CA2422219A1 - Transfer of organs from donor to recipient using an on-line communication system - Google Patents
Transfer of organs from donor to recipient using an on-line communication system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2422219A1 CA2422219A1 CA002422219A CA2422219A CA2422219A1 CA 2422219 A1 CA2422219 A1 CA 2422219A1 CA 002422219 A CA002422219 A CA 002422219A CA 2422219 A CA2422219 A CA 2422219A CA 2422219 A1 CA2422219 A1 CA 2422219A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- organ
- data
- tissue
- recipient
- physician
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H10/00—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data
- G16H10/40—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for data related to laboratory analysis, e.g. patient specimen analysis
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H10/00—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data
- G16H10/60—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H15/00—ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/67—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H80/00—ICT specially adapted for facilitating communication between medical practitioners or patients, e.g. for collaborative diagnosis, therapy or health monitoring
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Primary Health Care (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
Abstract
A method of communicating information of donated organs or tissues from an operating room of a donor to a recipient, including taking data (10, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25) from and about the organ or tissue and inputting the data direct ly into a computer connected to a network through each stage of organ qualification, removal, cleansing, profusion, and transplantation so that an OPA (14) and a recipient's physician (16) can determine whether the appropriate organ or tissue has been selected for a predetermined recipient.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Transfer of Organs from Donor to Recipient Using an On-Line Communication System FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a network based system for selecting, controlling, and dispersing such medical items as organs and tissues from donor to recipient.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is believed that the transfer of organs from donor to recipient is an increasingly extraordinarily important means of treating and, in many cases, saving the lives of individuals.
The current provision of organs from a donor to a recipient may provide a very complicated, time consuming and inefficient process. At one end of the process is the organ donor; at the other end is the recipient. Between these two, information may need to be generated and collected in accessible means in numerous individual steps. The information may be critical to protect the organ and recipient, including assuring that the organ reaches a recipient for successfully transplanting.
The process may be as follows: The patient/donor is admitted to a hospital, where he/she is examined by a physician. The physician determines if the donor is appropriate by making a judgment according to the donor's age, health history, and other factors. Consent to harvest the organ may be obtained from the guardian or, where permitted by law, from the hospital administrator. Once brain death has been declared by the attending physician, the patient may be prepared for the removal of the organ to be donated.
If the donor's condition makes his/her organs a candidate for transplant, the attending physician may notify a donor network, an individual, an organ procurement agency (an "OPA"), or an organ procurement organization (an "0P0") -- which is generally referred to herein as an OPA. Once the information has been reduced.to writing on the appropriate paper form of. numerous pages, it may be sent from the physician by a facsimile machine to the OPA. Much time may pass from form preparation to transmittal.
The OPA may use the received information to make a match between the organ to be donated and the potential recipient. Once a match on the OPA's list is made, the OPA may need to contact the recipient's physician, which further delays the system.
The physician may or may not be immediately available and, if available, may not be in a location to receive and/or review the information. Further, it may be necessary that the OPA be able to ascertain that it is, in fact, making contact with the recipient's attending physician so that the decision to accept or reject the donated organ is appropriately and authentically made.
When the recipient's physician has been contacted, the recipient may be contacted and requested to come to the recipient's hospital to be prepared to receive the donated organ. At the same time, the donor patient, in the operating room, may be opened to remove the organ. The organ may be examined to provide information necessary to determine if the selected organ is an appropriate candidate for harvesting.
This information, which is well known in the art and may include matching of the age and physical size of the donor's organ with the recipient's organ requirements, as well as biochemistry, immunology, blood type, pathology, and the like, may be placed upon a written form. The organ may be removed and studied again. Additional data may be taken and placed upon a written form. The organ may be flushed and the examination may continue and may be recorded.
When the organ removal is finished, the now-deceased donor may be prepared for removal from the operating room. Once the patient is removed, the physician may leave the operating room and send by facsimile the gathered information to the OPA. It is believed that this exercise presents yet another disadvantage to the present system. No communication may be made of the information by the donor's physician to the recipient's physician during the period of time of the removal of the organ.
If, at the end of this procedure, the necessary information has been transmitted to the OPA, it may be determined by the recipient's physician that there is no match. At this point, the proposed recipient, who has now been in the hospital for several hours (as much as 3 to ~ hours), must now be advised that the operation cannot take place. The OPA may now search for a new recipient.
After the donation organ is removed, it may be packaged for transportation to the recipient's hospital. Exact records may be kept of the organ, its condition, and how it was packed. These records may then be distributed to the OPA and the recipient's physician. The organ, as packaged, may be tracked so that it may be sent first to the proper OPA and then on to the proper recipient.
Before the organ reaches the proper recipient, however, the organ may go to a holding area maintained by the OPA. Again, the organ and its packaging may be checked and additional recorded information may be sent to the recipient's physician.
The organ may also be received at the recipient's hospital, where more information may need to be gathered to determine if this organ should be transplanted. At this stage, the recipient may be advised that the organ is not acceptable, the OPA would be notified and another match would need to be found.
