CA1064240A - Surgical sponge with visually detectable element - Google Patents
Surgical sponge with visually detectable elementInfo
- Publication number
- CA1064240A CA1064240A CA291,730A CA291730A CA1064240A CA 1064240 A CA1064240 A CA 1064240A CA 291730 A CA291730 A CA 291730A CA 1064240 A CA1064240 A CA 1064240A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sponge
- sheet
- absorbent
- visually detectable
- fabric
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/44—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with radio-opaque material or signalling means for residual material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/39—Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
- A61B2090/3937—Visible markers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/39—Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
- Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
- Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
- Decoration Of Textiles (AREA)
- Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
Abstract
SURGICAL SPONGE WITH VISUALLY DETECTABLE ELEMENT
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A surgical sponge comprising, a sheet of an absorbent material, and an elongated visually detectable element at least partially located on an outer surface of the sheet, with the element significantly increasing the visibility of the sponge in a patient's body when saturated by body fluids.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A surgical sponge comprising, a sheet of an absorbent material, and an elongated visually detectable element at least partially located on an outer surface of the sheet, with the element significantly increasing the visibility of the sponge in a patient's body when saturated by body fluids.
Description
106~ZZ~Z40 i BACRGRo~ZJD OF THE INVEN~ZZION
The present invention relates to absorbent articles, and more particularly to surgical sponges.
~i Surgical sponges are commonly used during surgical pro-cedures to absorb body fluids of the patient both inside the incision and around the site of surgery. Sponges of this nature are usually made of an open-meshed absorbent fabric, such as woven cotton.
It is important, of course, that all of such sponges be 10 removed from the patient's body after surgery is complçte and before the incision has been closed. Accordingly, it is a stand- !`~
ard procedure for the surgical team to carefully count the sponges to reduce the possibiiity that a spZonae may be left in ; the patient. ~
~ 15 In spite of such safety measures, sponges have been ;
,..................................................................... ..
occasionally lost, particularly when an unexpected emergency ais- -.; ....
rupted the normal operative routine such as counting, which is subject to human error. When saturated by body fluids, such as blood! the sponges become significantly reduced in size and ~ ;
assume a color the same as body tissue, thus making visual detec-tion of the sponges extremely difficult. As a result, it has ¦~
been required to provide the sponges with a flexible inqert ¦~-which is opaque to X-rays. In case of a disputed or non-tallying 1 `
:. . .
sponge count in the operating room, or in case of unexpected or unexplainable post-operative discomfort on the part of the patient, a portable X-ray unit is brought to the patient and an -~ X-ray exposure should reveal the presence or absence of a loQt ~`
sponge. A nega~ive plate should be reassurance to the surgeon ~ ~ .
.i ~,~ ' .
~ `:
..... . ... ~ ;. ~ -.
:, ... .
1064'~4 that he and his operative team have not left a sponge in the patient. Nevertheless, it is desirable that the patient be pro-vided additional assurance a sponge d~es not remain in his body, and that the number of instances an X-ray is necessary be mini-mized, whether or not additional surgery would ultimately be required to remove a lost sponge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A principal feature of the present invention is the -provision of a surgical sponge of simplified construction which prevents mishaps in reclaiming sponges from a patient's body.
The sponge of the present invention comprises, a sheet .
' of an absorbent material, and an elongated visually detectable ` -element at least partially located on an outer surface of the ~- - . -,,~ . ,~,: . , sheet.
A feature of the present invention is that the element -~
substantially increases the visibility of the sponge in the -patient's body.
; Another feature of the present invention is that the ;
element permits visual detection of the sponge even when the sheet is saturated with body fluids. I
Yet another feature of the invention is that the ele-ment may be radiopaque for detection by an X-ray unit.
!
j Thus, a feature of the present invention is that the reflective element minimizes the possibility that the sponge may ~ 25 be left in a patient's body during an operation.
'l A further feature of the invention i9 that the element may comprise a relatively narrow thread which is sewn in a stitch-~^ ing pattern onto the sheet.
'`' ~ ' ' ' .- ~.
The present invention relates to absorbent articles, and more particularly to surgical sponges.
