Trocar RFID Tracking for Surgical Item Count Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking medical objects during procedures, such as surgeries, are inefficient and prone to errors, with manual counting being time-consuming and inaccurate, while automated systems using dumb or RFID transponders face limitations in detection range and identification capabilities, necessitating a cost-effective and accurate solution to prevent foreign object retention in patients.
Innovation Solution
A trocar equipped with antennas and an indicator system that tracks RFID and dumb transponders through its lumen, providing real-time counts and discrepancies, and generates alerts for retained objects, utilizing a processor to itemize and compare transponder entries and exits, with shielding to prevent external interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual counting methods are used to track medical items, then personnel can verify item presence, but the process is inefficient and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting with an automated wireless detection system. Transponders attached to medical items communicate wirelessly with detectors, automatically tracking item presence and location without requiring manual counting by surgical personnel, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service tracking where transponders on medical items automatically transmit their presence information to detectors. The items essentially track themselves through wireless communication, freeing surgical personnel from manual verification tasks while ensuring accurate accounting.
2Use of energy by moving object
If dumb wireless transponders are used for item tracking, then no power is required and detection range is improved, but unique identifying information cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both dumb transponders (power-free operation, long range) and RFID transponders (unique identification) into a hybrid system. The transponder can operate in dumb mode for presence detection without power, while also being capable of storing and transmitting unique identifiers when needed, combining the benefits of both approaches.
3Loss of information
If RFID wireless transponders are used for item tracking, then unique identifiers can be detected, but power is required which reduces detection range and ability to detect items within bodily tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts transponder operation based on detection needs. Transponders can switch between powered RFID mode (when unique identification is required and power is available) and unpowered dumb transponder mode (when long-range detection or detection within tissue is needed), optimizing performance for each specific situation.
4Measurement precision
If automated wireless detection systems are implemented, then item tracking accuracy improves, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal detection system that can identify and differentiate between various types of transponders (dumb and RFID) using a single detector platform. The system handles multiple transponder protocols and item types through unified wireless communication, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying system implementation while maintaining high accuracy.
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
Ensures accurate and efficient tracking of medical objects, reducing the risk of retained items by providing real-time alerts and ensuring all objects are accounted for, thereby enhancing patient safety and operational efficiency.
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
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Medical procedure related objects (e.g., instruments, supplies) tagged with transponders (e.g., RFID transponders, dumb transponders) are accounted for via an accounting system using a number of antennas and interrogators / readers. The antennas and interrogators / readers are included on a cannula of the trocar so the tagged medical procedure related objects passing through the cannula are detected. A first set of antennas and RFID interrogator(s) interrogate a first portion of the cannula, such as proximate a proximal end at which the medical procedure related objects are introduced to the cannula. A second set of antennas and RFID interrogator(s) interrogate a second portion of the cannula, such as proximate a distal end at which objects exit the cannula for use in a medical procedure. A data store may maintain information including a current status or count of each supply, for instance, as entering or exiting the cannula.