Device for controlling an operating state of at least one medical device in a medical data network as well as medical device for a medical data network

Abstract

A device, such as a data network device for a medical data network, controls an operating state of a second medical device in such a way that by sending a request message, the second medical device is prompted to change over into the operating state of the combined therapy and hence into an operating state in which its actuator is controlled as a function of an information signal of the first medical device. The information signal is based on physiological measured values. As a result, a clinician does not have to configure the second medical device himself/herself directly on site at the medical device by inputting an input signal, but this can be carried out by the device.

Claims

1. A state controlling device for controlling an operating state of at least one medical device for a combined therapy of a patient by the interaction of at least two medical devices in a medical data network, wherein a first medical device is configured to detect physiological measured values of a patient in an operating state of a combined therapy, further to generate an information signal on the basis of the physiological measured values as well as to provide the information signal via the data network, and wherein a second medical device has an actuator for physiologically influencing the patient and is further configured to select at least one operating parameter of the actuator as a function of the information signal of the first medical device, which is received via the data network, in the operating state of the combined therapy, wherein the state controlling device comprises: a state controlling device structure for controlling the operating state of at least one medical device, the state controlling device structure comprising: a data network interface; an input unit for inputs of a user; an optical display unit for outputting information to the user; and a control unit configured: to determine a current joint assignment of the first medical device and of the second medical device to a common group in the data network on the basis of data messages received via the data network interface; to display to the user the current joint assignment of the first and second medical devices to the group via the display unit in case of a positive result of the determination; and upon receipt of a confirmation signal from the input unit, to send a request message to the second medical device, which indicates a request to activate the operating state of the combined therapy in the second medical device, wherein the combined therapy is configured to be carried out via at least the first medical device and the second medical device.

2. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 1, wherein: the request message is a first request message; and the control unit is further configured to send a second request message, which indicates a request to activate the operating state of the combined therapy in the first medical device, to the first medical device in the presence of the confirmation signal.

3. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a memory unit configured to provide a medical device data set, which indicates for a combined therapy type a corresponding set of medical device types necessary for the combined therapy type, wherein the control unit is further configured: to determine on the basis of the data set and of the data messages received whether a corresponding medical device of the common group is currently assigned for each indicated medical device type from the set; and in case no corresponding medical device is currently assigned to the common group for at least one of the indicated medical device types, to display to the user via the optical display unit the particular necessary, indicated medical device types to which no corresponding medical device is currently assigned in the common group.

4. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the control unit is further configured to prevent the sending of the request message as a function of an input signal of the input unit.

5. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the control unit is further configured: to identify at least one additional medical device from the data network, which is potentially considered for the combined therapy type, on the basis of the medical device data set and the data messages received; and to display the at least one additional medical device to the user via the optical display unit.

6. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the control unit is further configured: to determine information related to an availability of the at least one additional medical device on the basis of the data messages received; and to display the information to the user via the display unit.

7. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the control unit is further configured to perform an assignment of the at least one additional medical device to the common group as a function of an input signal.

8. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured: to identify a plurality of additional medical devices from the data network, which are not yet assigned to the common group but are potentially considered for the combined therapy type on the basis of the data messages received; and to display via the display unit the plurality of additional medical devices in an order that depends on a predefined criterion.

9. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 3, wherein: the medical device data set further indicates for at least one combined therapy type at least one predefined condition, which must be met during the course of a combined therapy type; and the control unit is configured to indicate the predefined condition in the request message.

10. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 9, wherein the control unit is configured: to check whether the predefined condition is met on the basis of data messages received via the data interface; and if the result of the checking is negative, to send at least one request message to the first medical device or to the second medical device or to both the first medical device and the second medical device, wherein the at least one request message indicates a request to terminate the operating state of the combined therapy.

11. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 1, wherein: the medical device data set indicates respective, corresponding sets of a plurality of necessary medical device types for respective combined therapy types; and the control unit is configured: to display the respective combined therapy types to the user via the display unit; and to determine a selection of a certain combined therapy type as a function of an input of the user via the input unit.

12. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a memory unit configured to provide an identification data set, which indicates one or more identities of respective authorized users, wherein the control unit is configured: to receive an input signal, which indicates an identity of the user, via the input unit or another input unit; and to control the input unit such that the control unit makes a possibility of input into the input unit for generating the confirmation signal dependent on a comparison of the identification data set and the input signal, which indicates the identity of the user.

13. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 12, wherein the control unit is configured to make possible an input, for generating the confirmation signal in case of a positive result of the comparison, for a predefined duration only.

14. A state controlling device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the request message indicates at least one predefined value relative to at least one operating parameter of the actuator.

15. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the state controlling device further comprises a memory unit configured to provide a medical device data set, which indicates for a combined therapy type a corresponding set of medical device types necessary for the combined therapy type, wherein the control unit is further configured: to determine on the basis of the data set and of the data messages received whether a corresponding medical device of the common group is currently assigned for each indicated medical device type from the set; and in case no corresponding medical device is currently assigned to the common group for at least one of the indicated medical device types, to display to the user via the optical display unit the particular necessary, indicated medical device types to which no corresponding medical device is currently assigned in the common group.

16. A medical device for a medical data network, the medical device comprising: a medical device structure comprising: an actuator for physiologically influencing a patient; a data network interface; and a control unit configured to control the actuator and the control unit is configured: to select an operating parameter of the actuator as a function of at least one information signal received via the data network interface from another medical device; and to activate an operating state of a combined therapy in the medical device upon receipt of a request message, wherein the combined therapy is carried out via the medical device and the another medical device.

17. A medical device in accordance with claim 16, wherein the control unit is further configured to end the operating state of the combined therapy in the medical device upon receipt of another request message.

18. A medical device in accordance with claim 16, wherein the control unit is further configured: to receive via the data network interface a request message, which indicates at least one predefined condition, which must be met during the operating state of the combined therapy; to check whether the predefined condition is met on the basis of data messages received via the data interface or to check whether the predefined condition is met on the basis of medical device sensor signals from sensors of the medical device or to check whether the predefined condition is met on the basis of data messages received via the data interface and on the basis of medical device sensor signals from sensors of the medical device; and to end the operating state of the combined therapy if the result of the checking is negative.

19. A medical device in accordance with claim 16, wherein: the control unit is further configured to send, if the result of the checking is negative, at least one request message to at least one other network device of the data network; said at least one request message indicates a request to end the combined therapy.

20. A system, comprising: a first medical device; a second medical device; a medical data network; a state controlling device for controlling an operating state of at least one of the first medical device and the second medical device for a combined therapy of a patient by the interaction of at least the first medical device and the second medical device in the medical data network, wherein the first medical device is configured to detect physiological measured values of a patient in an operating state of a combined therapy, further to generate an information signal based on the physiological measured values as well as to provide the information signal via the data network, and wherein the second medical device has an actuator for physiologically influencing the patient and the second medical device is further configured to select at least one operating parameter of the actuator as a function of the information signal of the first medical device, which is received via the data network, in the operating state of the combined therapy, wherein the state controlling device comprises: a data network interface; an input unit for inputs of a user; an optical display unit for outputting information to the user; and a control unit configured: to determine a current joint assignment of the first medical device and of the second medical device to a common group in the data network on the basis of data messages received via the data network interface; to display to the user the current joint assignment of the first and second medical devices to the group via the display unit in case of a positive result of the determination; and upon receipt of a confirmation signal from the input unit, to send a request message to the second medical device, which indicates a request to activate the operating state of the combined therapy in the second medical device such that the combined therapy is carried out via the first medical device and the second medical device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing different devices of a medical data network;

(3) FIG. 2a is a schematic view showing different request messages;

(4) FIG. 2b is a schematic view showing a data set for tracking information from received data messages;

(5) FIG. 2c is a schematic view showing a medical device data set in a preferred embodiment;

(6) FIG. 2d is a schematic view showing a data element, which indicates a predefined group;

(7) FIG. 2e is a schematic view showing a data set, which indicates currently jointly assigned medical devices;

(8) FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing steps that can be carried out according to a preferred embodiment by the control unit of the device according to the present invention;

(9) FIG. 4a is a schematic view showing a preferred embodiment of a request message;

(10) FIG. 4b is a schematic view showing another preferred embodiment of a request message;

(11) FIG. 4c is a schematic view showing a preferred embodiment of a data message;

(12) FIG. 4d is a schematic view showing a medical device data set in a preferred embodiment;

(13) FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing steps of a preferred partial method, which can be carried out on the control unit of the device;

(14) FIG. 6a is a schematic view showing a medical device data set according to a preferred embodiment;

(15) FIG. 6b is a flow chart showing partial steps of a partial method, which can be carried out on or by the control unit of the device according to the present invention;

(16) FIG. 6c is a flow chart showing partial steps of a partial method, which can be carried out on or by the control unit of the device according to the present invention;

(17) FIG. 7a is a flow chart showing steps of a partial method, which can be carried out on the control unit;

(18) FIG. 7b is a schematic view showing a preferred embodiment of a data message;

(19) FIG. 7c is a schematic view showing a preferred embodiment of a request message;

