Surgical Instrument Image Tracking for Post-Op Storage Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospitals face challenges in maintaining organized tool sets and inventory management of surgical instruments, leading to increased costs, time, and risks of errors during cleaning and sterilization due to disorganized tool storage and identification post-surgery.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a processing unit and non-transitory computer-readable memory to obtain and process post-surgery images of surgical instruments, identify them, and output data for proper storage, including the use of a robot to store instruments based on image data and optical codes for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If numerous surgical tools are gathered randomly in a bucket or placed in sterilization trays after surgery, then the tools can be collected for sterilization, but the organization and inventory management become disorganized and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated image processing and recognition. The computer vision system automatically identifies, counts, and tracks surgical tools without human intervention, generating organized digital records that replace manual sorting and inventory management processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of tool sorting, counting, and inventory tracking with an automated optical recognition system. Image processing algorithms substitute for human operators physically organizing tools, while digital databases replace physical inventory systems.
2Reliability
If manual identification and sorting of instruments is performed during cleaning/sterilization, then tools can be processed, but the cost, time and risk of error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying and tracking instruments through image recognition. The computer vision system independently counts, identifies, and generates digital records of surgical tools, eliminating the need for manual verification and reducing human error in the sterilization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where captured images are processed to generate real-time identification and location data of instruments. This feedback loop continuously monitors tool positions and provides verification that instruments are correctly identified and tracked throughout the sterilization process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of tools are available in trays during surgery, then the operating team has access to required instruments, but the tools become disorganized and difficult to track post-surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of the physical tool arrangement through image capture. Each surgical tool is represented by a digital image record containing identification, position, and status information, creating an immutable digital twin of the physical inventory that can be tracked throughout the sterilization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary digital record system between the physical tools and the inventory management process. Image processing algorithms act as intermediaries that translate the physical state of tools into structured digital data, facilitating accurate tracking and information preservation throughout the workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing surgical hardware in computer-assisted surgery may have a processing unit; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory communicatively coupled to the processing unit and comprising computer-readable program instructions executable by the processing unit for: obtaining at least one post-surgery image of a plurality of instruments used in a surgical procedure, after the surgical procedure is completed and before the plurality of instruments are stored in a storage device; processing the at least one post-surgery image to identify the instruments of the plurality; and outputting data relating to a position of at least one of the instruments in the storage device to assist a user in storing the at least one instrument.