BRPI0712179A2 - method, apparatus and article for detecting transponder-marked objects, for example during surgery - Google Patents

Abstract

METHOD, APPARATUS AND ARTICLE FOR DETECTING OBJECTS MARKED WITH TRANSPONDER, FOR EXAMPLE, DURING SURGERY A system is described for detecting objects identified with transponders used in or near a surgical site in vivo. an antenna driven by the rod housing, a fuse attached to at least one antenna and selectively operable to permanently disable at least one antenna, and a disable circuit configured to selectively blow the fuse to permanently disable at least one antenna in response to a lapse of a defined amount of use. A pouch holds a transponder and is physically attachable to objects, such as surgical sponges or gauze.

Description

"METHOD, APPARATUS AND ARTICLE FOR DETECTION OF OBJECTS MARKED WITH TRANSPONDER FOR DURING SURGERY"

Related Request Cross Reference

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) of provisional patent application US 60 / 811,376, filed June 6, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background of the Invention

Technical Field

This disclosure generally concerns the detection of the presence or absence of transponder-tagged objects which may, for example, permit the detection of surgical objects during surgery.

Related Technology Description

It is often useful or important to be able to determine the presence or absence of an object.

For example, it is important to determine if objects associated with surgery are present in a patient's body before surgery is completed. Such objects may take a variety of shapes. For example, objects may take the form of instruments, for example scalpels, scissors, forceps, hemostats and / or tweezers. Also, for example, objects may take the form of related accessories and / or disposable objects, for example surgical sponges, gauze and / or pads. Failure to locate an object before closing the patient may require additional surgery and, in some cases, may have serious adverse medical consequences. This may increase the risk of infection as well as cause additional pain and / or mental strain to patients.

Surgically acceptable procedures for detecting and removing external objects include counting the objects used in the operation. X-ray detection is also used to locate external objects. However, it is not uncommon for object counts to be incorrect. Moreover, even X-ray detection is not foolproof. Although objects such as surgical sponges are typically soaked with an X-ray opaque material to make them more easily detectable, surgical sponges are often pressed into very small areas in a meat cavity. according to which X-rays cannot always detach them sufficiently for detection. Moreover, and most detrimentally, an x-ray is a time delayed detection method because of the film development requirement (even with fast developing films). Frequently, a patient will be completely sutured before X-ray results can be obtained that may indicate the location of an external object on the patient. Therefore, delayed detection may result in the need for the surgical team to reopen the patient, thus increasing the chance of morbidity arising from the operation. Typically, prior art techniques for detecting external objects (with the exception of X-ray analysis) were prohibitively costly, involving detection devices that were too large to be used significantly (that is, they often prevented the use of objects they intended to locate), or simply did not provide effective detection. Exemplary techniques include marker or tagging systems that use radioactive, electromagnetic, magnetomechanical, or electromechanical detection techniques. A more detailed discussion of such known prior art is given in the background sections of the aforesaid US Patent 6,026,818 of the present invention, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In theory, electronic locators should be suitable for detecting surgical sponges. As a practical matter, it is difficult to manufacture a small identifier with sufficient signal strength for reliable detection at an economical cost. Increasing the size of an identifying element can have a detrimental effect on the use of the object to be located. For example, surgical sponges, a common item for which detection is desired, are used because they can be deformed for use. However, deformation often distorts large identifying elements, and small identifying elements may not provide sufficient signal strength for detection. A large undeformable handle will effectively eliminate the usefulness of a sponge that is deformed for use. The previous patent of the inventors discusses this more extensively in conjunction with the previously known schemes.

Surgical objects, such as sponges, must be deformable to conform to the body cavity work area. If transponders or tags are contracted and encapsulated so that they occupy a sufficiently small deformation-resistant area on a sponge, they can be used without impeding sponge function. However, since the area of identifiers or transponders described is contracted, their couplings will shrink, making them almost invisible to a typical detection system contemplated for use in surgery.

Some hospitals have instituted procedures that include checklists or the requirement for multiple counts to be performed to track the use and return of objects during surgery. Such a manual approach is inefficient, time-consuming and highly trained, and prone to error.

Another approach employs transponders and a wireless interrogation and detection system. One such approach employs wireless transponders that are attached to various objects used during surgery. The interrogation and detection system includes a transmitter that broadcasts wireless pulsed signals (for example, radio or microwave frequency), and a detector for detecting wireless signals returned by transponders in response to wireless signals. broadband by pulses emitted. Such an automated system can advantageously increase accuracy while still reducing the amount of time required of highly trained and highly compensated personnel. Examples of such an approach are discussed in US Patent 6,026,818, issued February 22, 2000, and US Patent Publication 2004/0250819, issued December 16, 2004.

