Resilient Low-Power Module for Advanced Reprocessing Classification to Optimize Reusable Medical Device Maintenance

Abstract

This paper presents the design and evaluation of an integrable low-power electronic module that can be used to detect and classify reprocessing events of reusable medical devices. This is a novel approach for improving maintenance strategies and supporting device fleet management. A systematic development approach is used for the design of a compact and resilient electronic module. It includes low-power electronic components, while the mechanical design ensures a seamless integration into cylindrical medical instruments. An algorithm is developed, supporting ultralow power consumption, to classify the reprocessing events based on temperature thresholds and timestamps. Experimental characterization evaluates the module's classification capability, its resilience, and power consumption. The results demonstrate correct classification results for diverse reprocessing events, including short and long steam sterilization and automatic washer disinfection procedures. In addition, the module proves to withstand 400 steam sterilization cycles and is potentially able to operate independently for over a year on primary batteries. By this the module can improve device reliability by an independent, internal detection and classification of reprocessing cycles. This enables proactive maintenance and supports reducing unexpected equipment failures. This advancement helps to reduce total cost of device ownership and to achieve better healthcare outcomes by ensuring properly maintained medical devices.