AUTOCLAVE SYSTEM USING RFID TAGS ON A CASE AND/OR INSTRUMENTS

Abstract

An autoclave system for sterilizing surgical instruments includes a sterilization case, at least one surgical instrument within the case, and at least one RFID tag associated with the case. Each RFID tag provides a wireless output signal representing a sterilization parameter associated with one or more surgical instruments. An autoclave receives the sterilization case, and includes a controller for controlling an autoclave cycle of the autoclave, dependent upon the wireless output signal from the RFID tag.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an autoclave system of the present invention.

Claims

1. An autoclave system for sterilizing surgical instruments, comprising: a sterilization case;at least one surgical instrument within said case;at least one RFID tag associated with said case, each said RFID tag providing a wireless output signal representing a sterilization parameter associated with at least one said surgical instrument; andan autoclave for receiving said sterilization case, said autoclave including a controller for controlling an autoclave cycle of said autoclave, dependent upon said wireless output signal from said RFID tag.

2. The autoclave system of claim 1, wherein said output signal includes information pertaining to a required autoclave cycle for at least one said instrument.

3. The autoclave system of claim 1, wherein said at least one RFID tag includes an RFID tag mounted to said case.

4. The autoclave system of claim 3, wherein said RFID tag mounted to said case is a long range tag capable of transmission over 50 feet.

5. The autoclave system of claim 4, including a base station in communication with each of said RFID tag and said controller.

6. The autoclave system of claim 1, wherein said at least one RFID tag includes an RFID tag mounted to one of said instruments.

7. The autoclave system of claim 6, wherein said RFID tag mounted to said one instrument is a long range tag capable of transmission over 50 feet.

8. The autoclave system of claim 6, wherein said at least one instrument is one of a disposable instrument and a heat sensitive instrument, and said at least one RFID tag includes an RFID tag mounted to said instrument, said RFID tag providing a stop cycle output signal used by said controller to prevent an autoclave cycle.

9. The autoclave system of claim 6, wherein said RFID tag includes a sensor for sensing a physical parameter associated with said instrument.

10. The autoclave system of claim 9, wherein said physical parameter includes at least one of bacteria presence and water presence on said instrument.

11. The autoclave system of claim 1, wherein said wireless output signal is received and used directly by said controller to set said autoclave cycle.

12. The autoclave system of claim 1, wherein said autoclave cycle includes at least one of temperature and time.

13. A method of sterilizing surgical instruments, comprising: placing a surgical instrument within a sterilization case, at least one of said surgical instrument and said case coupled with an RFID tag;transmitting a wireless output signal from said RFID tag representing a sterilization parameter associated with said surgical instrument;setting an autoclave cycle for an autoclave, dependent upon said wireless output signal from said RFID tag; andautoclaving said case, including said surgical instrument, using said set autoclave cycle.

14. The method of sterilizing surgical instruments of claim 13, wherein said RFID tag is mounted to said case.

15. The method of sterilizing surgical instruments of claim 13, wherein said RFID tag is mounted to said surgical instrument.

16. The method of sterilizing surgical instruments of claim 15, wherein said surgical instrument is one of a disposable instrument and a heat sensitive instrument, and said RFID tag provides a stop cycle output signal to prevent an autoclave cycle.