Surgical dressing inventory smart reconciliation system

Abstract

This invention relates to an intelligent surgical dressing counting and verification system, comprising: an intelligent surgical dressing, internally encapsulated with a passive RFID chip, the passive RFID chip pre-stored with the dressing's unique identification code and specification information; a handheld scanning device configured with at least two scanning modes: a first scanning mode and a second scanning mode, the handheld scanning device being used to read the passive RFID chip information in the intelligent surgical dressing in a non-contact manner under the corresponding scanning mode; and a processing host, communicatively connected to the handheld scanning device. The RFID read / write module of the handheld scanning device can instantly scan all dressings within an area in a non-contact, non-line-of-sight manner, regardless of whether the dressings are stained with blood, folded, or stacked, completely eliminating the possibility of human visual misjudgment, omissions, and duplicate counting, preventing medical accidents caused by dressings remaining inside the body, and providing technical assurance for surgical safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of medical devices and medical information technology, specifically to an intelligent verification system for surgical dressing inventory. Background Technology

[0002] In all types of surgical procedures, a thorough and accurate inventory of all surgical dressings before the operation is a core step and mandatory standard to prevent them from being left inside the patient's body cavity and to ensure surgical safety. Any dressing left inside the body can lead to serious postoperative complications such as infection, abscess, intestinal obstruction, and even endanger the patient's life, as well as causing major medical accidents and legal disputes.

[0003] Currently, this crucial process relies entirely on manual operation by operating room nurses. Typically, nurses need to visually identify, manually check, verbally count, and cross-check with another nurse before finally recording it on a paper sheet. This traditional model has many inherent flaws and risks in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of the operating room: First, manual counting relies heavily on the operator's concentration and physical strength, making it prone to errors during prolonged surgeries due to fatigue, distraction, or emergency situations. Second, dressings are often heavily stained with blood, bodily fluids, iodine, etc., after use, making their color and shape difficult to identify. Folding, stacking, or sticking together can also lead to visual omissions or double counting. Third, the counting process lacks objective, real-time, and automated verification and validation mechanisms. Errors are often only discovered after abdominal closure or even during postoperative instrument pack counting, at which point remedial measures become extremely complex and risky, often requiring reopening the incision for exploration, causing secondary harm to the patient. Finally, traditional counting records are mostly paper documents or rely on the immediate memory and manual recording of medical staff. The process data is fragmented, incomplete, and difficult to preserve long-term, failing to achieve full-process digital traceability. In the event of a medical dispute or quality review, the lack of a legally valid, objective, detailed, and tamper-proof electronic chain of evidence poses a significant challenge to hospital management and doctor-patient relationships. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent verification system for surgical dressing counting, which effectively solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0006] The intelligent verification system for surgical dressing inventory includes: intelligent surgical dressings, which are encapsulated with a passive RFID chip. The passive RFID chip contains a unique identification code and specification information of the dressing. The handheld scanning device is equipped with at least two scanning modes: a first scanning mode and a second scanning mode. The handheld scanning device is used to read the passive RFID chip information in the smart surgical dressing in a non-contact manner in the corresponding scanning mode. The processing host, which communicates with the handheld scanning device, is used for: Receive and record the first set of identification codes obtained by scanning in the first scanning mode; Receive and record the set of second identification codes obtained by scanning in the second scanning mode; Based on the first set of identification codes, the second set of identification codes, and the preset preoperative dressing list, the system automatically identifies the dressings that have been used and the dressings that remain, and calculates the real-time quantity of each type of dressing. An alarm is triggered when the sum of the used and remaining dressings does not match the total number on the preoperative dressing list, or when there is a discrepancy in the number of dressings of a specific specification. The surgical log generation module is used to record and generate a complete electronic inventory log corresponding to a single surgical case during a single surgical procedure.

