Method for identifying medical devices
A method for identifying medical devices, referred to as medical devices of interest, the method including: collecting images of the outer portions of the medical devices of interest, each image being labeled with an identifier of the medical device of interest, the images collected forming a training image database; training an identification model from the training image database in order to obtain an identification model trained to assign an identifier to a medical device of interest to be identified according to an image of the outer portion of the medical device; c. receiving an image of the outer portion of a medical device of interest to be identified; assigning, by the trained classification model, of an identifier to the medical device of interest captured on the received image; and characterizing the medical device of interest according to the assigned identifier.
1 . A method of identifying medical devices, called medical devices of interest, the medical devices of interest being i) devices intended for being inserted into a patient's body, ii) devices intended for being brought into contact with the patient's body, and iii) devices intended for being connected to devices inserted into or in contact with the patient's body, each medical device of interest having an outer part visible from outside the patient's body, the method comprising the following steps:
a. collection of images of the outer parts of medical devices of interest, each image being labeled with an identifier of the medical device of interest from a set of predefined identifiers, the collected images forming a training image database, the collection of images being computer-implemented,
b. training of an identification model from the training image database in order to obtain an identification model trained to assign an identifier, from the set of predefined identifiers, to a medical device of interest to be identified according to an image of the outer part of the medical device, the training of the identification model to be a trained identification model being computer-implemented,
c. obtaining a received image by reception of an image of the outer part of a medical device of interest to be identified, the reception of the image being computer-implemented,
d. assignment, by a trained classification model, of an identifier to the medical device of interest imaged on the received image, the assignment by the trained classification model being computer-implemented, and
e. characterizing the medical device of interest according to the assigned identifier,
wherein each identifier is associated with at least one of an Internet link and a remote database through which visual support is obtained with regard to the use of the medical device of interest, the characterization step comprising a display of the visual medium corresponding to the Internet link or to a database associated with the assigned identifier.
2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method comprises a step of handling the medical device of interest according to the step of the characterizing the medical device of interest according to the assigned identifier.
3 . The method according to claim 1 , the training image database consisting of images of medical devices of interest of at least two different types, the at least two types of medical devices being selected from: medical tube, venous catheter, arterial catheter, enteral nutrition catheter, parenteral nutrition catheter, drainage catheter, epidural catheter, systemic catheter, peripheral insertion central venous catheter, called PICC, peripheral venous catheter, called Midline, central venous catheter, called CVC, umbilical catheter, Huber needle, cutaneous securement system for medical tubes, covering dressing, valve, closed system and stopper connected to a hub of a medical tube.
4 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein each identifier is associated with data relating to a type of medical device of interest, the characterization step comprising determination of the type of the medical device of interest imaged on the received image according to the assigned identifier.
5 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein each identifier is associated with recommendations for use of the medical device of interest, the characterization step comprising determination of recommendations for use of the medical device of interest imaged on the received image according to the assigned identifier.
6 . The method according to claim 5 , wherein the recommendations for use comprises one or a plurality of the following recommendations:
a. a first route of medication to be used for insertion of the medical device of interest,
b. a maximum rate of injection of liquid into the medical device of interest,
c. a maximum fault pressure of the medical device of interest,
d. a frequency of change of a dressing, if any, applied to the medical device of interest,
e. a compatibility of the medical device of interest with other types of medical devices,
f. a compatibility of the medical device of interest with medicinal solutions, and
g. a compatibility of the medical device of interest with pre-defined medical examinations and, where appropriate, the conditions for carrying out the examinations.
7 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein each identifier is associated with at least one structural feature of the medical device of interest, the or at least one structural feature being chosen from: a brand name of the medical device of interest, contact details of the legal manufacturer of the medical device of interest, a material or materials from which the medical device of interest is made, a potential allergenic material(s), if any, from which the medical device of interest is made, a size of the medical device of interest and, when the medical device of interest is a catheter or a medical tube, a diameter and an initial length of the catheter or the medical tube, a number of lumens in the catheter or the medical tube, a dead volume of each lumen of the catheter or of the medical tube, flow rates, by gravity or by injection, via a pump or an injector of contrast substances, of the catheter or of the medical tube, the characterization step comprising the determination of the structural feature(s) of the medical device of interest imaged on the received image according to the assigned identifier.
8 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein each medical device of interest has an inner portion connected to the outer part, the inner portion being a tube or a needle inserted into the patient's body, the outer part comprising at least one tube or a connector to a tube.
9 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the identifier assigned to the medical device of interest is associated with a remote database from which information on use of the medical device is obtained.
10 . The method according to claim 9 , wherein the information on use comprise at least one of data defined by manufacturer and data defined by a healthcare professional when using the medical device on a patient.
11 . The method according to claim 9 , wherein the method comprises a step of updating the information for at least one of use of the medical device for a given patient and a given use, the information for use being archived so as to ensure at least one of a patient follow-up and a traceability of the medical device.
12 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the identifier is associated with information with regard to at least one of the environmental impact and an eco-design of the medical device of interest.
13 . A computer-readable storage medium on which are stored program instructions that implement the steps of the identification method according to claim 1 when the computer program is executed on a computer.
14 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the outer part of each medical device of interest is configured for remaining outside of the patient's body for being handled by healthcare personnel.
15 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the outer part of each medical device of interest is configured for remaining outside of the patient's body for injection of solutions into the patient's body.