FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to medical devices and specifically to scanner devices and methods for identifying and storing information emitted by implanted medical devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical implants are devices or tissues that are placed inside or on the surface of the body. Many implants are prosthetics, intended to replace missing body parts. Other implants deliver medication, monitor body functions, or provide support to organs and tissues. Some implants are made from skin, bone or other body tissues. Others are made from metal, plastic, ceramic or other materials. Implants can be placed permanently, or they can be removed once they are no longer needed. For example, stents or hip implants are intended to be permanent. Over time, medical implants can move, break, or stop working properly.

Unique Device Identification (“UDI”), is a system developed and mandated by the FDA to accurately find, track, store, and manage medical devices throughout their distribution and use. Every medical device that is produced and sold in the healthcare market must be labeled with a different numeric or alphanumeric code that contains specific information about its manufacturer, expiration date, etc. Like many barcoding systems, each identifier will have two components-machine-readable, for instant computer-based recognition, and human-readable, to serve as a “two-point check” that the device is valid.