~i Surgical sponges are commonly used during surgical pro-cedures to absorb body fluids of the patient both inside the incision and around the site of surgery. Sponges of this nature are usually made of an open-meshed absorbent fabric, such as woven cotton.
It is important, of course, that all of such sponges be 10 removed from the patient's body after surgery is complçte and before the incision has been closed. Accordingly, it is a stand- !`~
ard procedure for the surgical team to carefully count the sponges to reduce the possibiiity that a spZonae may be left in ; the patient. ~
~ 15 In spite of such safety measures, sponges have been ;
,..................................................................... ..
occasionally lost, particularly when an unexpected emergency ais- -.; ....
rupted the normal operative routine such as counting, which is subject to human error. When saturated by body fluids, such as blood! the sponges become significantly reduced in size and ~ ;
assume a color the same as body tissue, thus making visual detec-tion of the sponges extremely difficult. As a result, it has ¦~
been required to provide the sponges with a flexible inqert ¦~-which is opaque to X-rays. In case of a disputed or non-tallying 1 `
:. . .
sponge count in the operating room, or in case of unexpected or unexplainable post-operative discomfort on the part of the patient, a portable X-ray unit is brought to the patient and an -~ X-ray exposure should reveal the presence or absence of a loQt ~`
sponge. A nega~ive plate should be reassurance to the surgeon ~ ~ .
.i ~,~ ' .
~ `:
..... . ... ~ ;. ~ -.
:, ... .
1064'~4 that he and his operative team have not left a sponge in the patient. Nevertheless, it is desirable that the patient be pro-vided additional assurance a sponge d~es not remain in his body, and that the number of instances an X-ray is necessary be mini-mized, whether or not additional surgery would ultimately be required to remove a lost sponge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A principal feature of the present invention is the -provision of a surgical sponge of simplified construction which prevents mishaps in reclaiming sponges from a patient's body.
The sponge of the present invention comprises, a sheet .
' of an absorbent material, and an elongated visually detectable ` -element at least partially located on an outer surface of the ~- - . -,,~ . ,~,: . , sheet.
A feature of the present invention is that the element -~
substantially increases the visibility of the sponge in the -patient's body.
; Another feature of the present invention is that the ;
element permits visual detection of the sponge even when the sheet is saturated with body fluids. I
Yet another feature of the invention is that the ele-ment may be radiopaque for detection by an X-ray unit.
!
j Thus, a feature of the present invention is that the reflective element minimizes the possibility that the sponge may ~ 25 be left in a patient's body during an operation.
'l A further feature of the invention i9 that the element may comprise a relatively narrow thread which is sewn in a stitch-~^ ing pattern onto the sheet.
'`' ~ ' ' ' .- ~.
-2-~-,. . . . .. ... . .
'~' 1064Z40 Another feature of the invention is that the element may comprise an elongated ribbon of radiopaque material having a visually detectable surface.
A feature of the invention is that the element may be an integral part of the sheet structure.
Yet another feature of the invention i8 that the element may be made from highly reflective, fluorescent, phosphore~cent, or iridescent materials.
Further features will become more fully apparent in the 10 following description of the embodiments of this invention and ~-from the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings~
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical sponge of `
. - . .
the present invention have a visually detectable element;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substan- ~-tially as indicated along the line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged -scale of an element suitable for the sponge of Fig. l; ~;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of a partially ~ ~-formed element for the sponge of the present invention; `
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of a surgical sponge having an element as constructed in accordance with the element of Fig. 4;
Figs. 6 and 7 are plan views of absorbent sponges hav-ing differing patterns formed by visually detectable element9t and _3_ i'................................................................. . ...
~064Z40 Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan view of a fabric in which the element is formed as an integral part of the fabric structure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ENBODIMENTS
.. ...
Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, there i8 shown a --surgical sponge generally designated 10 having a sheet 12 of an absorbent material, e.g., a low-count gauze-like or open-mesh fabric, such as woven cotton, or a nonwoven material. The sheet 12 has a plurality of folds defining a multiple ply of the sponge -10, with the folded sponge having a pair of opposed outer surfaces - ~-14a and 14b, a pair of side edges 16a and 16b, and a pair of end edges 18a and 18b connecting the side edges 16a and b. The sponge 10 may have an elongated radiopaque filament 20 located between ` ~ -plies of the sheet 12 to prevent dislodgement of the filament 20 from the sponge 10 during use in surgery. The filament 20 may be ;~
;}~ 15 made of a thermoplastic polymeric material containing a radiopaque -material, such as barium sulfate, such that it may be detected on an X-ray photograph. ;
The sponge 10 also has an elongated visually detectable -element 22 secured at least partially on an outer surface o the . ~`-:~ ,.. . .
absorbent sheet or fabric 12. In a preferred form, the element 22 is highly reflective and may be made from a metallic material hav- -ing a highly reflective surface and a color, e.g., gold or sil~er, `
which contrasts with the color of body fluids, such as blood, -~
and is non-wetting. A suitable material for the element 22 is a thread sold by Netlon Corporation, Providence, Rhode Island.
::' ~ . -~ With reference to Fig. 3, a suitable thread ha~ a central layer i 24 of metallic material, such as aluminum foil or stainless , :
,,, ...... ' - -~ - ~ , :. ~ .
1064Z~O
steel, a pair of outer layers 26 of transparent plastic material, such as polypropylene or Mylar, a trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours, on opposed sides of the central layer 24, and layers 28 of a thermoplastic adhesive bonding the outer transparent layer~
26 to opposed surfaces of the central metallic layer 24. If the adhesive 28 in the laminate is transparent, then the element 22 assumes the color of the metallic layer 24, e.g., a highly reflective silver color which is suitable for the element 22 on the sponge 10. Alternatively, the adhesive 28 may be provided -with a dye in order to color the thread in a desired manner, such as a gold color, while providing the thread with a highly reflective colored surface due to the metallic base of central layer 24 which underlies the colored adhesive layers 28. In use, the outer plastic layers 26 protect the dye in the adhesive and prevent the element from becoming colored by body fluids, such . . .
as blood. Of course, any other suitable material may be utilized -- -for the element 22 which provides a highly reflective and color . . . .
' contrasting appearance for the sponge during use, and the element -~
! ~- .:
may have a generally flat or round configuration. If desired a suitable radiopaque material, such as barium sulfate, may be ~ included in the adhesive layers 28 which, in addition to the i metallic central layer 24, results in the element 22 being more ~ -radiopaque, thus possibly eliminating the necessity for the sepa-!~ rate radiopaque filament 20. Also the outer surface of the ele-ment may be metallic and may be formed by dipping or vacuum deposition. `
In a preferred form, the element 22 is relatively flex- ~ -ible and thin in order that it may be sewn into the fabric or ~
:' ' 1064;~40 gauze sheet 12 by a sewing machine as the thread in a sewing pat- -tern. With reference to Fig. 2, in a lock stitch metallic threads may be sewn through the machine needle and from the bobbin, such that the sewn sponge 10 has a pair of visually detectable elements 22a and 22b on the opposed surfaces 14a and b of the sponge.
Alternatively, a visually detectable thread may be utilized in a chain stitch to provide the sponge with portions of the thread on the opposed surfaces of the sponge. Of course, the element 22 may be attached to the outer surface of the sponge by any suitable ~ 10 means, such as lines of stitching, but in a preferred form the ; element may be conveniently sewn into the fabric in a simplified ; manner during construction of the sponge and preventing dislodge-ment of the element during use of the sponge.
In accordance with the present invention, the sponge 10 has a highly reflective element 22 at least partially on an outer surface of the sponge, such that the reflective element is readily visible even when the sheet 12 of absorbent material has been saturated by body fluids, such as blood. Accordingly, the '- reflective element 22 permits visibility of the sponge in the patient's body in order to minimize the possibility that the sponge may become lost during surgery and to reduce the number of instances in which an X-ray unit must be utilized to locate a lost sponge. In this regard, it is noted that the radiopaque elements commonly used in surgical sponges are normally located within plies of the sponge material, and are not normally visible on the outside of the sponge. Further, even if positioned on the outer surface of the sponge, such radiopaque element~ do not have a sufficiently reflective surface to enhance visual recognition :- . - - .
lQ64Z40 of the sponge, particularly when saturated by body fluids.
