Limited use medical probe
First Claim
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1. A medical probe for use with a medical device, the medical probe comprising:
- a sensor or an effector;
a probe communications port for communicating and transferring data between the medical probe and the medical device;
a probe memory having data stored therein for facilitating a security function and one or more other functions, including a probe auto-identification function, a probe re-identification function, or a probe functional test sequence, when the medical probe is used in conjunction with the medical device; and
wherein the probe memory further includes a reuse authorization function for reprocessing the medical probe.
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Abstract
A limited use medical probe is disclosed, including a memory for maintaining a use value. The medical probe is coupled to a medical device that inhibits its function when the use value reaches a predetermined threshold value, preventing improper use of the probe. The probe memory may also store identification, usage, and clinical data. A probe auto-identification function, a probe re-identification function and a probe functional test sequence are disclosed for the medical probe. After use, a reprocessing step may reset the probe memory, permitting further probe use.
408 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A medical probe for use with a medical device, the medical probe comprising:
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a sensor or an effector;
a probe communications port for communicating and transferring data between the medical probe and the medical device;
a probe memory having data stored therein for facilitating a security function and one or more other functions, including a probe auto-identification function, a probe re-identification function, or a probe functional test sequence, when the medical probe is used in conjunction with the medical device; and
wherein the probe memory further includes a reuse authorization function for reprocessing the medical probe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A medical reprocessing system comprising:
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a medical reprocessor; and
a medical probe having a sensor or an effector, a probe communications port and a probe memory having a security function and a reuse authorization function for reprocessing the medical probe. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A method for reprocessing a medical probe in a medical reprocessing system having a medical reprocessor, the medical probe having a probe memory with a reuse authorization function therein for reprocessing the medical probe, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) coupling the medical probe to the medical reprocessor in the medical reprocessing system;
(b) using the reuse authorization function for seeking authorization to reprocess the medical probe; and
(c) disabling the medical probe, if the reuse authorization fails;
or clearing the probe memory and storing new contents therein to permit further use of the medical probe, if the reuse authorization is successful. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification