RF Surgical Detection Systems Deployed
Mercy Medical Center in California and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania both implemented a radio frequency based detection system that tracks instruments and tools used intra-operatively. The chosen system is developed by RF Surgical Systems, Incorporated and distributed by Medline Industries.
The solution scans for the presence of surgical towels and sponges or gauze remaining inside body cavities before surgeons commence closing the patient. If detected, the system issues an alert. This allows those materials to be retrieved, avoiding the complications that arise from retained surgical sponges and the like.
The Mercy team tested the system during a variety of surgeris prior to full implementation and received positive feedback from surgical teams. The solution had the expected range to assess for the presence of the described items.
The system, too, was evaluated by surgeons at the University of Pennsylvania facility in downtown Philadelphia. The team there, led by the Chief of Surgeons, noted the simplicity of using the system. It was easy to use and did not modify the workflow in the operating room.
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July 27, 2007 Related topics: Quality, Safety, Errors, Surgery