Wireless Surgical Object Detection with High-Temp Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and identifying surgical objects during or after surgery are inefficient and prone to errors, particularly due to limitations in range and interference from bodily tissues, and transponders may detach or be damaged during sterilization processes.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly detectable object system using a pouch with a flexible layer and a high-temperature adhesive layer to securely attach a presence transponder and an RFID transponder to surgical objects, allowing detection and identification at longer ranges and withstanding sterilization temperatures, and featuring a directional antenna for improved signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional transponders are used for detection, then detection capability is provided, but detection range is limited and detection is blocked by bodily tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the transponder to 2.45 GHz, which provides optimal penetration through bodily tissues while maintaining adequate detection range. This frequency selection resolves the contradiction by finding a parameter value that balances tissue penetration capability with detection range requirements.
2Reliability
If manual counting procedures are used to track surgical objects, then object tracking is performed, but the process is inefficient and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting procedures with an automated wireless detection system using transponders and interrogating devices. This substitution eliminates human error in tracking while maintaining high efficiency, as the automated system can detect and identify multiple objects simultaneously without fatigue or distraction.
3Reliability
If transponders are attached to surgical objects, then object identification is enabled, but transponders may detach or be damaged during sterilization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite adhesive structure combining a permanent adhesive layer for initial attachment and a heat-activated adhesive layer that bonds strongly at sterilization temperatures. This composite approach ensures the transponder remains securely attached throughout the sterilization process, with the heat-activated layer providing enhanced bonding strength when exposed to temperatures of 121°C or higher.
4Loss of information
If identification signals are transmitted at conventional frequencies, then object identification is possible, but the signals have short detection range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits identification signals at 2.45 GHz, the same frequency used for presence detection. This frequency parameter provides an optimal balance between signal penetration through tissues and adequate detection range, allowing identifier transmission without the short range limitation of conventional frequencies.
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 the body and post-surgery inventory without manual counting, ensuring accurate tracking and maintaining transponder functionality through sterilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive layer which retains structural and adhesive integrity at least at temperatures equal to 121 degrees Centigrade
Implementation Method 2
a first transponder that wirelessly receives a first interrogation signal and wirelessly returns a first response signal
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 presence transponder that wirelessly receives a first interrogation signal and wirelessly returns a first response signal that does not contain identification information; a piece of absorbent material; and a pouch comprising at least a first flexible layer that forms an interior cavity and an adhesive layer physically coupled to at least the first flexible layer about at least a portion of a perimeter of the interior cavity. The adhesive layer retains structural and adhesive integrity at least at temperatures equal to 130 degrees Centigrade. The presence transponder is received and freely movable within the interior cavity. The pouch is physically coupled to at least a portion of the piece of absorbent material. The adhesive layer may be capable of withstanding multiple cycles of steam-based sterilization procedures.