(20) FIG. 8a is a schematic view showing a data set, which indicates predefined values for operating parameters of an actuator of a medical device;

(21) FIG. 8b is a schematic view showing a data set, which indicates data for user identification;

(22) FIG. 8c is a schematic view showing a preferred form of a request message or of a request signal;

(23) FIG. 9a is a schematic view showing a preferred embodiment of a medical device;

(24) FIG. 9b is a schematic view showing another preferred embodiment of a medical device;

(25) FIG. 10a is a flow chart showing steps of a preferred method, which can be carried out on the control unit of the medical device according to the present invention; and

(26) FIG. 10b is a flow chart showing steps of a preferred partial method, which can be carried out on the control unit of the medical device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(27) Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a device V according to the present invention, which is configured to control an operating state of at least one medical device MG2.

(28) The device V has a data network interface DS for exchanging data messages DN via a medical data network N.

(29) The device V further has a control unit S as well as an input unit E for inputting inputs of a user. The device V further has an optical display unit AN for outputting information to the user in optical form.

(30) The input unit E and the display unit AN may preferably be in the form of an individual unit for inputting inputs or input signals and for displaying optical display signals. In such a case, such a combined unit comprising an input unit E and a display unit AN is, for example, a touchscreen.

(31) A separate configuration of the display unit AN is, for example, a display for outputting information in the optical form.

(32) A preferred embodiment of the input unit E is, for example, an input device in the form of buttons, a keyboard, a computer mouse or other usual input devices for data processing devices.

(33) The memory unit SP, the control unit S, the data network interface DS, the input unit E as well as the display unit AN are preferably connected to one another via an internal data bus system ID.

(34) FIG. 1 further shows a first medical device MG1, which has a memory unit SP1, a control unit DS1, a data network interface DS1 as well as a sensor interface SC.

(35) The individual units are preferably connected to one another via an internal data bus ID1.

(36) Via the sensor interface SC, the medical device MG1 detects a sensor signal SI of a sensor SEN. Such a sensor SEN may be positioned or arranged at or in a patient PA in order to detect physiological measured values of the patient PA via the sensor signal SI.

(37) FIG. 1 further shows a second medical device MG2, which may be, for example, a ventilator. In case of a ventilator, the medical device MG2 preferably has an inhalation port IP as well as an exhalation port EP, via which parts of a ventilation tube BS lead to a Y-piece YS, via which the patient PA is ventilated. An actuator AK of the second medical device MG2 may be a gas feed unit for delivering breathing gas.

(38) The second medical device MG2 consequently has an actuator for physiologically directly or indirectly influencing the patient PA.

(39) The medical device MG2 further has a memory unit SP2, a control unit S2 as well as a data network interface DS2.

(40) The actuator AK, the memory unit SP2, the control unit S2 as well as the data network interface DS2 are preferably connected to one another via an internal data bus ID2.

(41) The control unit S2 is configured to control one or more operating parameters of the actuator AK via a control signal ST and thus to control and/or to regulate the actuator AK.

(42) The medical device MG1 derives physiological measured values from the detected sensor signal SI. In a first preferred embodiment, the control unit S1 of the medical device MG1 generates an information signal IS, which indicates the detected physiological measured values or physiological measured values derived or processed therefrom. By means of one or more data messages DN, the control unit S1 of the medical device MG1 consequently provides physiological measured values for the second medical device MG2 via the data network N.

(43) It may consequently be stated that the medical device MG1 generates the information signal IS on the basis of the physiological measured values.

(44) In an alternative embodiment, the control unit S1 of the medical device MG1 detects physiological measured values of the patient PA and derives from this a predefined value for an operating parameter of the actuator AK of the second medical device MG2. This predefined value is then indicated by the information signal IS. The information signal IS is received at the medical device MG2 via the data network interface DS2 in the form of one or more data messages DN and then provided to the control unit S2. The control unit S2 selects at least one operating parameter of the actuator AK as a function of the information signal IS received via the data network.

(45) The information signal IS preferably indicates physiological measured values, so that the control unit S2 itself selects a value for an operating parameter of the actuator AK on the basis of the physiological measured values and correspondingly actuates the actuator AK via the control signal ST.

(46) The control unit S2 preferably uses a predefined value from the information signal IS in order to then select an operating parameter of the actuator AK by taking the predefined value into consideration and to correspondingly actuate the actuator AK via the control signal ST.

(47) As was described above, the medical device MG2 may preferably be a ventilator, in which case the actuator AK is a gas feed unit.

(48) As an alternative, the medical device MG2 may be an anesthesia device, in which the actuator AK may then be, for example, a dispensing unit for an anesthetic.

