Eliminating Problems Associated with the Increasing Use of Computers in Hospital Operating Rooms

SLU ID 10-015 | Input Device for Operating Room Computers

Background

Computers and devices are being used in hospital operating rooms on an increasing basis. Various input devices are used to provide input control to these computers and devices. However, these input devices have become a source of clutter and obstruction in the operating room. Moreover, some devices are not easily sterilized, which presents health concerns related to their use.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed an input device to control medical equipment currently operated with a computer mouse. This technology addresses many of the problems associated with input devices currently on the market.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Minimizing the amount of clutter and obstruction in hospital operating rooms

• Increasing ability to sterilize input devices

• Minimizing susceptibility to electromagnetic interference

• Minimizing susceptibility to moisture

• Minimizing the time it takes to learn how to use an input device for medical computers and devices

• Minimizing the complexity associated with entering information in medical computers and devices using input devices

Applications

Potential applications of this technology include:

• Inputting data and information into computers and devices in medical environments

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize this technology.