Technology
Real-time feedback that supports patient safety
The problem’s clear:
- Mortality related to retained surgical items (RSIs) is as high as 11-35%([FOOTNOTE=Lauwers PR, Hee RHV. Intraperitoneal Gossypibomas: The Need to Count Sponges. World Journal of Surgery 2000;24(5):521–527. doi:10.1007/s002689910084.],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=])
- 69% of RSIs are surgical sponges([FOOTNOTE=Gawande AA, Studdert DM, Orav EJ, Brennan TA, Zinner MJ. Risk Factors for Retained Instruments and Sponges after Surgery. New England Journal of Medicine 2003;348(3):229–235.],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=])
- 88% of RSIs occur despite a correct count4
- The average added OR time per miscount is 18 minutes1
- Miscounts occur in an estimated 1 out of 64 procedures([FOOTNOTE=Steelman VM, Schaapveld AG, Perkhounkova Y, Storm HE, Mathias M. The Hidden Costs of Reconciling Surgical Sponge Counts. AORN Journal 2015;102(5):498–506.],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=])
- Up to 83% of retained surgical sponges require a second surgery for removal and repair5 — at a cost that is not reimbursable
And so is the solution.
The Situate™ system has 100% sensitivity and specificity.3
How It Works
The Situate™ detection system X uses sensors to transmit non-ionizing, low frequency radio waves to detect tagged cotton. When the tagged cotton is stimulated by the device’s signal, it transmits its own signal back to the detector, instantly identifying its presence.
Our technology has three unique features that make it a sponge detection solution for the OR:
- Low energy radio frequency: Maintains its signal strength through dense tissue, blood, and bone as well as near metal — making it a solution for in vivo detection.([FOOTNOTE=Steelman et al 2001, Amer J Surg. 6.],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=]),([FOOTNOTE=Rivera et al. ASSIST - Automated System for Surgical Instrument and Sponge Tracking, 2008 IEEE International Conference on RFID, The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, April 16-17, 2008.],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=])
- Environmental compatibility: Filters electrical noise in ORs and meets IEC medical electrical equipment general requirements for basic safety for electromagnetic compatibility.
- Extended reach: Allows for detection outside the patient and across the OR with complementary scanning components.