Importance

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Abstract

A medical radiation treatment system is disclosed for identifying and monitoring the use of disposable or reusable optical fibers or other optical accessories. The treatment system comprises a radiation source unit connected to a recognition/control unit, and a medical radiation delivery system connected to an identification/recordation unit. This forms a read-write system to ensure that radiation parameters conform to delivery device characteristics, and to prevent the use of overused or incompatible delivery devices. This is achieved by reading previously encoded information in the identification/recordation unit that provides all usage history, including number of uses or total duration of use. The encoded information is updated after use, and preferably frequently or continuously during use, to guarantee a complete usage history even after an incomplete treatment. Additionally, the treatment system can differentiate between completed treatments, incomplete treatments and calibration, to retain an accurate record of all the stresses on a fiber. A transponder sends information to the source unit, and also receives and writes information to a non-volatile memory chip or other storage means. The identification/recordation unit, including the transponder and memory, is powered by sending/receiving means in the recognition/control unit without physical, optical or electrical connection between the source unit and delivery system.

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First Claim