Systems and methods for monitoring and enabling use of a medical instrument

Abstract

Systems and methods monitor and enable the use of a medical instrument that is configured to be operated in a prescribed manner. The systems and methods employ a use register sized and configured to be carried by the medical instrument, which comprises a memory field for recording a start date and time at an instance of first operation of the medical instrument. The systems and methods also employ a use monitoring controller, which is adapted and configured to be coupled to the use register. The use monitoring controller includes a start validation function that compares the start date and time to a present real date and time and provides a start validation output based upon the comparison. The use monitoring controller also includes an enablement function that enables operation of the medical instrument only if the start validation output meets prescribed criteria.

1 . A system for monitoring and enabling use of a medical instrument that is configured to be operated in a prescribed manner, the system comprising 
 a use register sized and configured to be carried by the medical instrument and comprising a memory field for recording a start date and time at an instance of first operation of the medical instrument, and    a use monitoring controller adapted and configured to be coupled to the use register including a start validation function that compares the start date and time to a present real date and time and provides a start validation output based upon the comparison, and an enablement function that enables operation of the medical instrument only if the start validation output meets prescribed criteria.