PC Interface and Control Technology of Foot Switch / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To realize foot switch long-distance control of PC for medical image acquisition. Methods The foot switch was connected with PC through RS232 DB9 port, and the software was programmed by Microsoft Visual C++6.0 on Windows 2000 operating system. Results Foot switch control of PC was successfully achieved in acquiring medical images. Conclusion The foot switch has the advantages of long-distance and foot control of PC. It not only saves manpower but ensures the accuracy and real time of images acquired. This method can be applied to image acquisition workstations for medical equipments such as CT apparatus, X-ray apparatus, Ultrasound apparatus, Endoscope apparatus and so on.

A Case Report on the Meniscal Tear due to Repetitive Foot-Switch Stepping / 예방의학회지

Injuries to the menisci occur in a variety of ways, most commonly with a twist, pivot, squat, or valgus stress to the knee. Tear patterns are classified to longitudinal, horizontal, or transverse features according to the mechanism of injury. Work-related meniscal tear usually occurs with a repetitive usage of the foot, hence it can be classified as a cumulative traumatic disorder. We found a 47 year-old female worker who had been taking charge of repetitive foot-switch stepping for 8 years. She suffered from pain in the right knee since 5 months ago. Tenderness along the medial joint line of the right knee was observed and pain was aggravated with full flexion of the right knee. On magnetic resonance imaging, high signal intensity was observed at the posterior horn of the medial meniscus of the right knee. Degenerative longitudinal and transverse complex tear in the medial meniscus was observed on arthroscopy. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was performed. We surveyed the work process and the health status of co-workers. It turned out that the work process was compatible to injure the meniscus and nine out of fourteen co-workers(64.3%) complained pain of the knee. No other factors related to her meniscal tear could be found except for the situation at her work. Therefore, we conclude that meniscal tear is related to the repetitive stepping of foot switch.

Development of a linear foot switch with optical encoder / 医疗卫生装备

The linear foot switch,which is the main control part of cataract ultrasonic emulsification system,has important effect on the overall performance of the system.In this paper,the development of a linear foot switch with optical encoder is introduced in such aspects as mechanical constitution,counting circuit and control software.This linear foot switch has many advantages including digital output,simple configuration,easy operation,sensitive response etc,and shows extensive prospects for clinical applications.