Multi-stage code scanning for surgical asset tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking surgical supplies during procedures are slow, error-prone, and inefficient due to the challenges of manually recording small, similar, and highly reflective implant items, especially in a sterile environment where direct part marking and reading are difficult.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where machine-readable objects, such as pegs with embedded data matrix codes, are used to store and read information about surgical assets, allowing for real-time electronic data entry and reducing human error by automatically identifying and storing part numbers, and printing machine-readable labels for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct part marking using barcodes on implants is used, then tracking accuracy is improved, but implementation difficulty increases due to polished stainless steel surfaces, high reflectivity, small size, and harsh reprocessing environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of machine-readable objects (barcodes, data matrices) placed on or near the implants rather than directly on the implant surfaces. This intermediary layer allows optical scanning to function effectively by providing a readable target that is not subject to the same constraints as the implant itself, thereby resolving the contradiction between tracking accuracy and implementation feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the implant identification information in machine-readable form on separate objects (pegs, trays, packaging) that can be easily scanned. Instead of attempting to mark the difficult-to-mark implant directly, the system copies the identification data to accessible surfaces that are optimal for optical scanning, thus achieving accurate tracking without the manufacturing difficulties of direct implant marking
2Device complexity
If manual recording methods are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but tracking speed and accuracy deteriorate due to tedium and error-proneness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording processes with automated optical scanning and electronic data capture systems. Barcode scanners and data matrix readers automatically capture implant identification information, eliminating the need for manual writing or data entry. This substitution dramatically increases tracking speed and accuracy while maintaining relative system simplicity through the use of standard scanning technology
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service tracking where the scanning process automatically captures and records implant information without requiring manual intervention. The machine-readable objects on pegs and trays automatically provide their identification data when scanned, allowing the system to track supplies autonomously rather than requiring staff to manually record each item
3Productivity
If machine-readable objects are placed on pegs in surgical trays, then information transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple reading stages and label printing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information transfer process into distinct stages: initial reading from machine-readable objects on pegs, intermediate storage in electronic systems, and verification through optical scanning of printed labels. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system by breaking down the complex information transfer task into manageable, standardized operations that can be performed by existing scanning and printing equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A first signal is ready from a first machine-readable object, which may be part of a peg stored in a surgical asset tray. A first part number of a first surgical asset is identified based on the first signal. A label is printed to include a first machine-readable visual indicia representing the first part number. A second signal is optically read from the first machine-readable visual indicia. The first part number of the first surgical asset is identified based on the second signal. The first part number of the first surgical asset is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. This method enables information about surgical assets used in the field to be transferred from machine-readable objects into electronic data stores efficiently, effectively, and semi-automatically.