It is believed that the recipient's physician is handicapped not only by the inefficiencies of the system, but also by the lack of immediate knowledge necessary to make a determination. The end result may be damaged or unusable organs, lost time, inconvenience and unneeded stress upon recipient patients, thereby decreasing the success of the medical procedure. It is believed that the process of harvesting organs from donors and getting them to recipients on a timely basis is, however, not a simple or straightforward procedure. Recipients may be identified and may be assigned points so that an order of selection based upon such concerns as the age of the recipient, his/her health, the type of organ desired, and the like may be determined. A registry of such information may be maintained. The selection process may be under the supervision of the recipient's physician. The donor's organs may need to be identified in every aspect (e.g., the age of the donor, the condition of the organ and the like). When the organ is available, information about it may be transmitted to the recipient's physician for evaluation. Procedures may be in place for determining if the person contacted for approval for receipt of the organ by the recipient is the recipient's physician. If the organ is refused, the next eligible recipient may be identified and the process of approval and transmittal of the organ begun again.
STJMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a novel means of collecting and distributing data concerning organ transplants. It is another object of this invention to provide real time data about the condition of an organ and to transmit the real time information from the organ to a recipient's physician and an OPA. It is yet another object of this invention to provide access codes so that the OPA may have access to the information and the OPA may provide a more restrictive access code to a physician qualified to receive the information.
In accordance with this invention, there is provided a method for gathering and transmitting data of organs and tissues for use of the data, for example, in the harvesting and transferring of the organ from a donor to a recipient. The method includes providing on-line, real time communications means between the location of the organ and at least one receiver of the data. The method also includes monitoring the status and condition of the organs and tissues from removal from the donor until transplanted into the recipient. The method further includes inputting the data into the communication means as the data becomes available, and transmitting the data to the receiver.
There is also provided a system for gathering and transmitting data of organs and tissues for use in harvesting and transferring the organs and tissues from a donor to a recipient. The system includes a database that receives and stores data, including a status and condition of at least one of an organ and tissue and a processor that communicates between a location of the at least one of an organ and tissue and at least one receiver and transmits the data to the at least one receiver.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an overall flow diagram of the invention;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are detailed flow of the process of removing and placing an organ in accordance with invention; and FIGS. 4 through 6 are exemplars of input forms which may be used in the performance of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
There is provided, in accordance with this invention, a unified system for providing information and effecting the ongoing transfer of data of organs or tissues from a donor to a recipient. While the description that follows is directed to organs, it should be understood that this invention pertains to all body parts that might be transplanted from a donor to a recipient. First and foremost, there are provided three levels of access to the system. The highest access, which is the Administrator Level or Level 1, permits entry of data, reading and editing of data, creation and cancellation of access codes, addition and deletion of accounts, review of user logs of the system, and programming changes in the system. Donor Organization Level (OPA) or Level 2 permits the providing of information to the recipient's physician and is able to read and edit all data concerning the organ. Recipient Physician Level or Level 3 is a read-only level in which the data can be received and evaluated, but no changes or additions may be made to the data.
The Administrator provides Level 2 and Level 3 access codes to the OPA, which can cancel the codes or provide the codes to the recipient physician. These access codes enable only authorized individuals to gain access to the system. The OPA
administrates Level 3 access codes to recipient physicians.
FIG. 1 shows the system employing the Internet, microwave communication, satellite communication or the like. The donor's physician makes a referral 10 to the OPA 14. The OPA 14 then contacts the recipient's physician 16 by any available means.
The referral 10 is input into a terminal in the donor's operating room ("DOR") 18 and instantly transmitted on line 12 through to the OPA 14. The OPA 14, who can only access the system at Level 2 contacts and activates the Level 3 access codes of the recipient's physician 16. The OPA 14 also communicates with the staff of the DOR 18.
The organ evaluation 20 continues in the DOR 18. Data relating to the organ, especially the vital signs of the organ, including its condition, chemistry, and the like, are taken in a manner well known in the art. These data are directly input into an I/O device, such as a personal computer, which may be directly connected to the Internet or similar means of communication. The forms, examples of which may be seen in FIGS 4-6 (FIGS 4A and 4B represent one form), which in the past, were on paper, are now immediately entered into a database. Once the data are entered, they may be instantly viewed in a report 22 by the OPA 14 and the receiver of the data, typically the recipient's physician 16 or representative of the recipient's physician, providing they have logged on with their access codes. In some cases, there may be multiple receivers of data, e.g., prior to there being a final selection of the transplant recipient. Upon the declaration of brain death and with the consent 24 in place, the real time data 25 may be simultaneously transferred to the OPA 14 and physician 16 via the Internet or any other real time communication system. The OPA 14 confirms the organ allocation 26 and sends the confirmation 28 to the physician 16.
