Computer Vision based camera to scan instruments and keep track of them throughout their surgical life.

Scalpel’s AI platform improves surgical efficiency and patient safety through automatic identification and classification of surgical inventory, without tags.

Scalpel Active Vision is an AI-powered imaging solution designed to address the challenges of instrument tracking in cleanroom environments, specifically surgical operating rooms. As the design lead, I led both industrial design and engineering design to create an intuitive, reliable product that seamlessly integrates with surgical workflows.

The challenge

Manual tracking of surgical instruments is time-consuming and prone to error, which can compromise patient safety and reduce surgical efficiency. Scalpel Active Vision was developed to solve these issues by providing real-time instrument detection and counting through AI and computer vision.

Solution

Scalpel Active Vision uses a powerful CV camera, integrated with artificial intelligence and a ring light, to automatically detect and track instruments in real time. This system improves efficiency, reduces errors, and ultimately contributes to better patient outcomes.

For Surgeons: Reduces the burden of manual tracking, allowing surgeons to focus on the operation.

For Hospitals: Improves surgical workflow efficiency, reducing the costs associated with lost or misplaced instruments.

For Patients: Enhances patient safety by minimizing errors and ensuring surgical accuracy.

Design development

The industrial design focused on cleanroom compatibility, featuring durable, easy-to-clean materials, and an ergonomic interface with a 24-inch touchscreen. The engineering design tackled the integration of high-performance components, including the CV camera, lighting, and computing hardware, into a compact and clean aesthetic.

The design process involved numerous iterations of prototyping and testing to optimize for both aesthetics and performance. Our goal was to create a system that is functional, intuitive, and adheres to the strict cleanliness standards required in operating rooms.

Technology and Impact

The core of Scalpel Active Vision is its AI-driven computer vision system, which provides real-time detection and tracking. Early case studies demonstrated a 20% improvement in surgical instrument tracking efficiency, leading to smoother workflows and reduced surgical errors.

Outcome

Cleanroom-Compatible: A durable and sterilizable design that fits seamlessly in a surgical setting.

User-Centric: An easy-to-use touchscreen interface for effortless integration into surgical workflows.

Efficient Tracking: A significant improvement in surgical efficiency, reducing the cognitive load on surgeons.

Leading the design for Scalpel Active Vision was a rewarding experience that emphasized the importance of integrating engineering rigor with aesthetic and user-centered design. The result is a product that significantly impacts surgical precision and patient safety.