(49) As an alternative, the medical device MG2 may be a syringe pump, wherein the actuator AK may be a liquid feed unit for feeding liquid drug to the patient PA.

(50) In case the medical device MG2 is a ventilator, the operating parameter may preferably be a target pressure value for the gas feed unit. In case the medical device MG2 is an anesthesia device, the operating parameter may preferably be a gas concentration of an anesthetic. In case the medical device MG2 is a syringe pump, the operating parameter may preferably be a flow rate per unit of time for the liquid feed unit.

(51) FIG. 3 shows preferred steps, which can be carried out on the control unit S of the device V from FIG. 1.

(52) In a step 10, data messages are received, which were sent by medical devices, for example, the medical device MG1 or MG2 according to FIG. 1.

(53) FIG. 2a shows exemplary data messages DN1, DN2.

(54) The data message DN1 contains in an identification field ID identification data ID1, which indicate, for example, a network identity or medical device identity of the medical device MG1 from FIG. 1.

(55) The data message DN1 further has a type field T, in which a data element T1 indicates the medical device type of the medical device MG1 according to FIG. 1.

(56) A medical device type may be, for example, a ventilator, an anesthesia device, a patient monitor, an EMG measuring device, a blood pressure-measuring device, a syringe pump or another type of medical device.

(57) In a value field W, a data element MT1 indicates measured values, which can be provided by the medical device, which has sent the message DN1.

(58) In a location field SO, a data element SO1 indicates a location of the medical device in question. The location may be a room number, a ward number or another type of location information, for example, a corresponding hospital bed.

(59) In a group field GF, a group data set G1 indicates a group affiliation of the medical device in question.

(60) FIG. 2a further shows data message DN2, which can be sent by the medical device MG2 according to FIG. 1.

(61) The data message DN2 contains data fields, which correspond to the data fields of the data message DN1, with the exception that the data field W contains a data element BT2, which indicates at least one operating parameter, which can be changed or selected on the medical device in question as a function of an information signal, which can be received via the data network interface in the form of a data signal during its data message.

(62) FIG. 2b shows a data set or a list LI1, in which the medical devices found and identified on the basis of the data messages DN1, DN2 are detected and tracked.

(63) The respective data elements G1, G2 for indicating the respective group affiliation may have identical values, so that a joint current assignment to the same common group may consequently be given.

(64) FIG. 2d shows a data set DE1 with a data element GX, which was preferably loaded in advance into the memory unit SP of the device V. The memory unit SP consequently provides a data element GX or a data set DE1, which indicates a predefined group of medical devices or predefined group identity of medical devices. The data element GX may have been configured by the user in advance by an input on the device V by means of the input unit E. As an alternative or in addition, data element GX may be selected by the control unit S in advance and stored correspondingly for selecting the predefined group or group identity on the basis of data messages DN received at the device via the data interface DS.

(65) By comparing the group identities G1, G2 from the data set well as the group identity indicated by the data element GX, the control unit S of the device then consequently can determine a current joint assignment of the first medical device MG1 and of the second medical device MG2 to a common, predefined group in the data network.

(66) The memory unit SP of the device V preferably provides a medical device data set LI2 from FIG. 2c. The medical device data set LI2 indicates a certain combined therapy type in a therapy type field TT by means of a data element TTX as well as a set of necessary medical device types corresponding to the combined therapy type in medical device fields MT by means of corresponding type data elements TA, TB.

(67) FIG. 3 further shows a step 11, in which an assignment of previously found or identified medical devices to a predefined group is checked. The control unit S uses for this the data element GX or the corresponding data set DE1 from FIG. 2d in order to check the assignment of medical devices to the corresponding predefined group.

(68) FIG. 2e shows a list or a data set LI3, in which the detected current joint assignment of the medical devices MG1, MG2 from FIG. 1 to the corresponding group, which is indicated by the data element GX, is recorded or tracked.

(69) According to FIG. 3, the medical device data set LI2 provided by the memory unit SP is used in a step 12 to check whether a corresponding medical device is currently assigned to the common group for each of the necessary medical device types TA, TB. The data set LI3 from FIG. 2e may preferably be used for this as well.

(70) In case a corresponding medical device is currently assigned to the group for each necessary medical device type from the corresponding set of medical device types TA, TB for the combined therapy type TTX, a control signal is preferably cleared by the control unit S of the device V for clearing the input unit for a potential input of a confirmation signal. This control signal for clearing is shown as a signal FS in FIG. 3.

(71) Consequently, if it was determined in step 12 that the first medical device MG1 and the second medical device MG2 with their respective identities ID1, ID2 are assigned to the common, predefined group GX, a list of these medical devices, which are present and are assigned to the group, is then displayed in a step 13.

