Sensor system for endoscope disinfection

The given task

For use in the endoscope cleaning machine ETD3, Olympus needed a complete sensor solution for identification, leakage detection and disinfection verification for the individual endoscopes. These units support the demanding documentation requirements of hospital environments.

The solution

Identification of the individual endoscopes is accomplished by a customized RFID solution that m-u-t has developed for use in ETD3 machines. The endoscopes are equipped with RFID chips, which are automatically identified when the endoscopes are inserted into the washing chamber of the ETD3. Special reading antennas have been developed to overcome the limitations caused by the all-metal machine structure.

For measuring the flow of disinfection liquids through the endoscopes, a special flow control system has been designed. This unit is capable of measuring flows of less then 50ml per minute with high precision. This allows detection of blocked channels inside the endoscope.

Leakage testing of endoscopes is an important task to assure full functionality of the device. m-u-t developed a pressure measurement based methods of testing which uses pressure measurements of values down to 5mBar. These small values allow the detection of smallest leaks of the endoscope membranes.

All m-u-t units for ETD3 use are connected to a local bus system, which is also accessible via networks like Internet or telephone line to support remote management of the machines.

Today, m-u-t is in charge of production and life-cycle-support for major ETD3 sensor components. All these components undergo continuous optimization to fullfil the demanding Olympus requests for tomorrow.

Electro stimulation for wound healing

The given task

Cutting costs in hospitals for treatment of decubitus patients was the idea behind this project. The key to success is the shortening of the wound healing processes in the human skin. Stimulated DC pulses can achieve this. These pulses reactivate biochemical processes in the affected skin.

The solution

m-u-t developed a mobile, battery powered solution for easy handling in the daily hospital routine. The unit produces low-frequency DC-pulses to adjust the electrical potential between the cells in the skin. This initiates increased wound healing effects. Operating parameters like pulse frequency, voltage level e.g. can be easily adjusted by the nurse to fit every patients needs. The pulses are brought to the skin of the patient via a special set of electrodes connected to the device.
  

m-u-t is certified according to ISO13485, which is needed to design and manufacture medical products like this wound healing device, also a certified medical device according to MPG IIa.

Shipping of units started in early 2006, the systems are now in daily hospital use for approved treatment of ulcus cruris and decubitus.