Graphical user interface for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices
View Patent ↗A device for treating a tissue region is supplied with a separate usage key card. The usage key card comprises a storage medium, which is formatted to contain an identification code unique to the usage key card. The usage key card is adapted to be read by a remote reader, to download the identification code for processing by a controller for the device. Processing of the identification code by the controller either enables or disables operation of the device according to prescribed criteria. A viewable image is generated on a display screen that changes in response to processing of the identification code.
1. A system for controlling use of a device for treating a tissue region comprising
a controller to control operation of the device,
a reader to download information to the controller,
a usage key card adapted to be handled separate from the device and comprising a storage medium formatted to contain an identification code unique to the usage key card that, upon reading by the reader, is downloaded to the controller, and
the controller including a first data state prior to downloading of the identification code and a processing function for processing the identification code and enabling operation of the device if the identification code correlates in a pre-established manner with the first data state, the processing function operating, in response to enabling operation of the device, to change the first data state to a second data state that prevents subsequent operation of the device in response to downloading of the identification code.
2. A system according to claim 1
wherein the processing function causes the controller to create a table by registering unlike identification codes in memory as they are downloaded by the reader and to enable operation of the device when a new identification code is registered in the table.
3. A system according to claim 2
wherein the processing function causes the controller to disable operation of the device when the given identification code matches an identification code in the table.
4. A system according to claim 2
wherein the processing function causes the controller to register in the table, a time period of use of the device.
5. A system according to claim 4
wherein the processing function causes the controller to disable operation of the device when the time period of use exceeds a prescribed period.
6. A system according to claim 1
wherein the device applies radiofrequency energy to the tissue region.
7. A method for controlling use of a device for treating a tissue region comprising the steps of
providing a usage key card for the device adapted to be handled separate from the device and comprising a storage medium formatted to contain an identification code unique to the usage key card,
reading the usage key card by a reader separate from the device to download the identification code to a controller for the device, the controller having a first data state prior to downloading of the identification code,
causing the controller to process the identification code by pre-programmed rules to enable operation of the device if the identification code correlates with the first data state, and
changing, according to pre-programmed rules, the first data state to a second data state in response to enabling operation of the device, the second data state preventing a subsequent operation of the device in response to downloading of the identification code.
8. A method according to claim 7
wherein the pre-programmed rules register a time period of use of the device.
9. A method according to claim 8
wherein the pre-programmed rules cause the controller to disable operation of the device when the time period of use exceeds a prescribed time.
10. A method according to claim 7
wherein the device, during use, applies radiofrequency energy to the tissue region.