Although the detector can detect wireless signals returned by the transponder and the relative location of the transponder, the transponder must be manually removed from the patient's body. Therefore, eye contact should be made with the transponder to successfully remove the transponder along with a surgical object attached in a timely manner. However, since the transponder and the attached surgical object may be discreetly housed within the patient's body, it may be time consuming to make eye contact with the transponder.

What's more, the transmitter can take the form of a portable stick. During use, the stick is held by surgical medical personnel who have just completed surgery and is positioned near a surgical site on the patient's body to detect if the wireless transponders and attached surgical objects remain there. Close proximity to the surgical site during use, and with the staff held by the medical staff when conducting surgery on a patient, may result in the transfer of bacteria and viruses, which may be transferred to other patients who will undergo detection of the surgical site. transpose.

Consequently, it is desirable to have a transponder and stick that address or alleviate at least some of the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect, a system for detecting objects identified with transponders used at or near an in vivo surgical site includes a pole housing, at least one antenna driven by the pole housing, a fuse coupled to at least one antenna and selectively operable to permanently disable at least one antenna, and a disable circuit, configured to blow the fuse to permanently disable at least one antenna in response to a lapse of a defined amount of use.

According to one aspect, a method for operating a system for detecting surgical objects identified with transponders to be used at or near an in vivo surgical site includes using a rod with at least one antenna to locate surgical objects identified with transponders. , determine if a defined amount of pole use has occurred, and permanently disable at least one antenna in response to a lapse in the defined amount of use. According to another aspect, an article for use in detecting surgical objects used at or near a surgical site in vivo includes a pouch with an interior and a lockable opening to provide access to the interior from within. exterior, the interior sized to receive and retain a transponder, the pouch being coupled to a surgical object for use at or near a surgical site in vivo.

In yet another aspect, a method for use in detecting surgical objects used at or near a surgical site includes providing a pocket with an interior and a lockable opening to selectively provide access to the interior of a surgical site. From its exterior, the interior is sized to receive and retain a transponder, locate a transponder inside the pouch, and attach the pouch to a surgical object to be used at or near an in vivo surgical site.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The relative sizes and positions of the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes and angles of the various elements are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve the readability of the drawing. Additionally, the particular shapes of the designed elements are not intended to carry any information considering the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been selected solely for ease of recognition of the drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a surgical environment illustrating a medical provider using an interrogation and detection system to detect an object identified with a transponder in a patient according to an illustrated embodiment.

Figures 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of a ferrite rod and a transponder according to one illustrated embodiment.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a coated transponder formed as a fusiform object with truncated ends according to an illustrated embodiment.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for attaching a transponder to the object according to an illustrated embodiment.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a bag sized to hold a transponder in accordance with an illustrated embodiment.

Figure 6A is a schematic illustration of a staff according to an illustrated embodiment.

Figure 6B is a schematic illustration of an antenna according to an illustrated embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a disabling circuit coupled to a pole according to an illustrated embodiment.

Detailed Description

In the following description, certain specific details are given in order to provide a complete understanding of the various embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art realize that modalities can be practiced without these details. In other examples, well-known structures, equipment, and processes associated with transponder sensing devices, including antennas, interrogation circuits, sensing circuits, fuses, antenna transmission structures, and resulting structures, have not been shown or described in detail. to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description.

Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the following specification and claims, the term "comprises" and variations thereof such as "comprise" and "understanding" shall be construed in an open and inclusive sense, which is like "including, but not limited to".

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or feature described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, not all appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" in various locations throughout this specification are necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Moreover, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The titles provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

Figure 1 shows a surgical environment 10 in which a medical service provider 12 employs an interrogation and detection system 14 to ensure the presence or absence of objects 16 in a patient 18. The interrogation and detection system 14 may include a controller 20 and an antenna 22 coupled to controller 20 by one or more communication paths, for example, coaxial cable 25. Antenna 22 may take the form of a portable pole 22a.