In a preferred form, the reflective element 22 extends throughout a substantial area of the folded sponge 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the element 22 may extend the length of the folded sponge between the end edges 18a and b. Other suitable configu-rations of the element 22 comprise a plurality of spaced line~, a pattern generally in the shape of a Z, as shown in F$g. 6, or a pattern in the shape of an X, as shown in Fig. 7, such that the reflective element 22 extends substantially the width and length of the sponge between its side and end edges in order to insure ~`
that the reflective element is readily visible on the outer sur-face of the sponge.
In an alternative form, the element 22 may be made from a light emitting material, such as a fluorescent or phosphorescent material, or from an iridescent material. As known, a fluorescent material, such as a film sold by Appleton Papers, Appleton, Wis-consin, emits electromagnetic radiation as a result of energy flow, such as light, into the emitting body so long as the excitationcontinues, while a phosphorescent material is lumines-cent after the source of excitation ceases. An iridescent mate-rial, such as a film sold by The Mearl Corporation, Peekskill, New York, displays a rainbow color effect as a result of inter-ference in a thin film or diffraction of light reflected from a ribbed surface. In either event, an element 22 made of such materials significantly increases the visibility of the sponge when wetted with body fluids during use.
Another embodiment of the present invention is illus-trated in Figs. 4 and 5, in which like reference numerals de~ign-lO~D,tZ40 ., nate like parts. In this embodiment, the visually detectable element 22 comprises an elongated ribbon 30 of radiopaque material, such as a thermoplastic material impregnated with barium sulfate, which has a highly reflective outer surface, or other visually detectable surface, as previously described. The surface may be - formed in any suitable manner, such as by winding a thread or yarn 34,with the desired detectable surface characteristics, around and covering an outer surface 36 of the radiopaque ribbon 30. The yarn 34 may be of any suitable type, such as the element or thread previously discussed in connection with Figs. 1-3, and the visu- - -ally detectable element 22 may be secured on the outer surface of the sheet 12 by suitable means, such as by stitching 32 shown in Fig. 5. Thus, the element 22 has an inner radiopaque ribbon 30 `
which may be utilized, if necessary, for detection of the sponge by an X-ray unit. Additionally, the element 22 has a visually detec~able outer surface defined by the yarn 34 to significantly enhance visual detection of the sponge when located in the patient's body and saturated with body fluids, thus minimizing the possibility that the sponge may become lost in the body and that an X-ray exposure of the body may be required. ~
Another embodiment of the present invention is illus- .
trated in Fig. 8, in which like reference numerals designate like parts. In this embodiment, the visually detectable element 22 may -be woven into the fabric or sheet 12 as a yarn, while the remain-ing yarns 40, such as cotton, provide absorbency for the sponge 10. ~ h Alternatively, the element 22 may be utilized as a yarn in a ; knitted fabric.
The foregoing detailed description is given for clear-ness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
,: :
.. j, , : , . . .~ , . . .
.~; . , ~ .
.. . . . .. . . . .
'~' 1064Z40 Another feature of the invention is that the element may comprise an elongated ribbon of radiopaque material having a visually detectable surface.
A feature of the invention is that the element may be an integral part of the sheet structure.
Yet another feature of the invention i8 that the element may be made from highly reflective, fluorescent, phosphore~cent, or iridescent materials.
Further features will become more fully apparent in the 10 following description of the embodiments of this invention and ~-from the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings~
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical sponge of `
. - . .
the present invention have a visually detectable element;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substan- ~-tially as indicated along the line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged -scale of an element suitable for the sponge of Fig. l; ~;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of a partially ~ ~-formed element for the sponge of the present invention; `
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of a surgical sponge having an element as constructed in accordance with the element of Fig. 4;
Figs. 6 and 7 are plan views of absorbent sponges hav-ing differing patterns formed by visually detectable element9t and _3_ i'................................................................. . ...
~064Z40 Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan view of a fabric in which the element is formed as an integral part of the fabric structure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ENBODIMENTS
.. ...
Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, there i8 shown a --surgical sponge generally designated 10 having a sheet 12 of an absorbent material, e.g., a low-count gauze-like or open-mesh fabric, such as woven cotton, or a nonwoven material. The sheet 12 has a plurality of folds defining a multiple ply of the sponge -10, with the folded sponge having a pair of opposed outer surfaces - ~-14a and 14b, a pair of side edges 16a and 16b, and a pair of end edges 18a and 18b connecting the side edges 16a and b. The sponge 10 may have an elongated radiopaque filament 20 located between ` ~ -plies of the sheet 12 to prevent dislodgement of the filament 20 from the sponge 10 during use in surgery. The filament 20 may be ;~
;}~ 15 made of a thermoplastic polymeric material containing a radiopaque -material, such as barium sulfate, such that it may be detected on an X-ray photograph. ;
The sponge 10 also has an elongated visually detectable -element 22 secured at least partially on an outer surface o the . ~`-:~ ,.. . .
absorbent sheet or fabric 12. In a preferred form, the element 22 is highly reflective and may be made from a metallic material hav- -ing a highly reflective surface and a color, e.g., gold or sil~er, `
which contrasts with the color of body fluids, such as blood, -~
and is non-wetting. A suitable material for the element 22 is a thread sold by Netlon Corporation, Providence, Rhode Island.
::' ~ . -~ With reference to Fig. 3, a suitable thread ha~ a central layer i 24 of metallic material, such as aluminum foil or stainless , :
,,, ...... ' - -~ - ~ , :. ~ .
1064Z~O
steel, a pair of outer layers 26 of transparent plastic material, such as polypropylene or Mylar, a trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours, on opposed sides of the central layer 24, and layers 28 of a thermoplastic adhesive bonding the outer transparent layer~
26 to opposed surfaces of the central metallic layer 24. If the adhesive 28 in the laminate is transparent, then the element 22 assumes the color of the metallic layer 24, e.g., a highly reflective silver color which is suitable for the element 22 on the sponge 10. Alternatively, the adhesive 28 may be provided -with a dye in order to color the thread in a desired manner, such as a gold color, while providing the thread with a highly reflective colored surface due to the metallic base of central layer 24 which underlies the colored adhesive layers 28. In use, the outer plastic layers 26 protect the dye in the adhesive and prevent the element from becoming colored by body fluids, such . . .
as blood. Of course, any other suitable material may be utilized -- -for the element 22 which provides a highly reflective and color . . . .
' contrasting appearance for the sponge during use, and the element -~
! ~- .:
may have a generally flat or round configuration. If desired a suitable radiopaque material, such as barium sulfate, may be ~ included in the adhesive layers 28 which, in addition to the i metallic central layer 24, results in the element 22 being more ~ -radiopaque, thus possibly eliminating the necessity for the sepa-!~ rate radiopaque filament 20. Also the outer surface of the ele-ment may be metallic and may be formed by dipping or vacuum deposition. `
In a preferred form, the element 22 is relatively flex- ~ -ible and thin in order that it may be sewn into the fabric or ~
:' ' 1064;~40 gauze sheet 12 by a sewing machine as the thread in a sewing pat- -tern. With reference to Fig. 2, in a lock stitch metallic threads may be sewn through the machine needle and from the bobbin, such that the sewn sponge 10 has a pair of visually detectable elements 22a and 22b on the opposed surfaces 14a and b of the sponge.
Alternatively, a visually detectable thread may be utilized in a chain stitch to provide the sponge with portions of the thread on the opposed surfaces of the sponge. Of course, the element 22 may be attached to the outer surface of the sponge by any suitable ~ 10 means, such as lines of stitching, but in a preferred form the ; element may be conveniently sewn into the fabric in a simplified ; manner during construction of the sponge and preventing dislodge-ment of the element during use of the sponge.
In accordance with the present invention, the sponge 10 has a highly reflective element 22 at least partially on an outer surface of the sponge, such that the reflective element is readily visible even when the sheet 12 of absorbent material has been saturated by body fluids, such as blood. Accordingly, the '- reflective element 22 permits visibility of the sponge in the patient's body in order to minimize the possibility that the sponge may become lost during surgery and to reduce the number of instances in which an X-ray unit must be utilized to locate a lost sponge. In this regard, it is noted that the radiopaque elements commonly used in surgical sponges are normally located within plies of the sponge material, and are not normally visible on the outside of the sponge. Further, even if positioned on the outer surface of the sponge, such radiopaque element~ do not have a sufficiently reflective surface to enhance visual recognition :- . - - .
lQ64Z40 of the sponge, particularly when saturated by body fluids.
