Trocar-Integrated RFID Antennas for Surgical Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and tracking medical objects during procedures are inefficient and prone to errors, with manual checklists being time-consuming and inaccurate, while automated systems using dumb or RFID transponders face limitations in range and identification accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A trocar with integrated antennas and an interrogator system that emits interrogation signals and detects RFID transponders within its lumen, itemizing and comparing entries and exits to ensure accurate tracking and alerting on discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual checklists are used to track medical objects, then personnel can monitor object usage, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting and tracking processes with an automated wireless detection system. The interrogator and antenna automatically detect transponders on medical objects, eliminating the need for manual checklists and reducing both time consumption and human error in tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical objects themselves carry transponders that automatically respond to interrogation signals, enabling self-identification and self-tracking without requiring external manual intervention. The system autonomously monitors object presence and provides alerts, making the tracking process self-service oriented.
2Loss of information
If dumb wireless transponders are used for detection, then power consumption is minimal and detection range is extended, but unique identification capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs RFID transponders that serve multiple functions: they provide unique identification through stored identifiers and simultaneously enable detection with reasonable power consumption. The transponders can be interrogated to retrieve unique identifiers while consuming minimal power, combining the benefits of both dumb transponders and identification-capable RFID systems.
3Loss of information
If RFID transponders are used for tracking, then unique identification is achieved, but detection range is reduced compared to dumb transponders
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple antennas positioned at different locations within the surgical site to collectively cover the entire detection volume. By deploying multiple partial detection zones that overlap, the system achieves comprehensive coverage and extended effective detection range while maintaining RFID identification capabilities.
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
Provides accurate and efficient tracking of medical objects, reducing the risk of retention in patients by ensuring all objects are accounted for, with improved range and identification capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency identification (RFID) wireless transponders, i.e., wireless communications transponders which do store and return a unique identifier in response to an interrogation signal emitted by an RFID interrogator or RFID reader
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in clinical environments. The apparatus includes a trocar, having a cannula with a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines a lumen therethrough that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. A proximal port at the proximal end provides access to an interior of the lumen from an exterior of the cannula. Further, a distal port at the distal end provides access to the interior of the lumen from the exterior of the cannula. At least one trocar antenna is physically coupled to the trocar and is positioned and oriented to provide wireless communications coverage to at least a portion of an interior of the lumen and to any wireless communications transponders that pass through the lumen of the cannula.