[0007] Furthermore, the first scanning mode is the dressing scan mode, which is used to scan the dressing in the surgical wound area, waste bin, or designated contaminated area; The second scanning mode is the unused dressing scanning mode, used to scan dressings in the sterile dressing storage area on the instrument table.

[0008] Furthermore, the handheld scanning device includes a housing, a main control unit, an RFID reader / writer module, an antenna, a mode selection unit, and a communication unit; The mode selection unit is used to receive user commands to switch between the first scan mode and the second scan mode; The main control unit controls the RFID reading and writing module to scan according to the selected mode, and binds the current mode identifier with the scanned identity code data, and then sends it to the processing host through the communication unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the mode selection unit can be a physical switch located on the housing, a virtual button integrated on the touchscreen, or a voice recognition module.

[0010] Furthermore, the intelligent surgical dressing is at least one of gauze, cotton balls, gauze strips, gauze pads, or brain cotton pads; The passive RFID chip is encapsulated in the edge, corner or internal layer of the dressing, and the pre-stored information also includes the production batch number and expiration date.

[0011] Furthermore, the processing host also includes a display module for displaying the following information in real time, divided into zones: The preoperative dressing list, the set of first identification codes that are in use and their statistical information, the set of second identification codes that are in unused status and their statistical information, and the current verification results and alarm status.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes audible and visual alarms, used to provide audible and visual warnings when an alarm is triggered.

[0013] Furthermore, the electronic inventory log is a structured data file that supports retrieval and export by surgical case, time, dressing type, or alarm type.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows.

[0015] 1. This invention utilizes the unique identification feature of passive RFID chips to give each dressing a unique identification characteristic. The RFID reader / writer module of a handheld scanning device can instantly scan all dressings within a designated area in a non-contact, non-line-of-sight manner, regardless of whether the dressings are stained with blood, folded, or stacked. This completely eliminates the possibility of human error, omissions, and duplicate counting, preventing medical accidents caused by dressings remaining inside the body and providing technical assurance for surgical safety.

[0016] 2. This invention automatically generates electronic inventory logs, which not only support multi-dimensional historical queries and statistical analysis for optimizing departmental consumables management and assessing nurses' operational standards, but also serve as legally valid objective evidence. In the event of a medical dispute, the logs clearly reconstruct the inventory process, clarify the boundaries of responsibility, provide medical institutions with strong evidentiary materials, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of both doctors and patients.

[0017] 3. This invention significantly reduces surgical interruptions or delays caused by waiting for manual counting, by reducing the time spent on each area count from several minutes to several seconds. This not only speeds up the surgical pace and improves the turnover efficiency of the operating room, but also reduces patient anesthesia time and optimizes the overall utilization of medical resources. At the same time, automated counting also reduces the workload of operating room nurses in repetitive and high-pressure tasks. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the workflow of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Please see Figures 1-2 The intelligent verification system for surgical dressing inventory provided by the present invention includes: an intelligent surgical dressing, which is internally encapsulated with a passive RFID chip, and the passive RFID chip pre-stores the unique identification code and specification information of the dressing. Taking the most common gauze as an example, during the production process, a miniature UHF passive RFID chip is encapsulated in the non-woven fabric interlayer at the edge of the gauze using medical hot melt adhesive. The chip is coated with a biocompatible parylene coating to ensure its stability and biosafety during high-pressure steam sterilization cycles. At the end of the production line, the chip is pre-written with a globally unique 96-bit EPC code and user storage data using a dedicated writer, making the chip and the dressing body form an inseparable integrated structure.

[0021] The handheld scanning device is equipped with at least two scanning modes: a first scanning mode and a second scanning mode. The handheld scanning device is used to read the passive RFID chip information in the smart surgical dressing in a non-contact manner in the corresponding scanning mode.

