Autoclavable Pouch for Sterilization Tray Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tracking and identification of surgical instruments after sterilization is challenging due to the inability to visually inspect sterilization containers or trays without compromising sterility, relying on manual record keeping which may interfere with the sterilization process.
Innovation Solution
A reusable, autoclavable polymer pouch holder with adhesive or releasable attachment structures that securely holds informational documents outside sterilization containers or trays, allowing for easy review without breaching sterility, and can be quickly attached and detached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If informational documents are placed inside sterilization trays for tracking, then identification capability is improved, but sterility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the informational document from the sterilization tray by placing the document in a distinct pouch that can be attached to the exterior of the tray. This segmentation allows the tray to maintain sterility while the document remains accessible for identification purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch serves as an intermediary carrier that holds the informational document and attaches to the sterilization tray without compromising either the document's accessibility or the tray's sterility. The pouch acts as a mediator between the need for information tracking and the requirement for sterile containment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid sterilization containers are used, then sterility is maintained, but visual inspection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the informational document from the interior three-dimensional space of the sterilization tray to the exterior surface, allowing visual inspection without compromising the sealed interior environment. This dimensional relocation enables simultaneous sterility maintenance and information accessibility.
3Loss of information
If manual record keeping is used inside trays, then identification is achieved, but sterilization process is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The informational document is extracted from the sterilization tray interior and placed in a separate pouch attached to the exterior. This extraction eliminates the interference with the sterilization process while preserving the tracking capability through the externally attached document holder.
Data Source
AI summary
An information holder for holding informational documents used to track and identify medical instruments can be releasably attached to a sterilization container or tray. The information holder includes an autoclavable material pouch and a releasable attachment structure coupled to the pouch for securing the information holder to sterilization container or tray. The attachment structure can include adhesive or a handle-engaging member. The information holder can be removed from the container or tray after sterilization without breaching the sterilization of the contents contained within sterilization container or tray. The information holder can be re-attached to the same or a different container.