System and method for preventing wrong-site surgeries
US8616215B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/395
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A container holds at least one surgical implement, has a lock mechanism, and has a signature label that impedes access to the surgical implement until the correct surgical site is confirmed. A method of using the container includes the steps of confirming the correct surgical site, signing the label and removing it from the container, placing the label in the medical record, unlocking the container, removing the implement, and beginning the surgery, wherein the surgical team is forced to pause to confirm the correct surgical site before starting the surgery. Preferably, the container top may be removed and placed between the surgeon and surgical technician to define a no-hands “neutral zone” to avoid being stuck by the sharps. Also, the container preferably includes compartments for storing used sharps and/or a local anesthetic-loaded syringe, and the top may be replaced and secured for safely disposing of the sharps after the surgery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.