Portable surgical implement detector
US7787931B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B90/98
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Surgical implements used during an operating procedure are detected in human or animal tissue. Markers attached to the surgical implements change their impedance at a preselected frequency in the presence of an electromagnetic field. Each of the markers is thereby provided with signal-identifying characteristics. The signal-identifying characteristics are detected by a freely movable, portable detection unit from a first location proximate the patient in an accurate, reliable manner. Potential cross-interference with operating room electronic instrumentation is minimized by shielding. System cost and space requirements are substantially lowered. An accidentally retained surgical implement is discovered in a timely manner, prior to completion of surgery and before the patient has been removed from the operating room. The portable detection unit is adapted to be transported to a second location from which the potential cross-interference between the electrical or magnetic fields generated during operation of the detector and the electronics deployed during the surgery is minimized. The patient is interrogated after closure of the wound by being subjected to an interrogating field gen…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.