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Development of a Surgical Sponge Counting System Using Radiographic Images
Kaori Kusuda1, Kazuhiko Yamashita2, Shinichi Tanaka3
1Faculty of Advanced Techno-Surgery, Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering & Science, 13131Tokyo Women's Medical University, Japan.
Surgical Innovation
|July 30, 2020
Summary
A new system accurately counts surgical sponges using X-ray imaging, estimating fiber length to prevent retained surgical sponges. This method reduces X-ray exposure for patients and staff.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Safety
- Radiography
Background:
- Retained surgical sponges are a frequent medical malpractice.
- Current X-ray scanning for sponge counts poses radiation risks to patients and staff.
- A novel system aims to improve surgical sponge counting accuracy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize an X-ray-based system for accurate surgical sponge counting.
- To determine an optimal image acquisition protocol for the sponge counting system.
- To assess the system's performance with varying X-ray doses and image acquisition parameters.
Main Methods:
- A novel system estimates surgical sponge count by measuring estimated fiber length (EFL).
- X-ray doses (50 kV, 600 μA) and multi-angle imaging (180 images/sample) were tested.
- Performance was evaluated for both dry and blood-soaked sponges.
Main Results:
- An optimal protocol using 50 kV, 600 μA, and 180 images per sample accurately determined EFL.
- The system counted 10 sponges in 226 seconds with high accuracy.
- Performance was consistent for both dry and blood-soaked sponges, showing significant correlation between actual and counted sponges.
Conclusions:
- The proposed system accurately counts surgical sponges.
- This technology offers a promising solution to prevent retained surgical sponges.
- The system minimizes radiation exposure compared to traditional radiography methods.
