Wirelessly Detectable Objects for Medical Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and identifying objects during or after surgery, such as surgical sponges and instruments, are inefficient and prone to error, especially when obstacles like bodily tissues interfere with signal detection, and lack effective range for accurate identification.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly detectable object system comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder and a presence transponder, where the RFID transponder returns identification information and the presence transponder indicates presence without identification, using a directional antenna and RF-welded pouches to enhance detection range and accuracy through bodily tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional transponders transmit identification signals, then object identification is enabled, but detection range is limited and detection through obstacles is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the transponder functionality into two separate components: a presence transponder that provides long-range detection through obstacles using low-frequency signals, and an RFID transponder that provides identification information. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between identification capability and detection range/penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The presence transponder acts as an intermediary that first establishes detection of the object's presence through bodily tissues, enabling subsequent retrieval of identification information from the RFID transponder. This intermediary approach overcomes the obstacle penetration limitation of direct RFID identification signals.
2Measurement precision
If manual counting procedures are used to track surgical objects, then personnel can identify and count objects, but the process is time-consuming and prone to error
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical counting procedures with automated wireless detection using presence transponders and RFID transponders. The automated system rapidly detects and identifies surgical objects without human intervention, eliminating time consumption and human error while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Surgical objects are equipped with embedded transponders that automatically provide detection and identification information when queried by the detection system. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual tracking by personnel, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and time efficiency.
3Extent of automation
If transponders are attached to surgical objects for detection, then automated detection is enabled, but the transponders may not be detectable when obstacles like skin or flesh are between the transponder and interrogation device
Solution Approach 1:
The presence transponder uses different signal parameters (lower frequency) compared to conventional RFID transponders, enabling penetration through bodily tissues and obstacles. This parameter change maintains automated detection capability while significantly improving reliability of detection through skin and flesh.
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
Enables efficient detection and identification of surgical objects within and outside a patient's body, reducing manual counts and errors, and ensuring accurate inventory and tracking without the need for highly trained personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder that wirelessly receives a first interrogation signal and wirelessly returns a first response signal that contains identification information
Implementation Method 2
a presence transponder that wirelessly receives a second interrogation signal and wirelessly returns a second response signal that does not contain identification information
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Various embodiments of a wirelessly detectable object to be used in medical procedures are provided. One example wirelessly detectable object includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder that, when interrogated, wirelessly returns a first response signal that contains identification information associated with a surgical object. The wirelessly detectable object further includes a presence transponder that, when interrogated, wirelessly returns a second response signal that does not contain identification information. The presence transponder is received and freely movable within a pouch. The presence transponder is independently movable with respect to the RFID transponder. Another example wirelessly detectable object includes at least one active antenna element and at least one passive antenna element that together operate as a directional antenna.