Intra-operative Imaging for Surgical Item Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures face challenges in accurately tracking and identifying surgical items like needles, sponges, and instruments due to human error, fatigue, and time constraints, leading to retained surgical foreign bodies, which can result in complications and increased operating room inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an intra-operative imaging device and automated shape recognition module for identifying surgical sharp objects, combined with unique identifier recognition systems for tracking surgical items, to ensure accurate counting and real-time monitoring during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting methods are used to track surgical items, then staff can perform counts, but human error, fatigue, and interruptions lead to incorrect counts and retained foreign bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting with an automated imaging and recognition system. The system uses intra-operative imaging devices to capture images of surgical items and automated shape recognition algorithms to identify and count items such as needles, sponges, and instruments, eliminating human error in the counting process
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of surgical items during the procedure and processes these copies through automated recognition. This allows the system to count items by analyzing image data rather than relying on manual visual inspection, improving both accuracy and reliability
2Measurement precision
If multiple manual counts are performed at different stages of surgery, then item tracking is attempted, but the process takes 15-30 minutes per count and slows or stops the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system operates continuously or at key surgical stages without interrupting the procedure. Multiple counts are performed by capturing images at different time points and comparing them, eliminating the need to stop surgery for manual recounting while maintaining continuous tracking of surgical items
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated image capture and analysis ready at any time during surgery, so counts can be completed rapidly when needed. The automated processing capability is prepared in advance, allowing immediate counting without the 15-30 minute delay associated with manual methods
3Measurement precision
If automated shape recognition is used to identify surgical sharp objects, then identification accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual identification processes with automated computer vision technology. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically recognize surgical sharp objects based on their visual characteristics, achieving high accuracy while centralizing the complexity in software rather than requiring complex manual procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Intra-operative systems for identifying surgical sharp objects are provided. Aspects of the systems include an intra-operative imaging device for obtaining intra-operative surgical sharp object image data; and a surgical sharp object automated shape recognition module configured to identify a surgical sharp object from intra-operative surgical sharp object image data. Systems of the invention may further include additional components, such as surgical instrument and/or sponge identification and tracking devices. Systems of the invention find use in a variety of methods and applications, including tracking of surgical items during a surgical procedure.