In a preferred form, the reflective element 22 extends throughout a substantial area of the folded sponge 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the element 22 may extend the length of the folded sponge between the end edges 18a and b. Other suitable configu-rations of the element 22 comprise a plurality of spaced line~, a pattern generally in the shape of a Z, as shown in F$g. 6, or a pattern in the shape of an X, as shown in Fig. 7, such that the reflective element 22 extends substantially the width and length of the sponge between its side and end edges in order to insure ~`
that the reflective element is readily visible on the outer sur-face of the sponge.
In an alternative form, the element 22 may be made from a light emitting material, such as a fluorescent or phosphorescent material, or from an iridescent material. As known, a fluorescent material, such as a film sold by Appleton Papers, Appleton, Wis-consin, emits electromagnetic radiation as a result of energy flow, such as light, into the emitting body so long as the excitationcontinues, while a phosphorescent material is lumines-cent after the source of excitation ceases. An iridescent mate-rial, such as a film sold by The Mearl Corporation, Peekskill, New York, displays a rainbow color effect as a result of inter-ference in a thin film or diffraction of light reflected from a ribbed surface. In either event, an element 22 made of such materials significantly increases the visibility of the sponge when wetted with body fluids during use.
Another embodiment of the present invention is illus-trated in Figs. 4 and 5, in which like reference numerals de~ign-lO~D,tZ40 ., nate like parts. In this embodiment, the visually detectable element 22 comprises an elongated ribbon 30 of radiopaque material, such as a thermoplastic material impregnated with barium sulfate, which has a highly reflective outer surface, or other visually detectable surface, as previously described. The surface may be - formed in any suitable manner, such as by winding a thread or yarn 34,with the desired detectable surface characteristics, around and covering an outer surface 36 of the radiopaque ribbon 30. The yarn 34 may be of any suitable type, such as the element or thread previously discussed in connection with Figs. 1-3, and the visu- - -ally detectable element 22 may be secured on the outer surface of the sheet 12 by suitable means, such as by stitching 32 shown in Fig. 5. Thus, the element 22 has an inner radiopaque ribbon 30 `
which may be utilized, if necessary, for detection of the sponge by an X-ray unit. Additionally, the element 22 has a visually detec~able outer surface defined by the yarn 34 to significantly enhance visual detection of the sponge when located in the patient's body and saturated with body fluids, thus minimizing the possibility that the sponge may become lost in the body and that an X-ray exposure of the body may be required. ~
Another embodiment of the present invention is illus- .
trated in Fig. 8, in which like reference numerals designate like parts. In this embodiment, the visually detectable element 22 may -be woven into the fabric or sheet 12 as a yarn, while the remain-ing yarns 40, such as cotton, provide absorbency for the sponge 10. ~ h Alternatively, the element 22 may be utilized as a yarn in a ; knitted fabric.
The foregoing detailed description is given for clear-ness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
,: :
.. j, , : , . . .~ , . . .
.~; . , ~ .
.. . . . .. . . . .
Claims (17)
1. A surgical sponge, comprising:
a sheet of an absorbent material; and an elongated visually detectable element at least partially located on an outer surface of said sheet, said element being selected from the group consisting essentially of highly reflective, fluorescent, phosphorescent, and iridescent materials, said element significantly increasing the visibility of the sponge in a patient's body when saturated by body fluids.
a sheet of an absorbent material; and an elongated visually detectable element at least partially located on an outer surface of said sheet, said element being selected from the group consisting essentially of highly reflective, fluorescent, phosphorescent, and iridescent materials, said element significantly increasing the visibility of the sponge in a patient's body when saturated by body fluids.
