Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to system and a method for disinfection of surfaces and/or room air, wherein at least one UV source is arranged on a medical device and/or in a medical examination and/or treatment room in such a way that it is suitable for disinfection irradiation of at least one surface and/or at least one flow of air. Advantageously, the at least one UV source is attached to a component able to be moved mechanically for the purpose of medical examination or treatment. The disclosure also relates to a control method for the system, which includes the automatic execution of hygiene programs.
Claims
1. A system for disinfection of surfaces and/or room air, comprising: a medical component associated with one or more of (i) a medical device, (ii) an item of equipment of a medical examination, and (iii) a treatment room for a medical examination; and an ultraviolet (UV) light source coupled to the medical component, the UV light source being configured to perform disinfection irradiation of at least one surface and/or at least one flow of air.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UV light source is coupled to the medical component, the medical component being configured to be moved mechanically for the purpose of a medical examination and/or a treatment.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medical component comprises a movably-arranged x-ray source, and wherein the UV light source is arranged on the movably-arranged x-ray source.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medical component comprises a movably arranged x-ray detector, and wherein the UV light source is arranged on the movably arranged x-ray detector.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medical component comprises an x-ray device or a C-arm system, and wherein the UV light source is arranged on a cladding of the x-ray device or the C-arm system.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UV light source is arranged on one of a wall mount, a floor mount, a ceiling mount, a swivel arm, or a cable.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UV light source is configured to be placed at, on, or above an operating device.
8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the operating device comprises a UV-transparent component.
9. The system as claimed in one claim 1, wherein a further medical device is identified with a support surface, a holder, and/or a tunnel, and wherein the UV light source is arranged on the medical component such that a support surface of the further medical device is irradiated when laid on or passed through the medical component.
10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the support surface, the holder, and/or the tunnel comprises a sensor configured to detect a presence of the further medical device and/or contaminations.
11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UV light source is configured to generate UV light, and further comprising: a UV light-reflecting element configured to reflect and direct the UV light generated via the UV light source to other areas in addition to areas directly exposed to the generated UV light.
12. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a sensor configured to detect one of (i) a radiation dose, (ii) a presence of humans and/or devices, (iii) a position of humans and/or devices, and (iv) a macroscopic surface contamination.
13. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UV light source and/or a UV light-reflecting element is/are arranged on a drone and/or a mobile assistance robot, wherein the drone and/or the mobile assistance robot is configured, within the framework of a disinfection cycle, to bring the UV light source and/or the UV light-reflecting element into a position such that predetermined surfaces are disinfected via UV irradiation.
14. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medical component comprises a medical imaging device, wherein the UV light source is from among a plurality of UV light sources including further UV sources, the UV light source being arranged in and/or on an examination area of the medical imaging device, and further comprising: a means for creating an air flow configured to move air into an area to be irradiated with UV radiation via the further UV light sources; and an examination area ventilation system comprising an air channel identified with the air flow in which the further UV light sources are arranged to irradiate air flowing through the air channel.
15. A method for disinfection of surfaces and/or room air, comprising: mechanically moving at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source via one or more movable components; and perform disinfection irradiation, via the at least one UV light source, of one or more areas to perform a medical examination and/or treatment.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15, activating, in response to a predetermined event, the UV light source to perform emission of UV radiation as part of a disinfection mode; and moving, once operating in the disinfection mode, the UV light source based on a predetermined movement pattern and/or based on sensor data detected by a sensor.
