DE202011050118U1 - Surgical container contents detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical container contents detection system (10) comprising container contents sensor means (28) for placement in or on a sterilization container (12), said container contents sensor means (28) comprising a support (30) and at least one sensor (32) located on or formed on said support (30) for detecting at least an identification element (34) which is arranged or formed on an item (24) mounted in the sterilization container (12) for its identification.

Description

The present invention relates to a surgical container contents detection system.

Detection systems and detection methods for surgical instruments and materials are known, for example, from DE 100 14 542 A1 known. They can be used in particular for monitoring and controlling a material flow in a hospital. A method and a device for monitoring and controlling the flow of material in a hospital are known from DE 196 14 719 A1 known.

However, an unsolved problem still is to determine which items are contained in a sterilization container without opening it. This is particularly important when the sterilization container has gone through a sterilization process with its contents. So far, it is necessary to open the sterilization container to check its contents. Disadvantage is that it is no longer sterile after opening.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device with which the contents of a sterilization container can be determined simply and reliably.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a surgical container contents detection system comprising a container contents sensor device for arranging in or on a sterilization container, which container contents sensor device comprises a carrier and at least one sensor arranged or formed on the carrier for detecting at least one identification element which is arranged on an object mounted in the sterilization container for its identification or is formed comprises.

Such a surgical container contents detection system makes it possible to automatically detect with the aid of the container contents sensor device whether and, if appropriate, which articles are contained in a sterilization container without having to open it. For this purpose, one or more sensors can be provided in particular for each object to be identified. The at least one sensor is preferably arranged or formed on the carrier in such a way that it can identify a subject stored in the sterilization container in accordance with a specific storage specification, for example a surgical instrument or an implant part, as reliably as possible. Providing a container contents sensor device in the manner described makes it possible in particular also for sterilization containers, which are made entirely of a metal, for example aluminum, to determine the contents of the sterilization container simply and reliably. In the case of metallic containers, it is virtually impossible to interrogate the contents, in particular with a reading device using electromagnetic radiation, from the outside, since a metallic container in particular shields electromagnetic radiation.

It is advantageous if the container content sensor device comprises at least one interface for coupling to a readout and / or evaluation unit for transmitting detection signals generated by the at least one sensor. The container contents sensor device can be active or passive. In particular, it may be designed to receive detection signals generated by the at least one sensor. These can then preferably be forwarded via the interface to a readout and / or evaluation unit, which then assign the detected signals in particular to the system known or stored in this objects and so can specify the contents of the sterilization container in a simple manner.

It is favorable if the at least one sensor is designed to detect identification elements in the form of transponders. Transponders are small and inexpensive and reliably enable a clear identification of objects. For example, they can be designed in the form of a so-called RFID tag. These include a memory and a transmitting and receiving unit coupled thereto, via which a content of the memory can be read out.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the container contents detection system comprises a readout and / or evaluation unit for determining the objects stored in the sterilization container as a function of detection signals generated by the at least one sensor. In other words, the readout and / or evaluation unit can determine the content of a sealed sterilization container on the basis of the detection signals of the at least one sensor, for example by comparison with data stored in the readout and / or evaluation unit.

It is advantageous if the Readout and / or evaluation with the at least one sensor can be coupled to transmit generated by the at least one sensor detection signals. Such a coupling capability enables the transmission of the detection signals from the at least one sensor to the readout and / or evaluation unit.

The handling of the system can be improved in a simple way by the readout and / or evaluation unit being contactlessly coupleable to the at least one sensor for transmitting the detection signals. For example, radio or ultrasound transmission devices may be provided here, for example, transmitting and receiving units communicating with one another on the container contents sensor device and on the readout and / or evaluation unit. For example, the read-out and / or evaluation unit may be in the form of a reading device, which then only has to be brought to a sterilization container without touching it in order to determine its content.

In order to avoid unnecessary radiation, it is advantageous if the readout and / or evaluation unit can be electrically conductively connected to the at least one sensor for transmitting the detection signals. For example, corresponding connection lines or cables can be provided for this purpose in order to connect the readout and / or evaluation unit to the container contents sensor device.

In order to be able to determine objects in a sterilization container safely, it is favorable if the container contents detection system comprises a detector for detecting an identification element and if the detector comprises the at least one sensor. In other words, the at least one sensor forms part of the detector.

