Abstract: System and method of managing one or more surgical articles, wherein the surgical article can include a surgical sponge comprising an identification element, and wherein managing can include counting, locating, or both. The identification element can be a RFID tag. The RFID tag stores unique identification information relative to the surgical sponge. The system and method for detecting RFID tags may include varying the power level of the RFID interrogator to improve the accuracy of scanning the RFID tag or tags. A plurality of the RFID-tagged surgical articles (i.e., surgical sponges) may be packaged or bundled via a strap or within a container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing surgical sponges. A dispenser assembly coupled to a main support includes an internal or first storage location to removably receive a carton of sponge sorters, and an external or second storage location to removably support a carton of surgical draping. At least one arm may be supported on the housing and movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position. The arm may include weighing means to measure a weight of the surgical sponge being disposed in a sponge sorter supported by the arm. The arm may be a cantilever and abeam load cell may be disposed within a channel of a beam. A processor may determine fluid weight based on measured weight and dry weight correlated with the surgical sponge being counted out as detected with a data reader. The processor may estimate blood loss to be displayed on a display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing surgical sponges. A dispenser assembly coupled to a main support includes an internal or first storage location to removably receive a carton of sponge sorters, and an external or second storage location to removably support a carton of surgical draping. At least one arm may be supported on the housing and movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position. The arm may include weighing means to measure a weight of the surgical sponge being disposed in a sponge sorter supported by the arm. The arm may be a cantilever and abeam load cell may be disposed within a channel of a beam. A processor may determine fluid weight based on measured weight and dry weight correlated with the surgical sponge being counted out as detected with a data reader. The processor may estimate blood loss to be displayed on a display.

Abstract: A collapsible detection antenna to detect electromagnetic tags of surgical articles in an operating room includes an antenna assembly configured to detect the electromagnetic tags. The antenna assembly is configured to move between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the antenna assembly forms an antenna loop configured to detect the electromagnetic tags. The antenna assembly has a greater detection range in the deployed configuration than in the collapsed configuration. The deployed configuration corresponds to a tuned shape of the antenna assembly sufficient to detect the electromagnetic tags in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A collapsible detection antenna (10) to detect electromagnetic tags (12) of surgical articles (14) in an operating room (16) includes an antenna assembly (18) configured to detect the electromagnetic tags (12). The antenna assembly (18) is configured to move between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the antenna assembly forms an antenna loop (20) configured to detect the electromagnetic tags (12). The antenna assembly (18) has a greater detection range in the deployed configuration than in the collapsed configuration. The deployed configuration corresponds to a tuned shape of the antenna assembly (18) sufficient to detect the electromagnetic tags (12) in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A height-adjustable kick bucket is disclosed. The kick bucket includes a receptacle, a base having one or more wheels, a support member that is extendable between a first length and a second length such that a height of the receptacle is adjustable between a minimum height and a maximum height, and a pedal movable between a first position when the receptacle is at a maximum height of the receptacle and a second position when the receptacle is at a minimum height. Additionally, a distance between the minimum height and the maximum height of the receptacle is at least twice as large as the pedal stroke.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of locating and/or counting one or more surgical articles, wherein the surgical article may comprise a surgical sponge comprising a counting element and/or detecting element. The counting element and/or detecting element may comprise an RFID tag encapsulated in a housing or pouch that is coupled to the surgical sponge. The RFID tag may further comprise unique identification and/or location information relative to the surgical sponge. The RFID tag may be coupled to the sponge at an attachment position and/or oriented on the surgical sponge relative to a defined set of reference lines. The attachment position and/or orientation of the RFID tag on the surgical sponge may be configured to improve the accuracy of scanning the RFID tag. A plurality of surgical articles (i.e. surgical sponges) comprising RFID tags may be packaged or bundled via a strap or within a container.

Abstract: A height-adjustable bucket or height-adjustable stand is adapted to carry a medical object. The bucket includes a receptacle for carrying the medical object, a base, and a support member coupled to the base. The bucket also includes a carrier movably coupled to the support member and for supporting the receptacle and a lifting member slidably coupled to the carrier and configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position. The lifting member includes a first end portion comprising a handle and a second end portion, and a retainer selectively coupling the carrier to the support member and configured to selectively retain the carrier in the relatively high position. The lifting member is configured to be in the lowered position when the carrier is in the relatively high position and when the carrier is in the relatively low position.

Abstract: System and method of managing one or more surgical articles, wherein the surgical article can include a surgical sponge comprising an identification element, and wherein managing can include counting, locating, or both. The identification element can be a RFID tag. The RFID tag stores unique identification information relative to the surgical sponge. The system and method for detecting RFID tags may include varying the power level of the RFID interrogator to improve the accuracy of scanning the RFID tag or tags. A plurality of the RFID-tagged surgical articles (i.e., surgical sponges) may be packaged or bundled via a strap or within a container.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of locating and/or counting one or more surgical articles, wherein the surgical article may comprise a surgical sponge comprising a counting element and/or detecting element. The counting element and/or detecting element may comprise an RFID tag encapsulated in a housing or pouch that is coupled to the surgical sponge. The RFID tag may further comprise unique identification and/or location information relative to the surgical sponge. The RFID tag may be coupled to the sponge at an attachment position and/or oriented on the surgical sponge relative to a defined set of reference lines. The attachment position and/or orientation of the RFID tag on the surgical sponge may be configured to improve the accuracy of scanning the RFID tag. A plurality of surgical articles (i.e. surgical sponges) comprising RFID tags may be packaged or bundled via a strap or within a container.

Abstract: A height-adjustable kick bucket is disclosed. The kick bucket includes a receptacle, a base having one or more wheels, a support member that is extendable between a first length and a second length such that a height of the receptacle is adjustable between a minimum height and a maximum height, and a pedal movable between a first position when the receptacle is at a maximum height of the receptacle and a second position when the receptacle is at a minimum height. Additionally, a distance between the minimum height and the maximum height of the receptacle is at least twice as large as the pedal stroke.

Abstract: A collapsible detection antenna (10) to detect electromagnetic tags (12) of surgical articles (14) in an operating room (16) includes an antenna assembly (18) configured to detect the electromagnetic tags (12). The antenna assembly (18) is configured to move between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the antenna assembly forms an antenna loop (20) configured to detect the electromagnetic tags (12). The antenna assembly (18) has a greater detection range in the deployed configuration than in the collapsed configuration. The deployed configuration corresponds to a tuned shape of the antenna assembly (18) sufficient to detect the electromagnetic tags (12) in the deployed configuration.