17. A method for controlling a system for disinfection of surfaces and/or room air for a medical examination and/or a treatment area, comprising: detecting whether a patient is located in the examination and/or treatment area; executing a hygiene program to perform disinfection irradiation using light generated via a UV light source; and after conclusion of the hygiene program, transferring a disinfection state to a hospital management system.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
[0041] The characteristics, features and advantages of this disclosure described above, as well as the manner in which these are achieved, will be explained more clearly and easily understandably in conjunction with the description of the exemplary embodiments given below, which will be explained in greater detail in conjunction with the drawings. In the figures:
[0042] FIG. 1 shows an operating panel with two joysticks, wherein a UV light ring is fastened to one of the joysticks, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 2 shows an operating panel with two joysticks which comprises UV-transparent components, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 3 shows an operating panel with a UV source adjustable by a movable mount, two joysticks, UV-transparent components and a UV light-reflecting element, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 4 shows an operating panel with a UV light-reflecting element, which may be irradiated by UV sources fastened to walls, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 5 shows an operating panel with a few UV sources, similar to those in FIG. 3, in combination with UV sources and UV light-reflecting elements fastened to the ceiling and to the walls, similar to in FIG. 4, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 6 shows an operating panel, which is covered by a cover comprising UV sources, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 7 shows an operating panel which is covered by a cover, wherein both the operating panel and also the cover comprise UV sources and UV light-reflecting elements, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0049] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a storage box with UV sources for a component of a medical devices, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0050] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a container for a component of a medical device, in which UV sources are arranged along the entire length of two side walls, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a tunnel for an endoscope in which UV sources are arranged, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0052] FIG. 11 shows a patient couch, above which a medical device is placed, which is movable by means of a swivel arm, wherein UV sources are arranged on the medical device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0053] FIG. 12 shows a patient couch, wherein UV sources are fastened directly to an underside of the patient couch and to its pedestal, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0054] FIG. 13 shows a patient couch, above which a medical device is placed, wherein a UV source is arranged height-adjustably by means of a cable in order to irradiate the patient couch and/or the medical device with UV light, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0055] FIG. 14 shows a C-arm system with x-ray source and x-ray detector, which is movable by means of two swivel arms and has UV sources inside the C-arm, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0056] FIG. 15 shows a variant of the C-arm system from FIG. 15, in which further UV sources are arranged on an outer side of the C-arm, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0057] FIG. 16 shows a medical device, and a UV source of which the height is able to be adjusted by means of a cable, wherein the cable is once again fastened to a swivel arm, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0058] FIG. 17 shows a medical device with height-adjustable components on which UV sources are arranged, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0059] FIG. 18 shows a drone with a UV light-reflecting element, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 19 shows a drone with a UV source, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0061] FIG. 20 shows a medical assistance robot, on which a plurality of UV sources are arranged as well as a parking and charging station for the assistance robot, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0062] FIG. 21 shows a form of embodiment of a ventilation system for an examination area with integrated UV disinfection, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0063] FIG. 22 shows a further form of embodiment of a ventilation system for an examination area with integrated UV disinfection, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0064] FIG. 23 shows a form of embodiment of a CT system with an examination area and a patient couch able to be moved into and out of the examination area and also with UV sources for disinfection of the patient couch, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0065] FIG. 24 shows an alternative form of embodiment of a CT system with an examination area and a patient couch able to be moved into and out of the examination area and also with UV sources for disinfection of the patient couch, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0066] FIG. 25 shows a medical device with a ventilation system and an area able to be irradiated with UV radiation, through which a flow of air is directed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0067] FIG. 26 shows a cyclone filter with UV sources arranged inside, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0068] FIG. 27 shows a schematic diagram of a method for disinfection, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] FIG. 1 shows an operating panel 3 with two joysticks 4. A UV source 1 in the form of a UV light ring is fastened to one of the joysticks. In this form of embodiment, the UV light ring 6 has a much greater diameter than the joystick 4, thereby extending laterally beyond it. For instance, the joystick 4, in combination with UV light ring 6, may have the shape of a UV mushroom. This e.g. makes it possible to illuminate the entire joystick, e.g. the handle of the joystick 4, with UV light. Furthermore, the UV light ring 6 may also illuminate parts of the operating panel 3. An illumination of the other joystick is at least partly possible. As an alternative, the UV light ring 6 may also have a smaller diameter, e.g. a diameter that approximately corresponds to the diameter of the joystick 4. This may be advantageous for ergonomic reasons for example. Also conceivable, for example, is an upper screen above the UV light ring 6, which may be fastened directly to the UV light ring 6 for example and which may prevent radiation upwards, so that a user is not directly subjected to the radiation, e.g. when UV light is to be emitted during the use of the operating panel 3. Thus, the UV light ring may be used in continuous operation or at least for longer times (e.g. 10 minutes each hour), e.g. when it is emitting UV light harmless to human beings. What is described here and in the figures below with regard to an operating panel 3 may also be transferred to other surfaces of medical devices 25, e.g. surfaces reachable for operating personnel. For example, the operating panel 3 may be replaced by a couch with handles instead of the joysticks 4 and otherwise be constructed in a similar way.
[0070] FIG. 2 shows an alternative form of embodiment of an operating panel 3 with two joysticks 4, which comprises UV-transparent components 5. In this form of embodiment, one of the joysticks has a light ring 6, which has a diameter that approximately corresponds to that of the joystick 4. The joystick moreover has UV-transparent components 5 on its sides, which e.g. makes possible an irradiation of the surface of the joystick handle. The UV-transparent components 5 advantageously allow a blind spot to be avoided in which there cannot be any irradiation. In this way viruses, bacteria, and/or germs on the surface of the UV-transparent components be reached especially easily by the radiation. In this form of embodiment, only a part of the outer surface of the joystick 4 is provided with the UV-transparent components 5. It is however conceivable to provide a larger portion of the outer surface or even the entire outer surface therewith, to make possible a maximum possible transparency for UV light.