2. The sponge of claim 1 wherein said element is radio-paque.
3. The sponge of claim 1 including a separate radio-paque element located on said sheet.
4. The sponge of claim 1 wherein said sheet comprises a multiple-ply absorbent gauze.
5. The sponge of claim 1 wherein said element comprises a metallic material.
6. The sponge of claim 5 wherein said element comprises, a central layer of a metallic material, a pair of outer layers of a transparent plastic material on opposed sides of said central layer, and a thermoplastic adhesive bonding said outer layers on opposed surfaces of the central layer.
7. The sponge of claim 6 wherein said adhesive contains a coloring material.
8. The sponge of claim 5 wherein said element has an outer metallic coating.
9. The sponge of claim 1 wherein said element has a color which contrasts with the color of the body fluids.
10. The sponge of claim 1 wherein said element is rela-tively narrow and comprises a thread in a stitching pattern sewn onto said sheet.
11. The sponge of claim 1 wherein said element defines a pattern on the surface of said sheet extending substantially throughout the width and length of the sponge.
12. The sponge of claim 1 wherein said element is secured on an outer surface of said sheet.
13. The sponge of claim 1 wherein said sheet comprises a fabric having a plurality of absorbent yarns and said element is an integral part of the fabric structure.
14. The sponge of claim 13 wherein said element is woven into said fabric with said absorbent yarns.
15. The sponge of claim 1 wherein said sheet comprises a nonwoven material.
16. A surgical sponge, comprising:
a sheet of absorbent material; and an elongated radiopaque element at least partially located on an outer surface of said sheet, said element having a visually detectable surface selected from the group consisting essentially of highly reflective, fluorescent, phosphorescent, and iridescent materials, said element significantly increasing the visibility of the sponge in a patient's body when saturated with body fluids.
a sheet of absorbent material; and an elongated radiopaque element at least partially located on an outer surface of said sheet, said element having a visually detectable surface selected from the group consisting essentially of highly reflective, fluorescent, phosphorescent, and iridescent materials, said element significantly increasing the visibility of the sponge in a patient's body when saturated with body fluids.
17. The sponge of claim 16 wherein said element com-prises, an elongated ribbon of radiopaque material, and an elon-gated yarn of said selected material wound about an outer surface of said ribbon.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US76005677A | 1977-01-17 | 1977-01-17 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1064240A true CA1064240A (en) | 1979-10-16 |
Family
ID=25057953
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA291,730A Expired CA1064240A (en) | 1977-01-17 | 1977-11-25 | Surgical sponge with visually detectable element |
Country Status (13)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5390692A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU510396B2 (en) |
| BE (1) | BE862989A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR7708039A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1064240A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2801682A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2377187A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1539633A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1090743B (en) |
| NL (1) | NL182282C (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ185877A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE434114B (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA777267B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10506928B2 (en) | 2011-11-21 | 2019-12-17 | Kci Licensing, Inc. | Systems, devices, and methods for identifying portions of a wound filler left at a tissue site |
Families Citing this family (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3015779A1 (en) * | 1980-04-24 | 1981-10-29 | Ewald 5600 Wuppertal Rath | Surgical swab - with marker thread between muslin layers for X=ray detection |