The information that is provided is now enlarged by use of on-line direct S communication. Thus, the data entered into the form is instantly stored in a database, as is well known in the art. Further, throughout the processing of the organ, from the DOR
18 through the packaging and transplantation, the organ, and its status, i.e., its chemistry, its physical condition, and the like, can be continuously monitored and the data accumulated can be directly input into the database and made available to interested parties on a real time basis. Thus, additional and significant information is provided that has not previously been available. This may also include jpg pictures, or images, of the organs made immediately available to the recipient's physician 16 and the OPA
14. The vital signs of the organ can be continuously monitored by means of mpeg imaging.
Thus, the OPA 14 and physician 16 get instantaneous information not available in any form at present. This information may be stored in an accessible database for both the OPA 14 and any physician or investigative or research organization for future study and research.
This increase of significant information gives the recipient's physician 16 better and more timely, thorough, and accurate data upon which to determine if a harvested organ is suitable for a predetermined recipient. The recipient need not be bothered until the last possible moment when the recipient's physician 16 is reasonably certain that the organ is a match for his patient. The process in the DOR 18 is instantly monitored by the OPA 14 and the recipient's physician 16 at all times.
A more detailed description (FIGS. 2 and 3) describes the steps of the organ harvesting and transplant and transfer of data from the DOR to the OPA and recipient's physician on a real time basis. In the DOR, a link is established through the on-line communication means in step 30, providing real time data that may be customized in step 32 to fit the type of organ (or tissue or other body part) and potential recipient. An incision is made in the donor in step 34 and the donor's physician and his/her support staff view the potential organ in step 36. Real time imaging of the organ may be provided in step 38 by, for example, a video camera. Data about the organ may be instantly recorded on-line in step 40, as well as entered into a database maintained by the administrator and/or the OPA, and real time reporting of the organ's condition is made to the recipient's physician in step 41. The next steps are those usually provided in organ removal, including dissection in step 42 and flushing the organ in step 44.
The organ is removed in step 46. In step 48, the staff in the DOR record anatomical information, including statistical data, which is instantly made available in step 50 through the PC or similar communication means.
As shown in Fig. 3, the organ is then moved to a back table flush in step 52 and then packed in step 54 and transported to a main organ transfer center or a perfusion laboratory in step 56, as is well known in the art. At the transfer center or perfusion laboratory, sensors may be applied to the organ and additional clinical analysis may be made in step 58, instantly stored in the database, and transmitted to the recipient's physician for evaluation.
As is well known in the art, the organ is prepared for a perfusion apparatus in step 60, and then placed on an organ perfusion pump in step 62. It is contemplated within the scope of this invention that the recipient's physician and/or the OPA
personnel may use their terminals to direct cameras and sensors to view the organ and its vital signs in step 64. The means for controlling such sensors and cameras is well known in the art.
The organ is then described yet again and analyzed in step 66 and placed on-line.
Further remote viewing of data and status of the organ and the comparison with the historical data gathered in the DOR may then be available to the OPA and the recipient's physician in step 68. The OPA or perfusion lab may then receive information for the placement of the organ in step 70. This information may be posted and made available to the OPA and the recipient's physician, as well as other physicians who may be caring for alternate recipients.
The organ is then delivered to the transplantation center in step 72 and processed.
Once more, for the safety and care of the recipient, the condition of the organ may be monitored in step 74 and the resulting data may be placed on-line and/or stored in the database. In this way, the organ is not only continuously monitored, but the recipient is not involved in the process until the receiving physician is reasonably certain that a match has been made. If no match has been made, the next recipient will be selected and the stored data will be provided instantly to that recipient's physician. In this process, the Level 3 access code would then be removed from the first recipient's physician and a _7_ riew code would be given to a new recipient's physician. The three levels of access codes protect the system from being tampered and restrict access to those with a need to know and a need to edit.
Another advantage to this system is that all data concerning organ donations are easily collected in a rational database for statistical comparisons.
Statistical data can be accumulated and compared by means of graphs and similar means. The collected information may then be used for such purposes as establishing and determining criteria for a potentially successful or unsuccessful organ donation.
Further, providing the receiving physician and the OPA with access to the information on a real-time basis enables the individual reviewing the data to remotely manipulate, monitor and analyze medical information. For example, if a digital camera is provided to view the organ, it is within the contemplation of this invention that the recipient's physician may command the camera to obtain different views of the organ and/or selectively collect on-line and/or historical data concerning the selected donated organ. The recipient's physician may also compare that data instantly with historical data about such organs to better gauge and evaluate the probabilities of a successful transplant for a particular recipient.
Contacting the recipient's physician is also simplified and made more efficient by this system. The physician is provided with his/her Level 3 access code and can be notified by e-mail or other means of the availability of an organ. The access code assures that only the authorized individual (or a designee of that individual) can gain access to the information.
The system may also be used by a medical examiner, forensic scientist, or similar occupation to determine if an organ has not been subject to "foul-play," where an autopsy would be required. The medical examiner or forensic scientist would be able to view images of the organ and review the biopsy findings and histology to make a determination. If an autopsy is not required, the organ would be available for transplant.
