Sterile Sheath Reader for Implant Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implant tracking systems face challenges in maintaining sterility and efficiency during medical procedures, as existing tracking methods often require non-sterile equipment and are cumbersome, making it difficult to accurately record implant information without compromising the sterile environment.
Innovation Solution
A tracking assembly comprising a reader with a transparent sterile sheath and medical drape, allowing for the placement of an implant with an identifier on a surface above an aperture for automatic scanning while maintaining sterility, and a computer system for recording data, which is operated outside the sterile field to ensure efficient and accurate tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reader is used to scan implant identifiers, then tracking efficiency is improved, but maintaining sterility becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile adapter or sterile drape is introduced as an intermediary between the non-sterile reader and the sterile implant. The adapter includes a sterile barrier that allows optical signals to pass through while preventing contamination, enabling the reader to scan implant identifiers without compromising sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
A disposable sterile cover or adapter is placed over the reader or around the implant area. This single-use component maintains sterility during the scanning process and is discarded afterward, eliminating the need to sterilize the reader itself and ensuring sterility is maintained throughout the procedure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the reader is sterilized using chemical or physical agents, then sterility is maintained, but the reader may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sterilizing the reader, a sterile adapter or drape serves as a mediator that creates a sterile barrier. This approach maintains reader functionality while achieving sterility through the intermediate component that can be sterilized independently or is provided sterile.
Solution Approach 2:
The reader is protected by a disposable sterile cover that is discarded after use, eliminating the need to subject the expensive reader to sterilization processes that could damage its sensitive components.
3Device complexity
If traditional tracking methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but tracking accuracy and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile adapter acts as a simple intermediary component that enables optical scanning in sterile environments. This minimal addition allows the use of efficient barcode or RFID scanners without complex sterilization systems, maintaining equipment simplicity while dramatically improving tracking efficiency.
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
This solution enhances sterility and efficiency in the operating room by allowing for quick and accurate scanning of implant identifiers without compromising the sterile environment, reducing the time spent on tracking implants during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
transparent sterile sheath having a top surface and side walls... encases the cover of the housing structure
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method for tracking implant devices within a sterile field, the assembly comprising a reader that includes a housing structure with a base and a cover, a scanner having a scanner housing, where the scanner housing is at least partially positioned in a cavity provided in the base; and an aperture provided in the cover, where the cover is configured to receive a transparent sterile sheath to at least partially encase the cover.