| DE3035778A1 (en) * | 1980-09-23 | 1982-05-06 | Ewald 5600 Wuppertal Rath | Tampon made from superimposed muslin sheets - and pushed at ends into rubber ring with holding thread locked inside |
| ZA833220B (en) * | 1982-05-19 | 1984-01-25 | Kendall & Co | Surgical sponge |
| JPS61185406U (en) * | 1985-05-10 | 1986-11-19 | ||
| US4718897A (en) * | 1985-09-18 | 1988-01-12 | Chicopee | Nonwoven surgical sponge with x-ray detectable element |
| DE3625721A1 (en) * | 1986-07-30 | 1988-02-04 | Remmele Wolfgang Prof Dr Med | Gauze pads and gauze cloths (abdominal cloths) for surgical interventions |
| FR2701140A1 (en) * | 1993-02-01 | 1994-08-05 | Tech Innovations Medicales | Device for counting surgical compresses. |
| FR2742655B1 (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1998-03-27 | Philippe Chantal | ULTRA ABSORBENT COMPRESS WITH REMOVABLE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL INDICATOR |
| JP2010240146A (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2010-10-28 | Hakuzo Medical Corp | Gauze and method for manufacturing the same |
| JP2012161416A (en) * | 2011-02-04 | 2012-08-30 | Kawamoto Sangyo Kk | X-ray contrast thread, and gauze with x-ray contrast thread |
| EP3028686A3 (en) | 2014-10-13 | 2017-03-22 | Multigate Medical Products Pty Ltd | A surgical sponge |
| AU2015243066B2 (en) * | 2015-10-15 | 2021-09-23 | Multigate Medical Products Pty Limited | A Surgical Sponge |
| JP2017080044A (en) * | 2015-10-27 | 2017-05-18 | マルチゲート メディカル プロダクツ ピーティーワイ リミテッドＭｕｌｔｉｇａｔｅ Ｍｅｄｉｃａｌ Ｐｒｏｄｕｃｔｓ Ｐｔｙ Ｌｔｄ | Surgical sponge |
| JP2019134941A (en) * | 2019-04-09 | 2019-08-15 | マルチゲート メディカル プロダクツ ピーティーワイ リミテッドＭｕｌｔｉｇａｔｅ Ｍｅｄｉｃａｌ Ｐｒｏｄｕｃｔｓ Ｐｔｙ Ｌｔｄ | Surgical sponge |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2698270A (en) * | 1952-07-15 | 1954-12-28 | Johnson & Johnson | Method of incorporating a thread in wavy formin a gauze surgical dressing |
| GB805082A (en) * | 1955-02-16 | 1958-11-26 | Vernon & Company Ltd | Improvements in or relating to surgical dressings |
| GB1190733A (en) * | 1966-04-16 | 1970-05-06 | Johnson & Johnson | Improvements in and relating to Surgical Swabs |
| GB1274061A (en) * | 1968-06-04 | 1972-05-10 | Johnson & Johnson | Electromagnetically detectable surgical dressings |
-
1977
- 1977-11-25 CA CA291,730A patent/CA1064240A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-12-02 BR BR7708039A patent/BR7708039A/en unknown
- 1977-12-05 GB GB50551/77A patent/GB1539633A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-12-06 NZ NZ185877A patent/NZ185877A/en unknown
- 1977-12-06 ZA ZA00777267A patent/ZA777267B/en unknown
- 1977-12-12 IT IT52167/77A patent/IT1090743B/en active
- 1977-12-30 NL NLAANVRAGE7714609,A patent/NL182282C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1978
- 1978-01-16 AU AU32439/78A patent/AU510396B2/en not_active Expired
- 1978-01-16 DE DE19782801682 patent/DE2801682A1/en active Granted
- 1978-01-16 SE SE7800483A patent/SE434114B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1978-01-17 FR FR7801224A patent/FR2377187A1/en active Granted
- 1978-01-17 BE BE184387A patent/BE862989A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1978-01-17 JP JP284278A patent/JPS5390692A/en active Granted
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10506928B2 (en) | 2011-11-21 | 2019-12-17 | Kci Licensing, Inc. | Systems, devices, and methods for identifying portions of a wound filler left at a tissue site |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU510396B2 (en) | 1980-06-26 |
| BR7708039A (en) | 1978-08-29 |
| SE7800483L (en) | 1978-07-18 |
| NL182282B (en) | 1987-09-16 |
| SE434114B (en) | 1984-07-09 |
| NZ185877A (en) | 1981-03-16 |
| JPS5390692A (en) | 1978-08-09 |
| DE2801682C2 (en) | 1988-02-04 |
| AU3243978A (en) | 1979-07-26 |
| GB1539633A (en) | 1979-01-31 |
| ZA777267B (en) | 1978-09-27 |
| BE862989A (en) | 1978-05-16 |
| JPS6312630B2 (en) | 1988-03-22 |
| IT1090743B (en) | 1985-06-26 |
| NL7714609A (en) | 1978-07-19 |
| DE2801682A1 (en) | 1978-07-20 |
| FR2377187B1 (en) | 1984-01-13 |
| NL182282C (en) | 1988-02-16 |
| FR2377187A1 (en) | 1978-08-11 |
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