[0071] The other joystick 4 here, corresponding to the form of embodiment in FIG. 3, has a UV light ring 6 with a greater diameter. The different variants are basically able to be swapped and/or combined in any given way within an operating panel 3. Furthermore, in this form of embodiment, the operating panel 3 also has a UV-transparent component 5. Located behind the UV-transparent components 5 are two UV sources 1 and also a sensor unit 13, which may serve to detect a radiation power. Thus, for example an insufficient irradiation because of heavy dirt or objects lying in the way, may be detected. On the other hand, by detection of the overall dose, the duration of the use of the UV sources may be explicitly controlled. The UV-transparent components 5 in this case allow the UV sources 1 and the sensor unit 13 to be arranged in a space-saving manner and without any disruption, while a comprehensive illumination is still possible. The operating panel 3 may be covered partly, as shown, but also completely or almost completely with the UV-transparent components 5. Of course it is also conceivable for only the operating panel 3 or only one joystick 4 to comprise UV-transparent components 5.
[0072] FIG. 3 shows a further form of embodiment of an operating panel with a UV source 1 adjustable by means of a movable mount 10, two joysticks 4, UV-transparent components 5, and a UV light-reflecting element 2, as well as further UV sources. In the form of embodiment, a UV source 1 is also arranged on the operating panel. The adjustability of the one UV source 1 (visually indicated by the arrows), the UV light-reflecting element 2 and the UV-transparent components 5 make possible an extremely comprehensive irradiation of the operating panel 3 with UV light. One joystick 4 for its part has a UV light ring 6. The other joystick 4 on the other hand has an integrated UV source 1 inside it that, thanks to the UV-transparent components 5, may radiate UV light into the environment or onto surfaces in the environment. The individual components shown here may basically be combined in various ways, e.g. as required in accordance with the arrangement of surfaces to be reached.
[0073] FIG. 4 shows an operating panel 3 with two joysticks 4 and a UV light-reflecting element 2. In this form of embodiment, the operating panel 3 itself does not have any UV sources 1, but is irradiated by UV sources 1, which in this case are fastened to walls 8. The UV light-reflecting element 2 e.g. serves to let UV light reach all relevant points. For example, in this way the sides of the handles of the joysticks 4 may be irradiated in the optimum way. Located on the ceiling are further UV light-reflecting elements 2, which e.g. serve to divert the UV rays onto the operating panel 3. One of the UV light-reflecting elements 2 in this case is fastened to a cable 11 and is thus height-adjustable. This allows an even more flexible adaptation of the beam path, e.g. even with components to be irradiated of which the location changes. Irradiation control cameras 45 serve to monitor the radiation dose applied. A reflection surface 47 may serve as reference in this case. As an alternative, instead of the reflection surface, a control stamp may also be used, e.g. in the form of a gel, which is deactivated by UV. In this form of embodiment the operating panel 3 may also be replaced by another surface of a medical device 25. A configuration of this type is basically suitable for irradiating different types of surfaces.
[0074] FIG. 5 shows a form of embodiment in which an operating panel with its own UV sources 1, similar to that shown in FIG. 3, in combination with UV sources and UV light-reflecting elements 2 fastened to the ceiling and to the walls, in a similar way to in FIG. 4, is depicted. This form of embodiment allows an especially thorough and comprehensive disinfection. For instance, it is conceivable for even further surfaces of further medical devices 25 to be disinfected as well.
[0075] FIG. 6 shows an operating panel 3, which is covered by a cover 9. The cover 9 surrounds the operating panel 3 completely in this case. The cover 9 comprises a number of UV sources 1 that, when the cover 9 surrounds the operating panel 3, may be used for disinfection of the operating panel 3. The cover in this example surrounds a UV light-reflecting element 2, which ensures a better spread of the UV rays or a more comprehensive irradiation of the operating panel 3. Basically, a number of UV light-reflecting elements 2 may also be used, e.g. UV light-reflecting elements 2 may also be provided on the operating panel 3 itself.
