Dual Detection Tag for Counting Retained Surgical Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection and inventory systems for surgical items in medical settings face challenges due to large physical components that interfere with procedures and rapid degradation in the presence of dielectric or conductive materials, degrading detection and identification performance.
Innovation Solution
A dual detection tag system comprising a beacon tag and an RFID tag affixed to surgical items, with the beacon tag transmitting at a lower frequency and the RFID tag at a higher frequency, is used in conjunction with an antenna to detect and count retained surgical items within a patient's body, utilizing a flexible substrate and pouch to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tracking components are attached to surgical items, then presence detection capability is improved, but the components become physically large and obstructive during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beacon tag and RFID tag into a single integrated dual detection tag assembly that is attached to surgical items. This merging allows both detection functions to coexist in a compact form factor, reducing physical obstruction while maintaining reliable presence detection capability throughout the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual detection tag serves multiple functions: it provides both beacon-based presence detection and RFID-based identification/inventory tracking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tracking components, reducing overall size and obstruction while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If traditional RFID tags are used in surgical environments, then identification functionality is improved, but detection performance degrades rapidly in the presence of variable dielectric or conductive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beacon tag as an intermediary detection mechanism that operates independently of the RFID system. The beacon tag provides a stable presence detection signal that is not affected by dielectric or conductive materials, while the RFID tag handles identification functions. This intermediary approach ensures detection performance stability regardless of surgical environment conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes two different detection frequencies/modalities: beacon tag operation and RFID operation. By changing the detection parameter (frequency/method), the system can bypass interference from dielectric and conductive materials that affect RFID signals, maintaining reliable detection performance through parameter variation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate detection and identification systems are used, then functionality is improved, but system complexity and packaging become non-ideal for medical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate beacon tag and RFID tag systems into a single integrated dual detection tag assembly with common attachment mechanisms and housing. This consolidation maintains both detection and identification functionalities while simplifying packaging and reducing the number of separate components that need to be managed in the surgical environment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides effective presence detection and inventory control of surgical items without interfering with surgical procedures, ensuring accurate counting and identification of retained items through a small, flexible design that maintains detection performance.
Implementation Method 1
a beacon tag configured to transmit a first return signal at a first frequency when energized
Implementation Method 2
an RFID tag configured to transmit a second return signal at a second frequency when energized
Implementation Method 3
The antenna is configured to receive the first return signal transmitted by the beacon tag and/or the second return signal transmitted by the RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
An inventory system configured for detecting and counting potentially retained surgical items within a body of a patient includes a dual detection tag, a signal generator, and an antenna operably coupled to the signal generator. The dual detection tag includes a beacon tag configured to transmit a first return signal at a first frequency when energized and a RFID tag affixed configured to transmit a second return signal at a second frequency when energized. The signal generator is configured to generate an energizing signal for the beacon tag and/or the RFID tag. The antenna configured to receive the first return signal transmitted by at least one of the beacon tag or the second return signal transmitted by the RFID tag.