(72) It is checked in a next step 14 whether a confirmation signal BS is received from the input unit E at the control unit S. If the confirmation signal BS is present, the control unit S sends a request message DN12 to the second medical device MG2 via the data network interface DS.

(73) A preferred embodiment of the request message DN12 is shown in FIG. 4b.

(74) The request message DN12 preferably indicates a network identity ID2 of the second medical device MG2 as well as a network identity IDV of the device V, which sends the message DN12. The request message DN12 further has a data element ANF, which indicates a request that the medical device MG2 receiving the message DN12 activate the operating state of the combined therapy. Consequently, the data element DNF is thus a data element that indicates a request that the medical device MG2 that is to receive the message DN12 shall select at least one operating parameter of its actuator AK as a function of an information signal from the first medical device MG1, which information signal is received via the data network.

(75) In a next step 16, the control unit S sends via the data network interface DS a data message DN11, which is an additional request message. This request message DN11 is shown in FIG. 4a.

(76) By means of a data element ANF, the data message DN12 indicates as a request message a request that the medical device MG1 that is to receive the data message DN11 activate the operating state of the combined therapy in the first medical device MG1. The request message DN11 consequently indicates a request ANF to detect physiological measured values by means of the sensor signal SI and to generate an information signal on the basis of the physiological measured values as well as to provide the information signal in the form of a data message to the medical device MG2 via the data network.

(77) FIG. 5 shows preferred steps, which can be carried out on the control unit S of the device V.

(78) FIG. 5 shows at first the step 12, which was already explained with reference to FIG. 3. It is possible here that an alternative medical device data set LI21 from FIG. 4d can be used instead of the medical device data set LI2 from FIG. 2c.

(79) The medical device data set LI21 indicates a corresponding set of three medical device types TA, TB, TC for the combined therapy type TTX.

(80) The process now returns to FIG. 5. If it is determined in step 12 that a corresponding medical device is currently assigned to the common group for each necessary medical device type, the process is branched off further, as was already described above with reference to FIG. 3, to the method step 13.

(81) In case no corresponding medical device is assigned to the common group for at least one of the indicated medical device types, here, for example, to the medical device type TC, the process is branched off to a step 20.

(82) The medical device type from the corresponding set to which no corresponding medical device is currently assigned to the common, predefined group, is then displayed to the user in step 20.

(83) As was mentioned above, this may be effected in the form of a list with individual entries related to the necessary medical device types.

(84) Then, if a corresponding input signal ESI1 is predefined, the configuration of the medical devices of the data network is terminated in a step 21. Consequently, if the input signal ESI1 indicates the wish of a user to terminate this configuration, no further steps are carried out, which is indicated by an arrow branching off to the left in FIG. 5.

(85) One or more additional medical devices, which are present in the data network and are potentially considered for the combined therapy type TTX based on their corresponding medical device type, are then identified in a step 23 on the basis of received data messages as well as of the medical device data set LI21. This can be achieved by means of the control unit by identifying a medical device, which is present in the data network and has the corresponding medical device type TC, by a comparison of the medical device type TC, for which no corresponding medical device is currently assigned as yet to the common group.

(86) For example, such a medical device can be identified for this, for example, on the basis of a data message D3 from FIG. 4c.

(87) If the medical device type T3 of the corresponding medical device agrees with the medical device type TC from the medical device data set, but the group affiliation, indicated by the data set G3 of the message DN3, is such that the corresponding medical device is not yet assigned to the current predefined group GX, the control unit can then select the corresponding medical device with the identification or with the identity data ID3, as another medical device that may potentially be considered and then display it to the user in step 23 of FIG. 5.

(88) The data message DN3 of FIG. 4c preferably contains an availability field VF, in which a corresponding data element VF3 indicates an availability of the corresponding medical device.

(89) Such an availability is then displayed together with the identity of the medical device in step 23 from FIG. 5.

(90) An availability may be information related to a physical location of the medical device.

(91) As an alternative, the availability may be information related to a distance of the corresponding medical device from the device V receiving the message DN3.

(92) As an alternative, the availability may be information related to a switched-on status of the medical device. This may consequently be information that the device is switched on, switched off or is in a standby mode.

(93) The displaying of the one additional medical device or of the additional medical devices in step 23 may preferably take place in an order that depends on a predefined criterion.

(94) The data message DN3 of FIG. 4c may preferably have for this in a criterion field KR a data element KR3, which indicates a criterion value.

(95) A criterion may be, for example, a required quality of physiological measured values, which is to be complied with by a medical device.

