Systems and methods for increased operating room efficiency
Inventors
Gorek, Josef E. • Trauner, Kenneth B. • Rimer, Douglas G.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9307982-B2
Publication Date
2016-04-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a needle receptacle and a method of securing a dispensed suture needle. A needle receptacle includes a housing having a top and a bottom and at least one opening between the top and the bottom configured and dimensioned to receive the dispensed suture needle inserted therethrough. The dispensed suture needle is placed into a secure zone of the housing with the tip secured, and the needle is released from the needle driver.
The method detects the dispensed suture needle placed into the opening, determines a number of a plurality of dispensed suture needles within the needle receptacle, and displays the number on a visual display. The disclosure further describes visual detection through windows and detecting based on electrical current using conductive elements.
The disclosed needle receptacle and workflow include structured needle retention and retention features such as protrusions. The housing can define a secure zone, and the needle can be retained between a top and a bottom.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim coverage includes the method for securing dispensed suture needles in a needle receptacle, detecting and counting the dispensed needles, and displaying the number on a visual display. The coverage also includes the receptacle housing with an opening, insertion with a needle driver, placement in a secure zone with tip secured, and release from the driver, with dependent refinements for visual window-based determination, electrical-current-based detection using conductors, and retention features.
Needle receptacle housing with opening to receive a dispensed suture needle
A needle receptacle comprising a housing having a top and a bottom and at least one opening between the top and the bottom configured and dimensioned to receive the dispensed suture needle inserted therethrough.
Insert dispensed suture needle into the opening using a needle driver
Inserting a dispensed suture needle into the opening of the housing with a needle driver.
Place in secure zone with tip secured and release from needle driver
Placing the dispensed suture needle in a secure zone of the housing, in an orientation with a tip of the dispensed suture needle secured, and releasing the suture needle from the needle driver.
Detect dispensed suture needle placed into the opening
Detecting the dispensed suture needle placed into the opening.
Determine number of a plurality of dispensed suture needles within the needle receptacle
Determining a number of a plurality of dispensed suture needles within the needle receptacle.
Display the number on a visual display
Displaying the number of the plurality of dispensed suture needles within the needle receptacle on a visual display.
Visual counting through a window of the housing
Viewing multiple dispensed suture needles in a secure zone through a window of the housing and determining a number of the plurality based upon the viewing step.
Electrical-current based needle detection using two conductors
A needle receptacle includes first and second conductors coupled to a power source, the dispensed suture needle contacts both conductors, and detecting includes measuring electrical current through the first and second conductors.
Needle retention features engaging a secure zone
Needle retention features in the needle receptacle hold a dispensed suture needle between a top and a bottom, and those retention features are engaged when placing the needle in a secure zone of the housing.
Protrusion-based retention feature engagement
Needle retention features include a plurality of protrusions extending from the top and/or bottom, and engaging the dispensed suture needle involves moving the needle against the protrusions.
Overall claim coverage centers on securing dispensed suture needles in a housing-defined secure zone, detecting needle presence, counting a plurality of dispensed needles within the receptacle, and visually displaying the counted number. Dependent refinements include visual window-based determination, electrical-current-based detection using conductors, and retention-feature-based securing.
Stated Advantages
Allows determination of a number of a plurality of dispensed suture needles within the needle receptacle.
Provides a visual display of the number of plurality of dispensed suture needles within the needle receptacle.
Documented Applications
Safely securing and tracking dispensed suture needles in a needle receptacle using a method that includes securing, detecting, determining a number, and displaying the count.
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