[0022] The handheld scanning device integrates RFID reading and writing functions and is equipped with at least two logically independent scanning modes: a first scanning mode and a second scanning mode. The operator switches between these modes according to the actual scenario. Regardless of the mode, the device reads the chip information of all smart dressings within its effective sensing range in a single, non-contact manner. The device incorporates a high-performance antenna and signal processing circuitry, effectively suppressing multipath interference and adjacent-channel interference, maintaining stable reading performance even in complex electromagnetic environments filled with metal instruments.

[0023] The processing host, which communicates with the handheld scanning device, is used for: Receive and record the first set of identification codes obtained by scanning in the first scanning mode; Receive and record the set of second identification codes obtained by scanning in the second scanning mode; Based on the first set of identification codes, the second set of identification codes, and the preset preoperative dressing list, the system automatically identifies the dressings that have been used and the dressings that remain, and calculates the real-time quantity of each type of dressing.

[0024] The processing host communicates with the handheld scanning device via a wireless network, parses the data packets received from the handheld scanning device, and stores the acquired identity code sets into two temporary databases, a first identity code set and a second identity code set, according to the pattern identifier encapsulated within the packets. Dressings corresponding to the identity codes from the first pattern set are marked as used, and dressings corresponding to the identity codes from the second pattern set are marked as unused, thereby obtaining the used and remaining quantities of each type of dressing.

[0025] An alarm is triggered when the sum of the used and remaining dressings does not match the total number on the preoperative dressing list, or when there is a discrepancy in the number of dressings of a specific specification.

[0026] The system compares the sum of the used and remaining quantities with the total number on the pre-operative list in real time, while also verifying the quantity of different dressing specifications one by one. If a discrepancy is detected in the total or any deviation in the quantity of a single specification, the system immediately triggers a preset alarm mechanism.

[0027] The surgical log generation module is used to record and generate a complete electronic inventory log corresponding to a single surgical case during a single surgical procedure.

[0028] From the start to the end of the surgery, the system continuously records all key operations and status changes in the form of a transaction log, including but not limited to: the creation and confirmation time of the preoperative checklist, the time of each scanning operation, the scanning mode, the list of scanned dressing IDs, the inventory results, the conclusions of each verification, and a detailed description of all alarm events. These log entries are strongly associated with a unique identifier for this surgery and are strictly ordered chronologically. At the end of the surgery, the system automatically summarizes all log entries, checklist snapshots, and verification results to generate a structured electronic inventory log file. This log file can be tamper-proofed using digital signatures or blockchain technology to ensure its legal evidentiary value. The log file is automatically uploaded to the hospital information system or cloud-based medical data platform and archived along with the patient's electronic medical records, surgical records, and other relevant documents, supporting long-term storage and compliance auditing.

[0029] Preferably, the first scanning mode is the dressing scan mode, which is used to scan the dressing in the surgical wound area, waste bin, or designated contaminated area; The second scanning mode is the unused dressing scanning mode, used to scan dressings in the sterile dressing storage area on the instrument table.

[0030] The first scanning mode is specifically designed for scanning dressings that have left the sterile area and are considered contaminated. Typical applications include: 1. Before closing the abdomen, perform a final check of the surgical wound area for any remaining body cavities by slowly scanning the area around the incision and the tissue spaces where dressings may have been left behind with a handheld device. 2. During the procedure, the waste dressings in the waste bin are scanned in batches to track the number of dressings that have been removed; 3. Scan the designated contaminated transfer area, which is used to temporarily place blood-stained dressings that have just been removed from the wound, so that they can be scanned and then discarded.

[0031] The second scanning mode is specifically used for counting dressings that are still sterile and ready for use. The core application scenario is the sterile dressing storage area on the scanning instrument table, which is typically marked by sterile towels and contains all unopened or opened but unused dressing packages. This strict distinction between the two modes logically isolates the data flow between "contaminated" and "uncontaminated" items, preventing cross-counting and miscounting, and is one of the key design features for achieving accurate counting.