It is also advantageous if the detector comprises the readout and / or evaluation unit. To indicate to an operator, for example optically and / or acoustically, which objects are contained in the sterilization container, the detector comprises the readout and / or evaluation unit. For example, the detector could be designed in the form of a reading device, which comprises both the sensor and the readout and / or evaluation unit. It is also conceivable, however, to divide the detector into at least two mutually, optionally spatially, separate units, namely the at least one sensor and the readout and / or evaluation unit. This makes it possible to design the readout and / or evaluation unit in such a way that it does not necessarily have to be steam sterilizable. Only the at least one sensor, if it must, for example, through or through a steam sterilization in the sterilization container, must be designed accordingly in order to be able to withstand the ambient conditions prevailing in steam sterilization.

For example, identification elements in the form of transponders can be detected and evaluated in a simple manner if the detector is designed in the form of a transponder reading device.

It is favorable if the carrier comprises a plurality of sensors. For example, a sensor may be provided for each item to be stored in the sterilization container. It is also conceivable to provide two or more sensors for each item to be identified.

The container contents sensor device can be designed in a particularly simple and compact manner if the at least one sensor comprises a coil. Coils can be arranged very flat and space-saving on a support.

Conveniently, the at least one sensor is designed in the form of a transponder. These can be small, compact and inexpensive to provide for the formation of the system.

Preferably, the transponder is in the form of an RFID transponder. The acronym RFID is based on the English term "Radio Frequency Identification". This can be translated into German as "identification by means of electromagnetic waves". Such transponders are small and inexpensive available on the market.

Conveniently, the at least one sensor is arranged in a recess of the carrier. In this way, the at least one sensor can be protected, for example, before the application of superheated steam in the course of a sterilization process.

A particularly good protection of the at least one sensor can be achieved if the carrier completely surrounds the at least one sensor.

Stability of the carrier can be improved, for example, by the carrier surrounding the at least one sensor at least partially positively. Preferably, the carrier surrounds the at least one sensor completely positive fit. In this way, unwanted cavities can be avoided, in which moisture can also penetrate in the worst case.

In order to enable reuse of the container contents sensor device, it is advantageous if the carrier is made of a steam-sterilisable material. The container contents sensor device can then remain in the sterilization container, for example, before it is again fitted with unsterile objects in order to subsequently undergo a sterilization process.

The container contents sensor device can be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner if the carrier is made of a plastic. The carrier may in particular be a rigid or even a flexible or elastic carrier act.

It is advantageous if the carrier is designed in the form of a mat. This may in particular also have protruding nubs to protect stored in the sterilization container items from damage. In particular, pimples can be designed to be shock-absorbing.

The handling of the container contents detection system can be further improved, for example, by the fact that the carrier is designed in the form of a packing template on which objects to be stored in the sterilization container are shown at least schematically. For example, outlines of the objects can be depicted on the support, which point to an operator or serve as an instruction as to where and how which objects are to be stored in the sterilization container. The packing template can also be designed, for example, in the form of a mat. It does not necessarily have to be rigid or stiff, but it can also be flexible and / or elastic.

It is favorable if the container contents detection system comprises a sterilization container with a container lower part and a container upper part for closing the container lower part. The sterilization container can be designed in particular matched to the container contents sensor device. Conversely, the container contents sensor device can also be adapted to the sterilization container, in particular with regard to the shape and size of both parts.

In order to be able to easily clean the sterilization container, it is advantageous if the container upper part and / or the container lower part are detachably connectable to the carrier. For example, so the container contents sensor device can be easily separated from the sterilization container.

It is advantageous if the container contents sensor device is arranged or held on the container upper part or on the container lower part. It is also conceivable to arrange in each case a container contents sensor device on the container lower part and on the container upper part. Such an approach, for example, also allows a redundant check of the contents of the sterilization container, so that the failure of one of the two container contents sensor device nevertheless still makes it possible to reliably determine the contents of the sterilization container.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the container contents detection system comprises a screen basket with at least one storage device for at least one item to be stored in the screen basket and that the screen basket can be introduced into the sterilization container. In other words, the strainer basket is preferably designed such that it can be inserted into the container lower part of the sterilization container and the container lower part can then be closed with the strainer basket located therein with the container upper part.