It is to be understood that the although there is shown the preferred embodiments of the invention, that various modifications may be made in the details thereof without departing from the spirit as comprehended by the following claims.
_g_
Transfer of Organs from Donor to Recipient Using an On-Line Communication System FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a network based system for selecting, controlling, and dispersing such medical items as organs and tissues from donor to recipient.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is believed that the transfer of organs from donor to recipient is an increasingly extraordinarily important means of treating and, in many cases, saving the lives of individuals.
The current provision of organs from a donor to a recipient may provide a very complicated, time consuming and inefficient process. At one end of the process is the organ donor; at the other end is the recipient. Between these two, information may need to be generated and collected in accessible means in numerous individual steps. The information may be critical to protect the organ and recipient, including assuring that the organ reaches a recipient for successfully transplanting.
The process may be as follows: The patient/donor is admitted to a hospital, where he/she is examined by a physician. The physician determines if the donor is appropriate by making a judgment according to the donor's age, health history, and other factors. Consent to harvest the organ may be obtained from the guardian or, where permitted by law, from the hospital administrator. Once brain death has been declared by the attending physician, the patient may be prepared for the removal of the organ to be donated.
If the donor's condition makes his/her organs a candidate for transplant, the attending physician may notify a donor network, an individual, an organ procurement agency (an "OPA"), or an organ procurement organization (an "0P0") -- which is generally referred to herein as an OPA. Once the information has been reduced.to writing on the appropriate paper form of. numerous pages, it may be sent from the physician by a facsimile machine to the OPA. Much time may pass from form preparation to transmittal.
The OPA may use the received information to make a match between the organ to be donated and the potential recipient. Once a match on the OPA's list is made, the OPA may need to contact the recipient's physician, which further delays the system.
The physician may or may not be immediately available and, if available, may not be in a location to receive and/or review the information. Further, it may be necessary that the OPA be able to ascertain that it is, in fact, making contact with the recipient's attending physician so that the decision to accept or reject the donated organ is appropriately and authentically made.
When the recipient's physician has been contacted, the recipient may be contacted and requested to come to the recipient's hospital to be prepared to receive the donated organ. At the same time, the donor patient, in the operating room, may be opened to remove the organ. The organ may be examined to provide information necessary to determine if the selected organ is an appropriate candidate for harvesting.
This information, which is well known in the art and may include matching of the age and physical size of the donor's organ with the recipient's organ requirements, as well as biochemistry, immunology, blood type, pathology, and the like, may be placed upon a written form. The organ may be removed and studied again. Additional data may be taken and placed upon a written form. The organ may be flushed and the examination may continue and may be recorded.
When the organ removal is finished, the now-deceased donor may be prepared for removal from the operating room. Once the patient is removed, the physician may leave the operating room and send by facsimile the gathered information to the OPA. It is believed that this exercise presents yet another disadvantage to the present system. No communication may be made of the information by the donor's physician to the recipient's physician during the period of time of the removal of the organ.
If, at the end of this procedure, the necessary information has been transmitted to the OPA, it may be determined by the recipient's physician that there is no match. At this point, the proposed recipient, who has now been in the hospital for several hours (as much as 3 to ~ hours), must now be advised that the operation cannot take place. The OPA may now search for a new recipient.
After the donation organ is removed, it may be packaged for transportation to the recipient's hospital. Exact records may be kept of the organ, its condition, and how it was packed. These records may then be distributed to the OPA and the recipient's physician. The organ, as packaged, may be tracked so that it may be sent first to the proper OPA and then on to the proper recipient.
Before the organ reaches the proper recipient, however, the organ may go to a holding area maintained by the OPA. Again, the organ and its packaging may be checked and additional recorded information may be sent to the recipient's physician.
The organ may also be received at the recipient's hospital, where more information may need to be gathered to determine if this organ should be transplanted. At this stage, the recipient may be advised that the organ is not acceptable, the OPA would be notified and another match would need to be found.
It is believed that the recipient's physician is handicapped not only by the inefficiencies of the system, but also by the lack of immediate knowledge necessary to make a determination. The end result may be damaged or unusable organs, lost time, inconvenience and unneeded stress upon recipient patients, thereby decreasing the success of the medical procedure. It is believed that the process of harvesting organs from donors and getting them to recipients on a timely basis is, however, not a simple or straightforward procedure. Recipients may be identified and may be assigned points so that an order of selection based upon such concerns as the age of the recipient, his/her health, the type of organ desired, and the like may be determined. A registry of such information may be maintained. The selection process may be under the supervision of the recipient's physician. The donor's organs may need to be identified in every aspect (e.g., the age of the donor, the condition of the organ and the like). When the organ is available, information about it may be transmitted to the recipient's physician for evaluation. Procedures may be in place for determining if the person contacted for approval for receipt of the organ by the recipient is the recipient's physician. If the organ is refused, the next eligible recipient may be identified and the process of approval and transmittal of the organ begun again.
STJMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a novel means of collecting and distributing data concerning organ transplants. It is another object of this invention to provide real time data about the condition of an organ and to transmit the real time information from the organ to a recipient's physician and an OPA. It is yet another object of this invention to provide access codes so that the OPA may have access to the information and the OPA may provide a more restrictive access code to a physician qualified to receive the information.
In accordance with this invention, there is provided a method for gathering and transmitting data of organs and tissues for use of the data, for example, in the harvesting and transferring of the organ from a donor to a recipient. The method includes providing on-line, real time communications means between the location of the organ and at least one receiver of the data. The method also includes monitoring the status and condition of the organs and tissues from removal from the donor until transplanted into the recipient. The method further includes inputting the data into the communication means as the data becomes available, and transmitting the data to the receiver.
There is also provided a system for gathering and transmitting data of organs and tissues for use in harvesting and transferring the organs and tissues from a donor to a recipient. The system includes a database that receives and stores data, including a status and condition of at least one of an organ and tissue and a processor that communicates between a location of the at least one of an organ and tissue and at least one receiver and transmits the data to the at least one receiver.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an overall flow diagram of the invention;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are detailed flow of the process of removing and placing an organ in accordance with invention; and FIGS. 4 through 6 are exemplars of input forms which may be used in the performance of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
There is provided, in accordance with this invention, a unified system for providing information and effecting the ongoing transfer of data of organs or tissues from a donor to a recipient. While the description that follows is directed to organs, it should be understood that this invention pertains to all body parts that might be transplanted from a donor to a recipient. First and foremost, there are provided three levels of access to the system. The highest access, which is the Administrator Level or Level 1, permits entry of data, reading and editing of data, creation and cancellation of access codes, addition and deletion of accounts, review of user logs of the system, and programming changes in the system. Donor Organization Level (OPA) or Level 2 permits the providing of information to the recipient's physician and is able to read and edit all data concerning the organ. Recipient Physician Level or Level 3 is a read-only level in which the data can be received and evaluated, but no changes or additions may be made to the data.
The Administrator provides Level 2 and Level 3 access codes to the OPA, which can cancel the codes or provide the codes to the recipient physician. These access codes enable only authorized individuals to gain access to the system. The OPA
administrates Level 3 access codes to recipient physicians.
FIG. 1 shows the system employing the Internet, microwave communication, satellite communication or the like. The donor's physician makes a referral 10 to the OPA 14. The OPA 14 then contacts the recipient's physician 16 by any available means.
The referral 10 is input into a terminal in the donor's operating room ("DOR") 18 and instantly transmitted on line 12 through to the OPA 14. The OPA 14, who can only access the system at Level 2 contacts and activates the Level 3 access codes of the recipient's physician 16. The OPA 14 also communicates with the staff of the DOR 18.
The organ evaluation 20 continues in the DOR 18. Data relating to the organ, especially the vital signs of the organ, including its condition, chemistry, and the like, are taken in a manner well known in the art. These data are directly input into an I/O device, such as a personal computer, which may be directly connected to the Internet or similar means of communication. The forms, examples of which may be seen in FIGS 4-6 (FIGS 4A and 4B represent one form), which in the past, were on paper, are now immediately entered into a database. Once the data are entered, they may be instantly viewed in a report 22 by the OPA 14 and the receiver of the data, typically the recipient's physician 16 or representative of the recipient's physician, providing they have logged on with their access codes. In some cases, there may be multiple receivers of data, e.g., prior to there being a final selection of the transplant recipient. Upon the declaration of brain death and with the consent 24 in place, the real time data 25 may be simultaneously transferred to the OPA 14 and physician 16 via the Internet or any other real time communication system. The OPA 14 confirms the organ allocation 26 and sends the confirmation 28 to the physician 16.
The information that is provided is now enlarged by use of on-line direct S communication. Thus, the data entered into the form is instantly stored in a database, as is well known in the art. Further, throughout the processing of the organ, from the DOR
18 through the packaging and transplantation, the organ, and its status, i.e., its chemistry, its physical condition, and the like, can be continuously monitored and the data accumulated can be directly input into the database and made available to interested parties on a real time basis. Thus, additional and significant information is provided that has not previously been available. This may also include jpg pictures, or images, of the organs made immediately available to the recipient's physician 16 and the OPA
14. The vital signs of the organ can be continuously monitored by means of mpeg imaging.
Thus, the OPA 14 and physician 16 get instantaneous information not available in any form at present. This information may be stored in an accessible database for both the OPA 14 and any physician or investigative or research organization for future study and research.
This increase of significant information gives the recipient's physician 16 better and more timely, thorough, and accurate data upon which to determine if a harvested organ is suitable for a predetermined recipient. The recipient need not be bothered until the last possible moment when the recipient's physician 16 is reasonably certain that the organ is a match for his patient. The process in the DOR 18 is instantly monitored by the OPA 14 and the recipient's physician 16 at all times.