[0032] Preferably, the handheld scanning device includes a housing, a main control unit, an RFID reader / writer module, an antenna, a mode selection unit, and a communication unit; The mode selection unit is used to receive user commands to switch between the first scan mode and the second scan mode; The main control unit controls the RFID reading and writing module to scan according to the selected mode, and binds the current mode identifier with the scanned identity code data, and then sends it to the processing host through the communication unit.

[0033] The mode is selected by the mode selection unit, the main control unit records the status and controls the RFID module to start scanning. After reading the dressing chip identification code, the main control unit binds the current mode identifier with the scanned identification code list to form a structured data packet, which is finally sent to the processing host through the communication unit.

[0034] The handheld scanner's casing is made of materials that meet medical device standards, such as an antibacterial ABS+PC alloy with added nano-silver ions. The casing uses a silicone sealing ring and ultrasonic welding process to form a waterproof and sealed structure, achieving an IP67 protection rating to prevent the intrusion of liquids such as alcohol and blood. The handheld scanner can withstand standard disinfection and sterilization procedures, including but not limited to wiping with 75% ethanol and low-temperature plasma sterilization with hydrogen peroxide. The internal circuit board is coated with conformal coating.

[0035] Preferably, the mode selection unit is a physical switch located on the housing, a virtual button integrated on the touch screen, or a voice recognition module.

[0036] The mode selection unit offers three implementation methods: first, a physical switch on the housing for direct and reliable operation; second, a virtual button on the touchscreen for a user-friendly interface and the ability to integrate more functions; and third, a voice recognition module where nurses can switch modes by speaking preset commands. These three methods can be implemented individually or in combination to adapt to different operating habits and scenario requirements.

[0037] Preferably, the smart surgical dressing is at least one of gauze, cotton ball, gauze strip, gauze pad or brain cotton pad; The passive RFID chip is encapsulated in the edge, corner or internal layer of the dressing, and the pre-stored information also includes the production batch number and expiration date.

[0038] Smart surgical dressings cover all items requiring strict inventory control during routine surgeries, including but not limited to gauze, cotton balls, gauze strips, gauze pads, and neurosurgical-specific cotton pads. To ensure the RFID chip continues to function properly after autoclaving, liquid immersion, and physical compression, its encapsulation process is crucial: for fabric dressings, ultra-thin flexible RFID tags are typically sewn into their folded edges or within a dedicated tag layer; for cotton balls, etc., microchips can be encapsulated within medical-grade epoxy resin spheres and embedded in the center. In addition to a unique ID and specifications, the information stored within the chip can also include the production batch number and expiration date, making the dressing itself an information carrier.

[0039] Preferably, the processing host also includes a display module for displaying the following information in real time by region: The preoperative dressing list, the set of first identification codes that are in use and their statistical information, the set of second identification codes that are in unused status and their statistical information, and the current verification results and alarm status.

[0040] By adopting a regional visualization design to present the overall inventory status, surgical team members can quickly grasp the core information such as "total amount, amount used, amount remaining, and whether it is correct".

[0041] Preferably, it also includes an audible and visual alarm for providing audible and visual alerts when an alarm is triggered.

[0042] The audible and visual alarm is integrated into the handheld scanning device. When the inventory processing module in the main unit logically determines that the alarm condition has been triggered, it sends an electrical signal to the audible and visual alarm, which then immediately activates. This is manifested by a high-brightness LED strip emitting a flashing red signal, simultaneously emitting a continuous or intermittent buzzing alarm. This ensures that the entire area is immediately alerted and the dressings are checked.

[0043] Preferably, the electronic inventory log is a structured data file that supports retrieval and export by surgical case, time, dressing type, or alarm type.

[0044] Its data fields include at least: surgery ID, patient information, timestamp, preoperative dressing list snapshot, scan transaction records sorted by time, real-time list snapshots at each time point, and alarm event records. This log is uniquely bound to the surgical case, stored in a secure database, and supports future retrieval, auditing, and data export by multiple dimensions such as surgery date, patient, dressing type, and alarm type, providing a complete chain of evidence for medical quality management and dispute resolution.