(96) As an alternative, a criterion may be a parameter for a quality level of a medical device.

(97) Another possibility for a criterion may be a distance of the corresponding medical device from the location of the device V shown in FIG. 1.

(98) Another criterion may be a distance of the corresponding medical device from a location of a patient, who is likewise assigned to the common, predefined group of medical devices.

(99) In another step 24, the additional medical device, for example, the one with the identity ID3 from FIG. 4c, can then be assigned to the current common and predefined group GX as a function of an input signal ESI2, which is received at the control unit S via the input unit E. This may be carried out, for example, by the data set LI3 of FIG. 2e being expanded by an entry, in which the identity ID3 of the additional medical device is stored together with the group identity GX for the medical device type TC. The assignment of the additional medical device to the common predefined group may preferably also be carried out by an assignment signal ZUS being sent, in the form of a data message, to the additional medical device in question, i.e., to the one with the identity ID3.

(100) Such a data message or assignment message then contains a data element, which indicates as the recipient the corresponding additional medical device, i.e., the one with the identity ID3, as well as the corresponding group or group affiliation GX via a data element.

(101) FIG. 6b shows steps that are preferably to be carried out and which preferably precede step 10 from FIG. 3.

(102) A medical device data set LI22, which indicates respective, corresponding sets of a plurality of necessary medical device types for respective combined therapy types, is provided in a step 31.

(103) This medical device data set LI22 is shown in detail in FIG. 6.

(104) Respective necessary medical device types are indicated for respective combined therapy types TTX, TTY, TTZ in different entries E11, E12, E13. For example, a set of medical device types that comprises a medical device type TA and a medical device type TB is necessary for the therapy type TTX.

(105) According to FIG. 6b, the combined therapy types indicated in the medical device data set L122 is then displayed in step 31.

(106) A selection of a certain combined therapy type is determined in a step 32 via an input signal EIS3 of a user, which signal is provided at the control unit S via the input unit E.

(107) It consequently becomes possible as a result that the respective, corresponding set of the plurality of necessary medical device types is also selected for the selected combined therapy type in an automated manner by a simple selection of a certain combined therapy type with the use or on the basis of the medical device data set LI22.

(108) FIG. 6c shows steps that are preferably carried out prior to step 10 of FIG. 3 but also preferably still before step 31 of FIG. 6b.

(109) The selection of a certain user is determined in a step 41 as a function of an input signal EIS of the input unit E.

(110) The user is a clinician, who will then later configure the corresponding medical devices MG1, MG2 of FIG. 1 for the combined therapy by means of the device V.

(111) An identification data set LI5, which indicates one or more identities of respective authorized users, is provided in step 42. It can be stated in an alternative manner that the identification data set LI5 indicates any respective identity data sets for respective authorized users.

(112) FIG. 8b shows for this the data set LI5, in which corresponding identity or identification data UID1 are stored for a user U1.

(113) Such an identification data set IUD1 may be a password, a string of symbols, a PIN code, a combination of numbers, a fingerprint, an iris scan or another form of an identification data set. The identification data set is preferably a combination of one or more types of the above-mentioned types of identification data sets.

(114) An input signal EIS5 is then received in step 42 via the input unit E or another input unit, wherein the additional input unit may be, for example, an iris scanner, a device for fingerprint recognition, a keyboard or another form of an input unit.

(115) An authorization or identity of the user is then checked in step 42 on the basis of the identification data set SLI5 as well as of the input signal EIS5.

(116) The control unit S according to FIG. 1 then makes the possibility

(117) of inputs into the input unit E for generating the confirmation signal BS, likewise shown in FIG. 1, for configuring the medical device MG1, MG2 via the device V and

(118) dependent upon a comparison of the identification data set LI5 or of a part of same and the input signal EIS5.

(119) If the result of the identification check is positive, the input unit E is unblocked in a step 43.

(120) If the result of the identity or authorization check is negative, the input unit is blocked in step 44.

(121) The control unit S preferably unblocks the input unit E in step 43 for generating the confirmation signal BS for a predefined duration.

(122) The predefined duration begins from the time of adjustment of the positive comparison result or identification result from step 42. The predefined time is a predefined time window with a predefined duration, which can be predefined by a data element from the memory unit SP.

(123) It is known from FIG. 4b as well as from FIG. 4a and the corresponding description below that corresponding request messages DN12 and DN11 can be sent to the medical devices MG2 and MG1, respectively, from the device V. Such a request message DN12 may then preferably indicate a predefined value by a data element VW2, which is a predefined value relative to at least one operating parameter of the actuator of the medical device MG2.