Preferably, the container contents sensor device is arranged or held in the strainer basket. With the removal of the screen basket from, for example, the container lower part, the container contents sensor device can thus also be removed from the sterilization container.

It is advantageous if an interface device is arranged or formed on the container upper part and / or on the container lower part, which can be coupled on the one hand to the at least one interface of the container contents sensor device and on the other hand to the readout and / or evaluation unit for transmitting detection signals generated by the at least one sensor. For example, the interface device may be formed on the carrier in the form of contacts, for example, plug contacts or sockets, which may be mechanically connected to an electrical interface device on the sterilization container. The readout and / or evaluation unit can be coupled, for example, with a connection cable or a corresponding connection line directly or indirectly to the interface device, so as to enable a connection for the exchange of detection signals generated by the at least one sensor.

It is favorable if the container contents detection system comprises at least one article on which at least one identification element is arranged or formed. Such equipped articles can be easily and securely detected with the container contents sensor device when they are on the sterilization container.

It is advantageous if the at least one object is a medical or surgical instrument, an implant, an implant part or a screen basket. Of course, this list is not exhaustive. Also, other articles used in medicine, preferably in surgery, which must be steam sterilized may form articles of the container contents detection system in this sense.

A simple and secure identification of an object can be achieved in particular by the fact that the at least one identification element is designed in the form of a transponder.

It is advantageous if at least one display device is provided for displaying a content of a sterilization container. Thus, an operator can have the contents of the sterilization container, for example, displayed schematically or in the form of a parts list as needed.

No additional connecting elements, for example cables, are required if the at least one display device is arranged or formed on the sterilization container.

Depending on the storage location and type, it may be advantageous if the at least one display device is arranged or formed on the container top part and / or on the container bottom part. In other words, container bottoms and container tops can be provided with or without display and arbitrarily combined with each other to form a sterilization container.

According to a further preferred embodiment it can be provided that the read-out and / or evaluation unit comprises the at least one display device. For example, the display device can thus be formed separately from the sterilization container and coupled with it only when necessary. As a result, it is not necessary to design the display device, as well as the readout and / or evaluation unit, in such a way that they can be sterilized by hot steam.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:

1 : a schematic overview of a container contents detection system;

1A a fragmentary schematic representation of a variant of a container contents detection system;

2 a further schematic representation of another embodiment of a container contents detection system;

3 a schematic, partially broken view of a closed sterilization container in determining its content;

4 a schematic representation of a screen basket and a cooperating with this container content sensor means in the form of a mat or packing template; and

5 a schematic representation of a screen basket with disposed therein or integrated container content sensor means.

In 1 is schematically a first embodiment of a total with the reference numeral 10 designated surgical container contents detection system shown schematically. It includes a sterilization container 12 with a trough-shaped container bottom 14 and a lid forming a container top 16 for closing the container base 14 ,

Furthermore, the container contents detection system comprises 10 , below only as a system 10 denotes a screen basket 18 for insertion into the container base 14 , In the sieve basket 18 is a storage facility 20 provided, which a plurality of mutually parallel, strip-shaped bearing elements 22 with bearing recesses for defined storage of objects 24 , At the objects 24 These may be, in particular, medical and surgical instruments exemplified in the figures 26 or act in the figures not shown implants or implant parts.

Furthermore, the system includes 10 a container contents sensor device 28 , It includes a carrier 30 in the form of a mat or packing template. On the carrier 30 are one or more sensors 32 for detecting an identification element 34 arranged or formed. Every object 24 includes at least one such identification element 34 to identify him clearly. The identification element 34 is preferably in the form of a transponder 36 formed, which may be provided for example in the form of a so-called RFID chip. Preferably, the identification elements 34 on handle elements 40 arranged or formed the objects.

The carrier 30 is preferably made of a plastic and may be rigid or rigid or flexible and / or elastic. The latter embodiment is preferably provided when the carrier 30 is formed in the form of a mat. The sensors 32 can on the carrier 30 be glued on. Alternatively, they can also in a not-shown recess of the wearer 30 be arranged or formed. Preferably, the carrier surrounds 30 the sensors 32 completely to protect her. Preferably, the carrier surrounds 30 the sensors 32 form-fitting. For example, the sensors can 32 for manufacturing the container contents sensor device 28 with the material from which the carrier is formed, cast or shed.

