Automated Surgical Time-Out Verification Using Video and Audio Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical time-outs in operating rooms are manually indicated, leading to limited information on completeness and accuracy, as personnel may inaccurately confirm the completion of the time-out, which can result in incorrect procedures and equipment mismanagement.
Innovation Solution
A system of multiple image capture devices and sensors in the operating room communicate with a surgical tracking server to automatically identify and record the surgical time-out through video and audio analysis, using speech-to-text models and natural language processing to verify the completion of the time-out criteria, including patient identity, procedure, and personnel roles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual indication is used to identify completion of surgical time-out, then the process is simple to implement, but the accuracy and completeness of the record is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual indication (mechanical/human system) with automated video and audio analysis (optical and acoustic systems). Image capture devices record the surgical time-out process, and speech-to-text models with natural language processing automatically analyze the audio to verify completion criteria, eliminating reliance on manual recording while maintaining system feasibility through software-based automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the surgical time-out process through video and audio recording. Instead of relying on manual notation, the system captures the actual proceedings and generates a verifiable record that can be analyzed objectively, ensuring accurate documentation without requiring complex manual tracking systems.
2Reliability
If manual indication is used for surgical time-out completion, then the system is easy to operate, but the reliability of the record is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by automatically analyzing its own captured video and audio data to determine surgical time-out completion. The speech-to-text models and natural language processing automatically verify criteria without requiring external manual verification, ensuring reliable records while maintaining ease of operation through automated self-assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring video and audio streams, comparing captured content against surgical time-out criteria, and automatically determining completion status. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable recording by constantly verifying that all required elements are present and correctly executed.
3Measurement precision
If automated video and audio analysis is implemented, then the accuracy of surgical time-out verification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single integrated platform that performs video capture, audio recording, speech-to-text conversion, and natural language processing all through one unified system. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into one system, improving verification precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces speech-to-text models and natural language processing as intermediary layers between the raw audio/video data and the final verification decision. These intermediaries automatically translate and analyze the captured content, enabling high-precision verification while keeping the system architecture manageable through modular, layered processing.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple image capture devices are positioned throughout the operating room, then the coverage and completeness of video recording is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image capture devices into a unified monitoring system that processes video and audio streams together. By combining the functions of multiple devices into one integrated analysis platform, the system achieves comprehensive coverage without proportionally increasing operational complexity, as the merged system processes all inputs through a single coordinated framework.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple image capture devices are located in an operating room to capture video of the entirety of the operating room. A surgical tracking server applies one or more models to the captured video to determine states of objects in the operating room from which a phase of the operating room is determined. A surgical time-out where information about a surgical procedure is audibly provided by people in the operating room during the surgical procedure. From audio and video of the operating room, the surgical tracking server determines whether the time-out was performed and identifies audio and video corresponding to the surgical time-out. The identified audio and video are compared to criteria to evaluate completeness of the surgical time-out. A quality metric for the time out based on the captured video data based on characteristics of the video or audio of the operating room may also be generated.