(124) This predefined value is, for example, a predefined pressure value, to which an actuator in the form of a gas feed unit of a ventilator can be regulated.

(125) FIG. 8a shows a data set LI4, which indicates a desired predefined value by means of a data element VW2 for a combined therapy type TTX and for a certain medical device type TB. An additional predefined value in the form of an additional data element VW21 may preferably also be indicated for this medical device type TB.

(126) It is further possible that the list LI4 or this data set for additional combined therapy types indicates additional corresponding predefined values related to additional medical device types.

(127) The control unit S now consequently receives the corresponding predefined value or the corresponding data element VW2 from the data set LI4 of FIG. 8a and includes these in the request message DN12.

(128) The control unit S may analogously include a predefined value in the form of a data element VW1 in the data message DN1 for the first medical device MG1 from a data set not explicitly shown here. The predefined value indicated by the data element VW1 may then be, for example, a parameter, which can be used by the control unit S1 to obtain the physiological measured values from the sent signal SI.

(129) FIG. 6a further shows in the medical device data set LI22 at least one predefined condition for a combined therapy type TTX in the form of the data element BD1, which condition must be met during the course of the combined therapy of this therapy type. This predefined condition in the form of the data element BD1 may then be included in the request message DN12 of FIG. 4b, so that the control unit S indicates this predefined condition in the initial message DN12. The inclusion of the condition or of the corresponding data element BD12 in the request message DN12 is thus a request to the medical device MG2 receiving the message DN12 to monitor the corresponding condition during the operating state of the combined therapy for this corresponding therapy type.

(130) Such a condition may preferably be a threshold value for a physiological measured value, which must not be exceeded and/or undershot.

(131) As an alternative, such a condition may be a threshold value for a value of an operating parameter of the actuator AK, which must not be exceeded or undershot.

(132) As an alternative, such a condition may be a state of activity or a switched-on state of the medical device MG2 or of a component of the medical device MG2.

(133) As an alternative, such a condition may be a minimum required quality of physiological measured value measured values, and this may pertain especially and preferably to physiological measured value measured values that are indicated in the information signal IS by the first medical device MG1.

(134) Such a condition may preferably be a maximum latency period of a data transmission between the two medical devices MG1, MG2. Such a latency period may be measured, for example, on the basis of the control units S1, S2 by implementing corresponding data network protocols.

(135) Such a condition may preferably be a location, preferably a room, in which the medical device MG2 in question is located, which shall not be changed during the operating state of the combined therapy.

(136) Such a condition may preferably be a group affiliation, for example, an affiliation to the group GX, which must not be changed during the operating state of the combined therapy for the medical device MG2.

(137) FIG. 7a shows steps that the control unit S of the device V can carry out after sending the request messages DN12, DN11 during steps 15, 16 of FIG. 3. The medical devices MG1, MG2 are in the operating state of combined therapy in this case.

(138) In step 51, the control unit S receives data messages from involved medical devices MG1, MG2, such a data message preferably being a data message DN100 from FIG. 7b.

(139) The data message DN100 preferably has a data element VW1, which indicates a violation of the condition indicated above. On the basis of the received data message DN100, the control unit S then checks in step 52 whether the condition indicated or required before, which corresponds to the data element BD1 of the data message DN12 or to the data element BDX of the data message DN1 of FIG. 4a, is violated.

(140) If the condition is violated, i.e., if the result of the checking is negative, the process is branched off to a step 53, in which a request message DN200 is sent to the first and/or second medical device MG1, MG2.

(141) The data message DN200 is shown in FIG. 7c. The data message DN200 as a request message indicates a request to terminate the operating state of the combined therapy; this preferably takes place by including a corresponding data element ABO in the data message DN200 in FIG. 7c.

(142) Consequently, a checking of the required conditions can thus be carried out by the device V itself and it does not therefore have to be performed by a corresponding medical device MG2 alone.

(143) Returning to FIG. 1, the medical device MG2, which has an actuator AK for physiologically directly or indirectly influencing the patient PA, is considered once again.

(144) The control unit S2 can preferably carry out steps of the method from FIG. 10a.

(145) In a step 61, the medical device MG2 already receives with its control unit the information signal IS of the first medical device MG1 from FIG. 1.

(146) This information signal IS does not absolutely have to be used here to actuate the actuator AK, so that the operating state of the combined therapy may not possibly be present in the medical device MG2 as yet.

(147) Upon receipt of the request message DN12, the operating state of the combined therapy is activated in the medical device MG2 in step 62. Consequently, at least one operating parameter of the actuator AK is then selected by the control unit S in this operating state of the combined therapy as a function of the information signal IS received.

(148) The activation of the combined therapy takes place in step 63.