Is the carrier 30 formed in the form of a packing template, are preferably contours 42 or pictures in the sterilization container 12 to be stored 24 shown schematically. The contours 42 especially on the carrier 30 imprinted, engraved in it or applied by laser inscription or the like on him.

The sensors 32 are preferably within the contours 42 or in the area of the same arranged in such a way that they in the greatest possible proximity to the identification elements 34 stand when the objects 24 according to the regulations in the strainer basket 18 are stored.

The sensors 32 , which may for example comprise a coil, are electrically conductive in a manner not shown with an interface 44 connected to one or more contacts 46 may have, which with a correspondingly formed interface device 48 can be brought into engagement. Electrical cables for connecting the interface 44 with the sensors, for example, on the carrier 30 imprinted or cast in these. The interface device 48 can for example on the container bottom 14 arranged or formed, as exemplified in 1 represented, or on the container shell 16 as exemplified in 2 shown. This allows the wearer 30 either at the bottom of the container 14 as exemplified in 1 represented, arranged or on the container top 16 as exemplified in 2 shown. It is also possible the carrier 30 directly in the strainer basket 18 to arrange, as exemplified in 5 shown.

Of course, it is also conceivable, both at the bottom of the container 14 as well as container base 16 an interface device 48 provided to allow the most flexible use of the sterilization container.

The interface device 48 is at or in an opening of a wall 50 of the sterilization container 12 arranged or formed and allows coupling with one from the system 10 included readout and / or evaluation unit 52 , For example, the interface device 48 on an outside of the sterilization container 12 corresponding contact sockets 54 include that with a connector 56 , which at a free end of a connecting line 58 is arranged or engageable engageable to an electrically conductive connection between the interface device 48 and the readout and / or evaluation unit 52 train. The readout and / or evaluation unit 52 can in particular an ad 60 include to the contents of the sterilization container 12 graphically, as exemplified in 3 represented or in the form of a list. Optionally, it would be conceivable to make the readout and / or evaluation unit connectable to a computer system so as to automatically also track the objects 24 in a hospital, for example.

Alternatively, a display forming a display device may also be provided 60a in the fragmentary in 1A schematically illustrated sterilization container 12a at the bottom of the container 14a be arranged or formed. An arrangement or training on the container top is possible in principle.

The system described above 10 thus allows a coupling of the readout and / or evaluation 52 preferably with each of the provided sensors 32 the container contents sensor device 28 , This is useful to get from the one or more sensors 32 generated detection signals to the readout and / or evaluation 52 to transmit to determine the contents of the sterilization container 12 ,

Optionally, instead of a cable connection between the sterilization container 12 and the readout and / or evaluation 52 Also, a wireless connection may be provided, for example by a radio or ultrasonic connection, to detection signals of the sensors 32 to the readout and / or evaluation unit 52 to convey. The interface device 48 in this case comprises a transmitting and receiving unit suitable for non-contact transmission of the detection signals.

The described system 10 thus comprises a detector forming a transponder reading device 62 for detecting an identification element 34 , which on the one hand the at least one sensor 32 and second, the readout and / or evaluation unit 52 includes. Unlike standard handheld readers for reading transponders is the system 10 the detector 62 thus formed in two parts. One or more sensors 32 are as part of the container contents sensor device 28 inside the sterilization container 12 arranged to depend on the presence of identification elements 34 of items stored in the sterilization container 24 To generate detection signals. The evaluation of the detection signals is then carried out in particular in the with the sensors 32 thus releasably connectable readout and / or evaluation unit 52 which would be housed in a transponder handheld reader, for example, in a common housing with the sensors.

The container contents sensor device 28 inside the sterilization container 12 To arrange has the particular advantage that the container contents even when the sterilization container is closed 12 can be determined, especially even if the sterilization container 12 made entirely of a metal, for example aluminum. Due to the shielding effect of metals for electromagnetic radiation is a query of the contents of the sterilization container 12 not suitable for reading transponders with a standard handheld reader.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10014542 A1 [0002]
• DE 19614719 A1 [0002]

Claims (34)