A more detailed description (FIGS. 2 and 3) describes the steps of the organ harvesting and transplant and transfer of data from the DOR to the OPA and recipient's physician on a real time basis. In the DOR, a link is established through the on-line communication means in step 30, providing real time data that may be customized in step 32 to fit the type of organ (or tissue or other body part) and potential recipient. An incision is made in the donor in step 34 and the donor's physician and his/her support staff view the potential organ in step 36. Real time imaging of the organ may be provided in step 38 by, for example, a video camera. Data about the organ may be instantly recorded on-line in step 40, as well as entered into a database maintained by the administrator and/or the OPA, and real time reporting of the organ's condition is made to the recipient's physician in step 41. The next steps are those usually provided in organ removal, including dissection in step 42 and flushing the organ in step 44.
The organ is removed in step 46. In step 48, the staff in the DOR record anatomical information, including statistical data, which is instantly made available in step 50 through the PC or similar communication means.
As shown in Fig. 3, the organ is then moved to a back table flush in step 52 and then packed in step 54 and transported to a main organ transfer center or a perfusion laboratory in step 56, as is well known in the art. At the transfer center or perfusion laboratory, sensors may be applied to the organ and additional clinical analysis may be made in step 58, instantly stored in the database, and transmitted to the recipient's physician for evaluation.
As is well known in the art, the organ is prepared for a perfusion apparatus in step 60, and then placed on an organ perfusion pump in step 62. It is contemplated within the scope of this invention that the recipient's physician and/or the OPA
personnel may use their terminals to direct cameras and sensors to view the organ and its vital signs in step 64. The means for controlling such sensors and cameras is well known in the art.
The organ is then described yet again and analyzed in step 66 and placed on-line.
Further remote viewing of data and status of the organ and the comparison with the historical data gathered in the DOR may then be available to the OPA and the recipient's physician in step 68. The OPA or perfusion lab may then receive information for the placement of the organ in step 70. This information may be posted and made available to the OPA and the recipient's physician, as well as other physicians who may be caring for alternate recipients.
The organ is then delivered to the transplantation center in step 72 and processed.
Once more, for the safety and care of the recipient, the condition of the organ may be monitored in step 74 and the resulting data may be placed on-line and/or stored in the database. In this way, the organ is not only continuously monitored, but the recipient is not involved in the process until the receiving physician is reasonably certain that a match has been made. If no match has been made, the next recipient will be selected and the stored data will be provided instantly to that recipient's physician. In this process, the Level 3 access code would then be removed from the first recipient's physician and a _7_ riew code would be given to a new recipient's physician. The three levels of access codes protect the system from being tampered and restrict access to those with a need to know and a need to edit.
Another advantage to this system is that all data concerning organ donations are easily collected in a rational database for statistical comparisons.
Statistical data can be accumulated and compared by means of graphs and similar means. The collected information may then be used for such purposes as establishing and determining criteria for a potentially successful or unsuccessful organ donation.
Further, providing the receiving physician and the OPA with access to the information on a real-time basis enables the individual reviewing the data to remotely manipulate, monitor and analyze medical information. For example, if a digital camera is provided to view the organ, it is within the contemplation of this invention that the recipient's physician may command the camera to obtain different views of the organ and/or selectively collect on-line and/or historical data concerning the selected donated organ. The recipient's physician may also compare that data instantly with historical data about such organs to better gauge and evaluate the probabilities of a successful transplant for a particular recipient.
Contacting the recipient's physician is also simplified and made more efficient by this system. The physician is provided with his/her Level 3 access code and can be notified by e-mail or other means of the availability of an organ. The access code assures that only the authorized individual (or a designee of that individual) can gain access to the information.
The system may also be used by a medical examiner, forensic scientist, or similar occupation to determine if an organ has not been subject to "foul-play," where an autopsy would be required. The medical examiner or forensic scientist would be able to view images of the organ and review the biopsy findings and histology to make a determination. If an autopsy is not required, the organ would be available for transplant.
It is to be understood that the although there is shown the preferred embodiments of the invention, that various modifications may be made in the details thereof without departing from the spirit as comprehended by the following claims.
_g_
Claims (22)
1. A method for gathering and transmitting data relating to an organ or tissue for use in harvesting and transferring an organ or tissue from a donor to a recipient comprising:
providing on-line, real time communication means between a location of at least one of an organ and tissue and at least one receiver of data;
monitoring a status and condition of the organ or tissue from removal from the donor until delivery to the receiver of the organ or tissue;
inputting the data into the communication means as the data becomes available; and transmitting the data to the receiver of data.
providing on-line, real time communication means between a location of at least one of an organ and tissue and at least one receiver of data;
monitoring a status and condition of the organ or tissue from removal from the donor until delivery to the receiver of the organ or tissue;
inputting the data into the communication means as the data becomes available; and transmitting the data to the receiver of data.
