including a casing which houses a sponge and a heating element configured to be accessible to the surgical scope and the casing is configured to removably attach to a trocar during a surgical procedure.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING MOISTURE IN A VACUUM CHAMBER
A method of using a vacuum chamber to assist in detecting and removing moisture from an instrument having a lumen, e.g., an endoscope is disclosed. Second derivatives of pressure with respect to time are calculated and differences therebetween summed. These summations may be compared to a threshold value to determine whether residual moisture remains on the instrument in the chamber. The vacuum chamber may include a rack for hanging instruments having lumens, such as endoscopes.
Fluid connector for endoscope reprocessing system
Coupling arrangements and connectors for establishing a substantially fluid-tight removable connection between a fluid port in a medical device such as an endoscope. Various embodiments of the connectors may be coupled to a fluid conduit that may be attached to a decontamination or reprocessing device used to flow fluid through corresponding channels in the medical device during the decontamination process.
Endoscope reprocessor and endoscope dewatering method
An endoscope reprocessor includes a first connector receptacle configured to connect a first connector connected to a cylinder in an endoscope, a first switching device configured to switch the first connector to one of a sealed state and an unsealed state, a first gas feeding device connected to an air introduction port to introduce gas, and a processor configured to perform control such that first driving for driving the first gas feeding device by bringing the first connector into the unsealed state is performed and second driving for driving the first gas feeding device by bringing the first connector into the sealed state is then performed.
USE OF HUMAN INPUT RECOGNITION TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION
Embodiments of a system and method for processing and recognizing non-contact types of human input to prevent contamination are generally described herein. In example embodiments, human input is captured, recognized, and used to provide active input for control or data entry into a user interface. The human input may be provided in variety of forms detectable by recognition techniques such as speech recognition, gesture recognition, identification recognition, and facial recognition. In one example, the human input recognition techniques are used in connection with a device cleaning workflow used to obtain data and human input during cleaning procedures while minimizing cross-contamination between the contaminated device or person and other objects or persons. In another example, the human input recognition techniques are used in connection with a device tracking workflow used to obtain data and human input while tracking interactions with and locations of the contaminated or uncontaminated device.
Method and apparatus for rapid sterilization
Methods and systems for sterilizing a tools and equipment are disclosed, including using a UV source to generate a pulsed UV light within or exterior to an enclosure having a highly reflecting diffuse inner coated surface; and absorbing the pulsed light to sterilize. Other embodiments are described and claimed.