Surgical container contents detection system ( 10 ) comprising a container contents sensor device ( 28 ) for placement in or on a sterilization container ( 12 ), which container contents sensor device ( 28 ) a carrier ( 30 ) and at least one on the carrier ( 30 ) arranged or formed sensor ( 32 ) for detecting at least one identification element ( 34 ), which is attached to a sterilization container ( 12 ) stored object ( 24 ) is arranged or designed to identify it. Container contents detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the container contents sensor device ( 28 ) at least one interface ( 44 ) for coupling to a readout and / or evaluation unit ( 52 ) for transmission with the at least one sensor ( 32 ) generated detection signals. Container contents detection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one sensor ( 32 ) is designed to detect identification elements ( 34 ) in the form of transponders ( 36 ). Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a readout and / or evaluation unit ( 52 ) for determining in the sterilization container ( 12 ) stored objects ( 24 ) depending on the at least one sensor ( 32 ) generated detection signals. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the readout and / or evaluation unit ( 52 ) with the at least one sensor ( 32 ) can be coupled to transmit with the at least one sensor ( 32 ) generated detection signals. Container contents detection system according to claim 5, characterized in that the readout and / or evaluation unit ( 52 ) with the at least one sensor ( 32 ) for transmitting the detection signals contactlessly coupled. Container content detection system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the readout and / or evaluation unit ( 52 ) with the at least one sensor ( 32 ) is electrically conductively connectable for transmitting the detection signals. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a detector ( 62 ) for detecting an identification element, which detector ( 62 ) the at least one sensor ( 32 ). Container contents detection system according to claim 8, characterized in that the detector ( 62 ) the readout and / or evaluation unit ( 52 ). Container contents detection system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the detector ( 62 ) is designed in the form of a transponder reading device. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 30 ) a plurality of sensors ( 32 ). Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sensor ( 32 ) comprises a coil. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sensor ( 32 ) in the form of a transponder ( 36 ) is trained. Container contents detection system according to claim 13, characterized in that the transponder ( 36 ) in the form of an RFID transponder ( 38 ) is trained. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sensor ( 32 ) in a recess of the carrier ( 30 ) is arranged. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 30 ) the at least one sensor ( 32 ) completely surrounds. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 30 ) the at least one sensor ( 32 ) surrounds at least partially positively. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 30 ) is made of a steam-sterilizable material. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 30 ) is made of a plastic. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 30 ) is formed in the form of a mat. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 30 ) in the form of a packing template, on which in the sterilization container ( 12 ) to be stored ( 24 ) are shown at least schematically. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sterilization container ( 12 ) with a container lower part ( 14 ) and a container top ( 16 ) for closing the container lower part ( 14 ). Container contents detection system according to claim 22, characterized in that the container top part ( 16 ) and / or the container lower part ( 14 ) with the carrier ( 30 ) are releasably connectable. Container contents detection system according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the container contents sensor device ( 28 ) on the container top ( 16 ) or on the container bottom ( 14 ) is arranged or held. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a strainer basket ( 18 ) with at least one storage device ( 20 ) for at least one in the strainer basket ( 18 ) to be stored ( 24 ), which sieve basket ( 18 ) into the sterilization container ( 12 ) can be introduced. Container contents detection system according to claim 25, characterized in that the container contents sensor device ( 28 ) in the strainer basket ( 18 ) is arranged or held. Container contents detection system according to one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that on the container upper part ( 16 ) and / or on the container lower part ( 14 ) an interface device ( 48 ) is arranged or formed, which on the one hand with the at least one interface ( 44 ) of the container contents sensor device ( 28 ) and on the other hand with the readout and / or evaluation unit ( 52 ) for transmitting with the at least one sensor ( 32 ) Detection signals can be coupled. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one article ( 24 ), on which at least one identification element ( 34 ) is arranged or formed. Container contents detection system according to claim 28, characterized in that the at least one article ( 24 ) a medical or surgical instrument ( 26 ), an implant, an implant part or a strainer basket. Container contents detection system according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the at least one identification element ( 34 ) in the form of a transponder ( 36 ) is trained. Container contents detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one display device ( 60 ; 60a ) for displaying a contents of a sterilization container ( 12 ). Container contents detection system according to claim 31, characterized in that the at least one display device ( 60a ) on the sterilization container ( 12 ) is arranged or formed. Container contents detection system according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the at least one display device ( 60a ) on the container top ( 16 ) and / or on the container lower part ( 14 ) is arranged or formed. Container content detection system according to one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the readout and / or evaluation unit ( 52 ) the at least one display device ( 60 ).

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