VCUMC Adopts RF Technology To Enhance Patient Safety In The OR

Bellevue, WA - RF Surgical Systems, Inc. announced recently that the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center (VCUMC) has begun full implementation of the RF Surgical Detection System in all its operating rooms and obstetrics. The patented and FDA-approved RF Surgical Detection System scans for and signals an alert if any RF Detect tagged surgical sponge, gauze or towel remains in a patient prior to surgical closing procedures. Retained surgical sponges are one of the leading patient safety concerns in hospitals, occurring at an estimated rate of 1 in every 1,000 to 1,500 intra-abdominal surgeries, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, with roots leading back to 1838, is one of the country's leading academic medical centers. "We have a tradition of being on the forefront of advances in healthcare and offer patients the most progressive treatment and technology available," said Margaret Cox, R.N., VCUMC's Perioperative Patient Safety Officer. "Part of that commitment is ensuring the highest standards for patient safety throughout our hospital. Our trial of the RF Surgical System during large abdominal and trauma cases, as well as in labor and delivery, proved the system's ease of use, accuracy and detection range. Our surgeons and nurses were impressed by the added layer of patient safety and confidence the system afforded without disrupting the critical workflow of the OR. By adopting RF Surgical's sponge detection technology, we are continuing to offer the most advanced medicine available delivered with the highest standard of care."

The RF Surgical Detection System is exclusively distributed by Medline Industries, the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies.

SOURCE: RF Surgical Systems, Inc.