System and Method of Detecting Fluid and Leaks in Thermal Treatment System Basins

Abstract

A drape including a sensing device according to the present invention is disposed over a top surface of a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein. A portion of the drape is pushed down into the basin to form a drape container for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may be of the type that either heats or congeals the sterile medium. The sensing device includes electrodes that are typically disposed through the drape and sealed. The electrodes provide signals indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks or other conditions within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device includes a fuse to limit the drape to a single use. The system disables the fuse to indicate prior use and detects tampering to bypass the fuse, thereby preventing use of the drape for subsequent medical procedures.

1 . A device for facilitating control of thermal treatment of a thermal treatment system basin and sterile medium contained therein, said device comprising:
 a surgical drape to cover and substantially conform to said basin to serve as a drape container for said sterile medium; and   an interface device external of said thermal treatment system and including:
 a connector coupling said interface device to said thermal treatment system; and 
 a processor to provide control signals to said thermal treatment system to control operation of that system.