2. The method of Claim 1 further comprising:
providing at least one access code to allow access to the transmitted data from the communication means only by the receiver of data.
providing at least one access code to allow access to the transmitted data from the communication means only by the receiver of data.
3. The method of Claim 2 further comprising:
allowing and removing access to the data by providing and canceling the at least one access code, respectively.
allowing and removing access to the data by providing and canceling the at least one access code, respectively.
4. The method of Claim 1 wherein the inputting comprises:
storing the data in at least one database.
storing the data in at least one database.
5. The method of Claim 4 further comprising:
retrieving the stored data; and displaying the data for historical comparison to monitor the condition of the at least one of an organ and tissue.
retrieving the stored data; and displaying the data for historical comparison to monitor the condition of the at least one of an organ and tissue.
6. The method of Claim 1 further comprising:
providing at least one access code to the receiver of data to provide limited access to the data.
providing at least one access code to the receiver of data to provide limited access to the data.
7. The method of Claim 6 wherein the providing comprises:
assigning at least one access code to an OPA, the at least one access code allowing the OPA to link the receiver of data to the Location of the organ or tissue by the communication means.
assigning at least one access code to an OPA, the at least one access code allowing the OPA to link the receiver of data to the Location of the organ or tissue by the communication means.
8. The method of Claim 7 wherein the assigning comprises:
providing a first and a second access code to the OPA, the OPA providing the second access code to the receiver of data to allow the receiver of data to read but not edit the data.
providing a first and a second access code to the OPA, the OPA providing the second access code to the receiver of data to allow the receiver of data to read but not edit the data.
9. The method of Claim 8 wherein the providing comprises:
permitting the OPA to cancel the access code provided to the receiver of data.
permitting the OPA to cancel the access code provided to the receiver of data.
10. The method of Claim 1 wherein the inputting comprises:
providing real-time display of images of the at least one of an organ and tissue.
providing real-time display of images of the at least one of an organ and tissue.
11. The method of Claim 1 wherein the transmitting comprises:
displaying monitored characteristics of the at least one of an organ and tissue.
displaying monitored characteristics of the at least one of an organ and tissue.
12. The method of Claim 1 wherein the transmitting comprises:
displaying jpg files.
displaying jpg files.
13. The method of Claim 1 wherein the transmitting comprises:
displaying mpeg files.
displaying mpeg files.
14. The method of Claim 1 wherein the receiver of data is at least one of a medical examiner and a forensic scientist, further comprising:
reviewing at least one of images of the organ or tissue, biopsy findings, and histology to determine if the organ or tissue is available for transplant.
reviewing at least one of images of the organ or tissue, biopsy findings, and histology to determine if the organ or tissue is available for transplant.
15. The method of Claim 1 wherein the inputting includes:
linking a donor's operating room through the communication means;
providing real-time data to an OPA and a recipient's physician, the real-time data being customizable to fit the at least one of an organ and tissue and the recipient;
providing additional data after an incision is made in the donor and the physician and support staff view the at least one of an organ and tissue;
providing real-time imaging of the at least one of an organ and tissue via a video camera;
maintaining collected data about the at least one of an organ and tissue in a database;
maintaining the database and real-time reporting of the condition of the at least one of an organ and tissue to the recipient's physician;
examining the at least one of an organ and tissue after dissection and flushing;
recording statistical data made available on a real-time basis;
applying a plurality of sensors to the at least one of an organ and tissue after performing a back table flush on the at least one of an organ and tissue;
packing the at least one of an organ and tissue and transporting the at least one of an organ and tissue to at least one of a main organ transfer center and a perfusion laboratory transmitting clinical analysis data on a real-time basis;
storing data, including the real-time data, additional data, statistical data, and clinical analysis data in the database;
transmitting the stored data to the recipient's physician;
using terminals by at least one of the recipient's physician and the OPA to direct cameras and sensors to view the at least one of an organ and tissue and vital signs;
sending the at least one of an organ and tissue to a transplantation center;
and monitoring and providing the data to the recipient's physician and the OPA.
linking a donor's operating room through the communication means;
providing real-time data to an OPA and a recipient's physician, the real-time data being customizable to fit the at least one of an organ and tissue and the recipient;
providing additional data after an incision is made in the donor and the physician and support staff view the at least one of an organ and tissue;
providing real-time imaging of the at least one of an organ and tissue via a video camera;
maintaining collected data about the at least one of an organ and tissue in a database;
maintaining the database and real-time reporting of the condition of the at least one of an organ and tissue to the recipient's physician;
examining the at least one of an organ and tissue after dissection and flushing;
recording statistical data made available on a real-time basis;
applying a plurality of sensors to the at least one of an organ and tissue after performing a back table flush on the at least one of an organ and tissue;
packing the at least one of an organ and tissue and transporting the at least one of an organ and tissue to at least one of a main organ transfer center and a perfusion laboratory transmitting clinical analysis data on a real-time basis;
storing data, including the real-time data, additional data, statistical data, and clinical analysis data in the database;
transmitting the stored data to the recipient's physician;
using terminals by at least one of the recipient's physician and the OPA to direct cameras and sensors to view the at least one of an organ and tissue and vital signs;
sending the at least one of an organ and tissue to a transplantation center;
and monitoring and providing the data to the recipient's physician and the OPA.
