C10417: A Method of Detecting Retained Foreign Bodies (RFB)Value Proposition: The negative x-ray rapid system (NEXR) is a process, implemented with custom designed software algorithms and systems, that cuts down the cost of obtaining a negative x-ray result without decreasing accuracy. NEXR would cut down the actual cost of obtaining an x-ray and x-ray interpretation and therefore cut down real time expenditure while introducing only minimal costs and maintaining accuracy. The method comprises automated image acquisition and computer-assisted detection of RFBs.
Advantages of this system include:
•Rapid image collection, eliminating the time intensive element of instrument scanning
•Detection of all foreign bodies rather than being limited to sponges and large instruments
•Does not require new disposables for the operating room
•No introduction of foreign materials or signals that may interfere with other operating room signal transmission
•Not influenced by human factors
•May be upgraded to CT scanning
Technical Details:
Retained foreign bodies (RFBs) are defined as surgical instruments, left by mistake, inside a patient after surgery. RFBs result in death of the patient in up to 35% of cases and cause complications in up to 100% of patients. At the very least there is almost always a second operation to remove the forgotten item.
Currently there is an intricate process in place to minimize the chances of a retained foreign body. This process includes multiple (at least 4) episodes of counting all instruments and sponges during and after the case. In addition x-rays to examine the body par for the presence of RFBs are taken. There are a number of reasons an x-ray, which is the current gold standard, may be taken to look for a foreign object.
Although over 1.5 million x-rays are taken to look for RFBs each year, only on average 2700 cases are positive for RFBs. Therefore the vast majority of x-rays (over 98%) are negative. Thus, there is a tremendous need for a simple technology that can cut down the resource and time costs for obtaining a negative x-ray diagnosis.
Looking for Partners:
This technique shall be used following surgical procedures to ensure no objects have been unintentionally left inside the patient.