(149) The combined therapy is then carried out in step 64.

(150) Upon receipt of the request message DN200, the control device then ends the operating state of the combined therapy and changes over to step 65.

(151) FIG. 10b shows steps that can be carried out on the control unit S2 of the medical device MG2.

(152) The above-mentioned predefined condition, which is to be checked and must be met during the operating state of the combined therapy, is predefined or indicated in a step 71 on the basis of the data message DN12.

(153) Based on data messages DAT received via the data interface DS2 and/or the own sensor signal, the control unit S2 then checks in a step 72 whether the predefined condition is met.

(154) If the condition is met, the control unit S remains in step 72.

(155) If the condition is not met, the control unit S branches off to a step 63, in which the operating state of the combined therapy is terminated or ended.

(156) A request message or a request signal ANS is then sent in a step 74 to at least one other network device of the data network, for example, of the device V and/or of the medical device MG1, wherein this initial message—request message—ANS indicates a request for ending the combined therapy.

(157) FIG. 8c shows for this such an exemplary initial message—request message—ANS, which contains, in addition to a recipient identity IDZ, a data element ABO, which indicates a request for ending the operating state of the combined therapy.

(158) As an alternative, the data element ABO indicates information that the operating state was ended in the medical device MG2 in question.

(159) FIGS. 9a and 9b show modified medical devices MG11, MG21, which additionally have the display unit AN as well as the input unit E of the device V, unlike the medical device MG1 or MG2 according to FIG. 1.

(160) The corresponding control units S1, S2 may be configured here such that the above-described functionalities of the control unit S of the device V from FIG. 1 can be carried out by one of the control units S1 or S2 of the medical devices MG11 or MG21.

(161) It can therefore be seen that even though the device according to the present invention for controlling operating states of medical devices in a medical data network may be a separate, central data network device, like the device V from FIG. 1, all these functionalities of the device V can nevertheless also be implemented just as well in one of the medical devices MG11 or MG12.

(162) The memory units SP1 and SP2 are configured now corresponding to the memory unit SP of the device V.

(163) Even though some aspects were described in connection with a device, it is obvious that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or a component of a device may also be defined as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Analogously hereto, aspects that were described in connection with a method step or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device.

(164) Depending on certain implementation requirements, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware and/or in software. In particular, a control unit may be implemented in hardware and/or in software. The implementation may be carried out with the use of a digital storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-Ray disk, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, a hard drive or another magnetic or optical memory, on which electronically readable control signals are stored, which control signals can or do interact with a programmable hardware component such that the method in question is carried out.

(165) A programmable hardware component may be formed by a processor, a computer processor (CPU=Central Processing Unit), a graphics processor (GPU=Graphics Processing Unit), a computer, a computer system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC=Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an integrated circuit (IC=Integrated Circuit), a one-chip system (SOC=System on Chip), a programmable logic element or a field-programmable gate array with a microprocessor (FPGA=Field Programmable Gate Array).

(166) The digital storage medium may therefore be machine- or computer-readable. Some exemplary embodiments consequently comprise a data storage medium, which has electronically readable control signals, which are capable of interacting with a programmable computer system or with a programmable hardware component such that one of the methods described here is executed. An exemplary embodiment is consequently a data storage medium (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium), on which the program for executing the method described here is recorded.

(167) Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may generally be implemented as program, firmware, computer program or computer program product with a program code or as data, wherein the program code acts or the data act in such as way as to execute one of the methods when the program is running on a processor or on a programmable hardware component. The program code or the data may also be stored, for example, on a machine-readable medium or data storage medium. The program code or the data may be present, among other things, as source code, machine code or byte code as well as other intermediate code.

(168) Another exemplary embodiment is, furthermore, a data stream, a signal sequence or a sequence of signals, which represent the program for executing one of the methods described here. The data stream, the signal sequence or the sequence of signals may be configured, for example, such as to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example, via the internet or another network. Exemplary embodiments are thus also signal sequences representing data, which are suitable for transmission vie a network or a data communication connection, wherein the data present the program.

(169) A program according to one exemplary embodiment may implement one of the methods during its execution, for example, by reading storage locations or writing a datum or a plurality of data into these, as a result of which switching operations or other procedures are brought about in transistor structures, in amplifier structures or in other electrical, optical, magnetic components or components operating according to another principle of operation. Data, values, sensor values or other information may correspondingly be detected, determined or measured by a program by reading a storage location. A program may therefore detect, determine or measure variables, values, measured variables and other information by reading one or more storage locations as well as bring about, prompt or execute an action by writing to one or more storage locations as well as actuate other devices, machines and components.

(170) While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.