16. A system for gathering and transmitting data of an organ or tissue for use in harvesting and transferring the organ or tissue from a donor to a recipient comprising:
a database that receives and stores data, the data including a status and condition of at least one of an organ and tissue; and a processor that communicates between a location of the organ or tissue and at least one receiver and transmits the data to the receiver.
a database that receives and stores data, the data including a status and condition of at least one of an organ and tissue; and a processor that communicates between a location of the organ or tissue and at least one receiver and transmits the data to the receiver.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the transmitted data is accessed by inputting at least one access code.
18. The system of claim 16 wherein the receiver displays the transmitted data to a recipient's physician.
19. The system of claim 16 wherein the receiver displays images of the organ or tissue.
20. The system of claim 16 wherein the location comprises a donor's operating room and the at least one receiver comprises at least one of a recipient's physician, a medical examiner, and a forensic scientist.
21. The system of claim 16 wherein the processor communicates with an OPA.
22. The system of claim 16 wherein the database is accessed by providing an access code.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US66508800A | 2000-09-20 | 2000-09-20 | |
| US09/665,088 | 2000-09-20 | ||
| PCT/US2001/029303 WO2002025468A1 (en) | 2000-09-20 | 2001-09-20 | Transfer of organs from donor to recipient using an on-line communication system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2422219A1 true CA2422219A1 (en) | 2002-03-28 |
Family
ID=24668659
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002422219A Abandoned CA2422219A1 (en) | 2000-09-20 | 2001-09-20 | Transfer of organs from donor to recipient using an on-line communication system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2001296267A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2422219A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002025468A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20110173023A1 (en) * | 2010-01-12 | 2011-07-14 | Gryphes Inc. | Method and System for Managing Organ Transplant Transporation |
| CN105787266B (en) * | 2016-02-25 | 2018-08-17 | 深圳前海玺康医疗科技有限公司 | Telemedicine System framework based on immediate communication tool and method |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5696366A (en) * | 1994-10-05 | 1997-12-09 | Ziarno; Witold A. | Method for streamlining the giving of contribution and gift commitments |
| US5499293A (en) * | 1995-01-24 | 1996-03-12 | University Of Maryland | Privacy protected information medium using a data compression method |
| US6055512A (en) * | 1997-07-08 | 2000-04-25 | Nortel Networks Corporation | Networked personal customized information and facility services |
-
2001
- 2001-09-20 WO PCT/US2001/029303 patent/WO2002025468A1/en active Application Filing
- 2001-09-20 AU AU2001296267A patent/AU2001296267A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-09-20 CA CA002422219A patent/CA2422219A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2002025468A1 (en) | 2002-03-28 |
| AU2001296267A1 (en) | 2002-04-02 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4817050A (en) | Database system | |
| US6383136B1 (en) | Health analysis and forecast of abnormal conditions | |
| US6272470B1 (en) | Electronic clinical recording system | |
| Gillespie et al. | Development of hematopoietic cancers after implantation of total joint replacement | |
| JP5100303B2 (en) | Endoscope information management system, cleaning information management system, and cleaning information management device | |
| US20030035584A1 (en) | Combination compression and registration techniques to implement temporal subtraction as an application service provider to detect changes over time to medical imaging | |
| JP2008181528A (en) | Medical information system | |
| JP5678770B2 (en) | Emergency medical information providing method, apparatus, and program | |
| JP2005275999A5 (en) | ||
| US20130124225A1 (en) | Universal application integrator | |
| CN101281559B (en) | Interpretation support system | |
| CN108647848A (en) | The method that formula endoscope cleaning decontamination system can be traced and carry out cleaning and sterilizing using it | |
| CA2422219A1 (en) | Transfer of organs from donor to recipient using an on-line communication system | |
| JP2011048438A (en) | Apparatus and system for processing pathological diagnosis | |
| JP2000148894A (en) | Medical image information management mechanism | |
| CN108806772A (en) | Wisdom Surgery application platform manages system | |
| CN114743625B (en) | Electronic health record management method, system and computer storage medium | |
| KR102363627B1 (en) | Medical data integration management system | |
| KR19980033700A (en) | Medical Digital Image Processing System | |
| Van Walraven et al. | The importance of identifying a back-up donor for unrelated stem cell transplantation | |
| KR100761920B1 (en) | System for managing information of resting patient and method thereof | |
| KR20220097700A (en) | System and method of assiting multi disciplinary treatment service | |
| WO2023100280A1 (en) | Information processing system, information processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium | |
| CN107785067A (en) | Medical examination apparatus and medical inspection system | |
| JP2004145478A (en) | Video data provision system |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |