Non-Linear Radio Opaque Patterns for Surgical Sponge Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical sponges and wipes used during surgeries are prone to being left inside patients due to human error during counting, especially when saturated with body fluids, making them difficult to detect visually and potentially mistaken for body tissue in X-ray images.
Innovation Solution
Absorbent medical articles with non-linear radio opaque patterns, comprising a first and second absorbent layer with a non-linear radio opaque element between them, and adhesive articles with a continuous or discontinuous radio opaque element, allowing for improved detection using X-ray imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear radio opaque threads or strands are used in surgical sponges, then the sponges are detectable by X-ray, but the detection precision is reduced because linear patterns can be mistaken for human anatomy in X-ray images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by replacing traditional linear radio opaque threads with non-linear patterns containing vertices at specific angles (15° to 165°). These asymmetric angular patterns create distinctive geometric shapes that are easily distinguishable from human anatomy in X-ray images, thereby improving pattern distinguishability while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of visual pattern changes by transforming the radio opaque element from linear threads to angular geometric patterns. This pattern transformation creates high-contrast distinctive shapes that stand out clearly against anatomical backgrounds in radiographic imaging, enhancing the ability to distinguish medical articles from body tissue
2Reliability
If surgical sponges are saturated with body fluids, then they perform their absorbent function, but they become difficult to detect visually and may be mistaken for body tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual pattern changes by incorporating non-linear angular radio opaque patterns that maintain high radiographic contrast regardless of the sponge's saturation state. These distinctive geometric patterns ensure continuous detectability in X-ray images whether the sponge is dry or saturated with body fluids, eliminating the detection difficulty that arises when sponges become visually indistinguishable from tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the absorbent sponge material with radio opaque angular pattern elements. This composite structure maintains the sponge's absorbent functionality while the embedded angular patterns provide consistent radiographic visibility, ensuring that the sponge remains detectable by X-ray imaging even when saturated with bodily fluids
3Reliability
If human error occurs during sponge counting, then sponges may be left in the patient, but additional detection measures are required to compensate for this error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual pattern transformation by converting the radio opaque indicator from traditional linear threads to distinctive non-linear angular patterns. This pattern change creates easily recognizable geometric shapes in X-ray images that simplify the detection process and reduce the complexity of verification procedures, allowing for more reliable sponge accountability even when counting errors occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies detection method substitution by replacing reliance on manual counting procedures with radiographic detection using distinctive angular patterns. This substitution reduces dependence on human counting accuracy and provides an objective imaging-based verification method, thereby improving sponge accountability while managing the complexity of the detection system
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
Enhances the visibility of surgical sponges and wipes in X-ray imaging, reducing the risk of them being left inside patients by providing distinct, non-human body-shaped patterns that are easily distinguishable from tissue.
Implementation Method 1
the radio opaque element comprises a radio opaque material... permit detection of medical articles left in a patient... improved detection using X-ray imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Absorbent medical articles include a first absorbent layer with a radio opaque element located on the surface of the first absorbent layer. The radio opaque element has at least one segment that is non-linear and has at least one vertex, the vertex defines an angle of at least 15° and less than 165°. The radio opaque element may be a continuous or discontinuous element. The absorbent medical article may include additional absorbent layers. The radio opaque element makes the absorbent medical article detectable if left inside a patient.