[0076] FIG. 7 shows an operating panel 3, which is covered by a cover 9, wherein both the operating panel 3 and the cover 9 include UV sources 1 and UV light-reflecting elements 2. Here too the operating panel 3 comprises two joysticks 4, each with a UV light ring 6, wherein one joystick 4 comprises a light ring 6 of a greater diameter, while the other joystick makes possible a better distribution of the UV light with UV-transparent components 5. The operating panel 3 furthermore likewise comprises, like the version in FIG. 3, UV-transparent components 5, an adjustable UV source 1 on a mount 10 and a sensor unit 13.
[0077] FIG. 8 shows a view from above of a storage box 12 with UV sources 1 for a component 15 of a medical device. The component 15 may for example be a remote control, a key, a trigger, a detector, a grid, or a tablet, which is used for control and/or evaluation. A number of UV sources on the walls of the storage box 12 serve to disinfect the component 15 when said component is located in the storage box 12. The component may be charged by means of a charging station, where the component 15 involved is a component that requires power. An interface 16 may serve to recognize or identify the component, e.g. via RFID, NFC, barcode, IoT, etc., and synchronize the component with a central unit, via wire or wirelessly. For example, it is possible to implement a quality check in this way. A sensor 14 may on the one hand be organized to detect the presence of the component 15 and on the other hand to detect and measure the UV radiation.
[0078] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a holder 18 for a component 15 of a medical device, in which UV sources 1 are arranged along the entire length of two side walls. This arrangement of the UV sources may guarantee a fully comprehensive disinfection, e.g. even when the component 15 is arranged at a small distance from the side walls.
[0079] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a tunnel 20 for an endoscope 19 in which UV sources 1 are arranged. The tunnel is designed to be placed directly on a body opening 22 of a body 21, so that the endoscope 19 may be disinfected with UV light in the tunnel 20 before being introduced into the body 21.
[0080] FIG. 11 shows a patient couch 24, which stands on a pedestal 23 and above, which a medical device 25, e.g. an x-ray device, is placed. The medical device 25 is movable by means of a swivel arm 2, and UV sources 1 are arranged on the medical device 25. The medical device 25 may optionally be fastened via rails 26 to the ceiling, whereby an even greater flexibility or mobility of the medical device 25 and thus also of the UV sources 1 may be achieved. The mobility of the medical device 25 and of the UV sources 1, e.g. through the swivel arm 27, enables a flexible illumination of the patient couch 24 and where necessary also of other surfaces to be made possible. The UV illumination may be provided in operating pauses for example, in which for example the swivel arm 27 moves in accordance with a predetermined movement pattern over the relevant and reachable contact surfaces, e.g. the patient couch 24, and disinfects them by means of the UV sources 1.
[0081] FIG. 12 shows an alternative form of embodiment, in which the UV sources are fastened directly to an underside of the patient couch 24 and to its pedestal 23. Thus, an especially effective illumination, e.g. also below the patient couch 24, may be made possible. In
[0082] FIG. 13 on the other hand a cable 11 is provided, which makes possible a height-adjustable arrangement of a UV source 1 fastened to the cable 11. This enables surfaces of the medical device 25 and of the patient couch to be flexibly irradiated with UV light. A combination of two or all three forms of embodiment of FIGS. 11-13 is likewise conceivable in order to make possible an especially effective illumination and disinfection.
[0083] FIG. 14 shows a C-arm system 28 with x-ray source 46 and x-ray detector 46, which is movable by means of two swivel arms 27. Arranged on the x-ray source and detector 46 and also inside the C-arm are UV sources, which make possible a disinfection by UV radiation. The mobility of the C-arm system 28 thus explicitly enables surfaces to be selected and disinfected during pauses in examination.
[0084] In an alternative form of embodiment, shown in FIG. 15, further UV sources 1 may also be arranged on the inner sides of the C-arm, whereby advantageously even further surfaces are able to be reached by UV light.
[0085] FIG. 16 shows a medical device 25, which may be irradiated by means of a UV source 1 attached height-adjustably to a cable 11. The medical device may, for example, involve a mammography system. The swivel arm 27 gives the UV source 1 an additional degree of freedom. In addition, there is a further UV source 1 located on the ceiling, which is used for irradiation from above. With this arrangement, the medical device may be irradiated from all around. Optionally, a parking and charging station 29 for a drone 30 may be positioned on a stand of the medical device. The drone may e.g. likewise be configured to disinfect surfaces by means of UV radiation surfaces. In accordance with one alternative form of embodiment, shown in FIG. 17, UV sources 1 may be arranged on the medical device 25 itself, e.g. on movable components of the medical device 25. It is also conceivable for the forms of embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17 to be combined.
[0086] FIG. 18 shows a drone 30 with a UV light-reflecting element 2 (“passive drone” 30), e.g. a mirror. The drone may e.g. be employed flexibly to divert UV light into hard-to-access areas. In accordance with one alternative form of embodiment, a UV source 1 may be arranged on the drone 30 itself, as shown in FIG. 19 (“active drone” 30). The drone may thus take care of irradiation of e.g. hard-to-access areas or surfaces independently of external UV sources.
[0087] FIG. 20 shows a medical assistance robot 31, on which a plurality of UV sources 1 is arranged. A number of UV sources 1 are arranged e.g. on a swivel arm 27 of the assistance robot 31, which may be flexibly aligned or brought into position by the swivel arm 27. The assistance robot 31 may be accommodated in a parking and charging station 29 and charged if necessary. The parking and charging station 29 in this form of embodiment UV comprises UV sources 1, which may be used for disinfection of the assistance robot 31 itself and where necessary of components that are carried by the assistance robot 31. The parking and charging station 29 may be closed by means of a door 32, e.g. closed UV-tight. Optionally, the assistance robot 31 may also have a parking and charging station 29 for a drone 30. Furthermore the assistance robot 31 may have sensors, e.g. cameras, and use these for orientation and/or for quality control.
[0088] FIGS. 21 and 22 show a ventilation system for an examination area 33, of an MRT device for example, with integrated UV disinfection. A means for creating air flows 38 makes sure in this case that air 35 flowing through it may circulate. UV sources 1 are arranged in an air channel 3, which are designed to remove bacteria, viruses, and/or germs 36 by means of UV light. Optionally, a HEPA filter 37 may be arranged at the entrance to the air channel 34 to the examination area, which may take care of an additional filtering of the air 35 flowing through it. In the form of embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 21, the air is directed into the examination area 33 from the side. The form of embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 22, provides for a central air supply on the other hand. Furthermore, in FIG. 22 an optional additional UV source is shown inside the examination area 33, which may serve for example to disinfect the examination area 33 itself during pauses in examinations.
[0089] FIGS. 23 and 24 show an MRT device or CT system 39 with an examination area 33 and a patient couch 24 that may be moved in and out. The patient couch in accordance with the form of embodiment in FIG. 23 may be disinfected by means of UV sources 1 fastened to the couch itself and to the upper end of the CT system. An annular arrangement of UV sources 1 at the entrance to the examination area 33 makes sure in the form of embodiment of FIG. 24 of a disinfection of the patient couch 24. In this case, the mobility of the patient couch 24 is utilized e.g. to make possible a complete disinfection. Basically the forms of embodiment of FIGS. 23 and 24 may also be combined to make possible a more thorough disinfection.
[0090] FIG. 25 shows a medical device 25 with a ventilation system and an area 40 able to be irradiated with UV radiation, wherein the UV radiation is emitted by two UV sources 1 arranged in the device. The ventilation serves e.g. to cool a component 15 of the medical device, but may also be used however or disinfection of the air 35 flowing through the area 40 able to be irradiated with UV radiation. Use is made here of the fact that, for ventilation of the component 15, air is sucked into the device 25 in any event, which may now be disinfected by UV light as it flows through. Optionally, HEPA filters 37 may be attached to the ventilation entry and/or exit, in order to bring about additional air cleaning by filtration.
[0091] FIG. 26 shows a cyclone filter 41 which, by air circulation within it, may bring about a separation of particles 42 from the air. In this case, the air 35 flows through the entrance 43, then circulates downwards in a spiral, wherein particles 42 are separated out at the bottom, and then leaves the cyclone filter 41 again in the middle at the top 42. By arranging UV sources on the inner walls of the cyclone filter 41, the air may in this case additionally be freed from viruses, bacteria and/or germs.
[0092] FIG. 27 shows a schematic of a method for disinfection by means of UV light in accordance with the present disclosure. In this figure, in a first step 101, a disinfection mode is activated in order to irradiate surfaces and thus to disinfect them. This may be triggered for example by a user entry or a predetermined event, e.g., by a sensor detecting that there is no longer anybody located at the medical device, in the examination area or in the examination room. In a second step 102, the UV source is moved by means of components able to be moved mechanically for the purpose of medical examination and/or treatment into a specific position or on a specific path, wherein the UV source illuminates and thus disinfects surfaces. The movement in this case may e.g. take place automatically based on a predetermined movement pattern and/or based on sensor data detected by a sensor unit 13.
[0093] Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described in greater detail by the exemplary embodiments given, the disclosure is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations may be derived herefrom by the person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection of the disclosure.