[0045] The work process includes the following sequential steps: S1: Preoperative preparation stage, input or import the preoperative dressing list for this operation into the processing host; S2: Use a handheld scanner in the second scanning mode to scan the sterile dressings on the instrument table to confirm that they are consistent with the preoperative list. S3: After surgery, use a handheld scanner to scan the dressings in the surgical wound area, waste bin or designated contaminated area in the first scanning mode, and scan the dressings in the sterile dressing storage area on the instrument table in the second scanning mode. S4: The main unit receives scan data in real time, automatically classifies and counts the used and unused dressings, and compares them with the preoperative list; S5: If a discrepancy is found, an alarm will be triggered immediately to remind medical staff to check; S6: Upon completion of the surgery, the system automatically generates and saves an electronic inventory log for the surgery, which includes all inventory records and verification results.

[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A surgical dressing inventory and verification system, characterized in that, include: The intelligent surgical dressing contains a passive RFID chip, which stores the dressing’s unique identification code and specifications. The handheld scanning device is equipped with at least two scanning modes: a first scanning mode and a second scanning mode. The handheld scanning device is used to read the passive RFID chip information in the smart surgical dressing in a non-contact manner under the corresponding scanning mode. The processing host, which is communicatively connected to the handheld scanning device, is used for: Receive and record the first set of identity codes obtained by scanning in the first scanning mode; Receive and record the set of second identity codes obtained by scanning in the second scanning mode; Based on the first set of identification codes, the second set of identification codes, and the preset preoperative dressing list, the system automatically identifies the dressings that have been used and the dressings that remain, and calculates the real-time quantity of each type of dressing. An alarm is triggered when the sum of the used and remaining dressings does not match the total number on the preoperative dressing list, or when there is a deviation in the number of dressings of a specific specification. The surgical log generation module is used to record and generate a complete electronic inventory log corresponding to a single surgical case during a single surgical procedure.

2. The intelligent verification system for surgical dressing counting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first scanning mode is the dressing scanning mode, which is used to scan the dressing in the surgical wound area, waste bin, or designated contaminated area; The second scanning mode is the unused dressing scanning mode, used to scan the dressings in the sterile dressing storage area on the instrument table.

3. The intelligent verification system for surgical dressing counting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handheld scanning device includes a housing, a main control unit, an RFID reader / writer module, an antenna, a mode selection unit, and a communication unit; The mode selection unit is used to receive a user's switching instruction for the first scanning mode or the second scanning mode; The main control unit controls the RFID reading and writing module to scan according to the selected mode, and binds the current mode identifier with the scanned identity code data, and then sends it to the processing host through the communication unit.

4. The intelligent verification system for surgical dressing counting according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mode selection unit can be a physical switch on the housing, a virtual button integrated on the touch screen, or a voice recognition module.

5. The intelligent verification system for surgical dressing counting according to claim 3, characterized in that: The intelligent surgical dressing is at least one of gauze, cotton balls, gauze strips, gauze pads, or brain cotton pads; The passive RFID chip is encapsulated in the edge, corner, or internal layer of the dressing, and the pre-stored information also includes the production batch number and expiration date.

6. The intelligent verification system for surgical dressing counting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The processing host also includes a display module for displaying the following information in real time, divided into different areas: The preoperative dressing list, the first set of identification codes in the used state and their statistical information, the second set of identification codes in the unused state and their statistical information, and the current verification results and alarm status.

7. The intelligent verification system for surgical dressing counting according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes an audible and visual alarm, used to provide audible and visual alerts when an alarm is triggered.

8. The intelligent verification system for surgical dressing counting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electronic inventory log is a structured data file that supports retrieval and export by surgical case, time, dressing type, or alarm type.

Images