Systems and methods for detecting defects in medical devices
Inventors
Hameed, Salmaan • Budill, Stephen • Humason, Michael S.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11715558-B2
Publication Date
2023-08-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
A detection system is adapted to perform methods for detecting defects in medical devices, during a reprocessing procedure, for example. The detection system may utilize computer-implemented instructions to determine the presence and nature of the defects, whether biological or mechanical, for example. The computer-implemented instructions may be adapted to include artificial intelligence and/or machine learning algorithms, and to process image data from digital inspection camera systems or proprietary camera systems. Upon identification of a defect present in a medical device, the detection system may notify users of the presence of the defect, as well as provide further recommended action to be taken regarding the medical device, if desirable, reducing potential instrument failure, patient injury or death. The disclosed detection system may be integrated into existing disinfection and sterilization systems currently used in medical facilities, such as hospitals and surgery centers, for example.
Core Innovation
A detection system analyzes a plurality of images and uses an artificial intelligence technique in conjunction with the analyzing to detect a plurality of different defects within a medical device. The different defects include one or more liquids, biological debris, non-biological debris, contaminants, and mechanical defects, and the system determines the one or more defects to be a particular liquid, biological debris, non-biological debris, contaminant, or mechanical defect based on the image analysis.
The approach positions a detection scope or an imaging device within the medical device and acquires one or more images at different locations within a medical instrument. The system tracks a position of the imaging device within the medical instrument to support acquiring images from different locations.
After the detection, the approach selects medical-device outcomes based on the detected defect types. The selection is made by obtaining first data comprising a record of one or more issues experienced by a plurality of patients after undergoing a procedure involving the medical device or instrument, and obtaining second data comprising a service history of the medical device or instrument.
Based on the first data, the second data, and the one or more defects, the system selects the medical device for reprocessing, removal from service, or a next procedure. This ties defect detection to patient issue records and medical device service history.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a defect-detection and device-action selection workflow with artificial intelligence, including classification of defect types and decision-making using patient-issue data and device service history. Two independent claims are present, each including multiple inventive features that together support image-based detection and action selection.
Artificial intelligence defect detection from a plurality of images
Detect a plurality of different defects comprising one or more liquids, biological debris, non-biological debris, contaminants, and mechanical defects in the plurality of images using an artificial intelligence technique in conjunction with analyzing.
Defect type determination based on image analysis
Determine the one or more defects to be a particular liquid, biological debris, non-biological debris, contaminant, or mechanical defect based on the analyzing.
Detection scope positioning and image acquisition within the medical device
Position a detection scope within the medical device and acquire one or more images at a current location of the detection scope, or acquire one or more images at different locations within the medical instrument.
Imaging device position tracking for acquiring images from different locations
Track a position of the imaging device within a medical instrument and acquire one or more images from the imaging device at different locations within the medical instrument.
Patient issue data and medical-device service history for selecting an action
Obtain first data comprising a record of one or more issues experienced by a plurality of patients after undergoing a procedure involving the medical device or instrument, obtain second data comprising a service history of the medical device or instrument, and select the medical device or instrument for reprocessing, removal from service, or a next procedure based on the first data, the second data, and the one or more defects.
Across the independent method and device claims, the inventive core is AI-based analysis of a plurality of images to classify different defect categories, combined with acquiring images using a positioned or tracked detection scope or imaging device. The results are then used, together with patient issue records and the medical device service history, to select reprocessing, removal from service, or a next procedure.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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