Tracking system for prosthetic and implantable devices

• US 20070006887A1
• Filed: 07/06/2006
• Published: 01/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: MED-Track Partners, LLC
• Original Assignee: MED-Track Partners, LLC
• Inventors: Frank, Milton
• Application Number:
  US11/482,780
• Publication Number:
  US 20070006887A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/899
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/90 Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/98 using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/38 for elbows or knees

Abstract

A system is provided for tracking prosthetic and implantable devices. The system includes, in combination, a prosthetic or implantable device and an RFID transducer fixed to the device and having lot identification information stored therein. A wand is provided which is capable of scanning the transducer and reading the recorded information. Means are also provided for storing the read information.

Claims

1. Apparatus for tracking prosthetic and implantable devices comprising, in combination, a prosthetic or implantable device and an RFID transducer fixed to said device and having a lot identification information recorded therein, a wand capable of scanning said transducer and reading said recorded information and means for storing said read information.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said transducer operates at a frequency range of 50 KHZ to 1 MHZ.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said device comprises a non-metallic part and wherein said transducer is situated internally in said non-metallic part.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein the device comprises a metallic part and said transducer is situated proximate the surface of said metallic part.

5. The combination of claim 1 further comprising means for fixing said transducer on the device.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said fixing means comprises medical grade epoxy.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said device comprises multiple components and further comprising an RFID transducer fixed to each of said components.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein each of said transducers is located in a specific quadrant of the component.

9. The combination of claim 1 for use in a warehouse wherein said device is scanned with said wand prior to being shipped for medical use.

10. The combination of claim 1 for use in a medical facility wherein said device is scanned with said wand as it is implanted.

11. The combination of claim 1 for use in a medical facility wherein said device is scanned with said wand when a patient returns for further treatment.

12. The combination of claim 1 wherein said storage means further comprises information relating to the device history.

13. The combination of claim 1 wherein said storage means further comprises information relating to the patient'"'"'s medical history.

14. The combination of claim 1 further comprising means for transmitting the stored information to the device vendor.

15. The combination of claim 7 further comprising means for verifying that the correct components of the device has been selected for use.

16. The combination of claim 1 further comprising means for recording the medical history of the patent in the transducer.