Patent ID: 6464689
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A system for controlling use of a device for treating a tissue region comprisinga controller to control operation of the device, a reader to download information to the controller, a usage key card adapted to be handled separate from the device and comprising a storage medium formatted to contain an identification code unique to the usage key card that, upon reading by the reader, is downloaded to the controller, the controller including a first data state prior to downloading of the identification code and a processing function for processing the identification code and enabling operation of the device if the identification code correlates in a pre-established manner with the first data state, the processing function operating, in response to enabling operation of the device, to change the first data state to a second data state that prevents subsequent operation of the device in response to downloading of the identification code, a display screen, and an operating system to generate a viewable image on the display screen that changes in response to processing of the identification code by the processing function.