Objects 16 may take a variety of shapes, for example disposable instruments, accessories and / or objects used in performing surgical procedures. For example, objects 16 may take the form of scalpels, scissors, forceps, hemostats and / or tweezers. Also, for example, objects 16 may take the form of surgical sponges, gauze and / or pads. Objects 16 are identified, driven and attached, or otherwise coupled, to a transponder 26. Modes of the interrogation and detection system 14 disclosed herein are particularly suitable for operating with transponders 26 that are not precisely tuned to a resonant frequency. chosen or selected. Consequently, transponders 26 do not require high manufacturing tolerances or costly materials and thus can be economical to manufacture.

In use, the medical provider 12 may position the rod 22a next to patient 18 to detect the presence or absence of the transponder 26 and thus an object 16. In some embodiments, the medical provider medical services 12 may move the rod 22a along and / or through the patient's body 18. In some embodiments, the rod 22a may be sized to fit at least partially into a body cavity 28 of the patient 18.

Controller 20 includes an interrogation circuit 30 and a detection circuit 32. The interrogation circuit 30 is operable to drive antenna 22 to transmit interrogation signals in the form of broadband modulated signals, while the detection circuit 32 is operable to detect feedback signals received from transponder 26 via antenna 22. As will be described herein with respect to Figures 6A and 6B, interrogation and detection circuits 30, 32 may be positioned in a portable portion 34 of rod 22a according to one embodiment.

Figures 2A and 2B show schematic illustrations of a ferrite rod 36 and transponder 26 according to one illustrated embodiment.

In embodiments, transponders 26 or identifiers are comprised of a single signal emitting element, such as a wire wound encapsulated miniature ferrite rod 36 coupled to a capacitive device such as a capacitor for use in transponders. a fillet embodiment, or a single single loop, coiled yarn contained in an elastomeric coating as a threaded element.

In some embodiments, the ferrite rod 36 may have a dumbbell shape, for example as shown in Figure 1A. A dumbbell-shaped rod 36 such as this is shaped to provide a narrower central portion 40, each end of which ends in a wider portion 42. As illustrated in Figure 1B, the broad portions 42 have the purpose. contain windings of yarn 38 that are wound around a narrow portion 40 to form transponder 26. Transponder 26 may optionally include an encapsulating material 44. Such a configuration may be advantageous in that transponders 26 are shaped with rods Dumbbell form 36 can provide more intense or more reliable signal emission than transponders 26 modeled with cylindrical ferrite rods.

In some embodiments, a coated transponder 26 is formed as a truncated-end fusiform object 46 as shown in Figure 3. The fusiform shape may be advantageous over cylindrical-shaped transponders 26 in reducing the likelihood of close parallel alignment of the handle associated with interaction and interference identifier - identifier that can usually reduce the effectiveness of modalities.

Figure 4 shows an apparatus 48 for attaching transponder 26 to object 16, according to an illustrated embodiment.

Apparatus 48 may be advantageous for detecting objects 26 used in or near a surgical site in vivo. In some embodiments in which transponders 26 are used to detect objects 16 having finger and / or thumb holes (e.g., hemostats, scissors, certain forceps and the like), apparatus 48 may comprise tweezers or a holder for holding transponder 26 together with object 16 as shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, apparatus 48 retains transponder 26 in a cavity 50 in apparatus 48. In some embodiments, apparatus 48 and Transponders 26 retained therein are of a durable deformable material, such as surgical grade polymer, which can be deformed to securely grip a finger or thumb hole 52 of object 16, thereby securely retaining transponder 26 near the object. 16 and enabling detection of the presence of object 16 by detecting the presence of the physically coupled transponder 26 to it.

Figure 5 shows a pocket 54 sized to hold transponder 26 according to an illustrated embodiment.

In some embodiments, transponder 26 is attached to object 16 used at or near an in vivo surgical site by means of pouch 54. The pouch may be modeled as sheet material (e.g., surgical tissue, cotton, etc. .) surrounding the transponder 26.

As shown in Figure 5, transponder 26 is retained in pocket 54. In one embodiment, pocket 54 is sewn around transponder 26. Pocket 54 provides material that can be attached by a fastener to the object 16 in the surgical environment, whereby detection of the transponder 26 retained by the fixed pouch 54 indicates the presence of near object 16. The device for securing the pouch 54 to object 16 may include fiber stitching, adhesive glue , polymer adhesion such as hot glue, tweezers fixation, eyelet fixation and the like. Those skilled in the art realize that the various embodiments contemplate these and other devices for securing pouch 54 to object 16.

The pocket 54 includes an interior 56 and may include a lockable aperture 58 for selectively providing access to interior 56 from its exterior 60. Interior 56 is sized to receive and retain transponder 26 there. be seam-closed to securely retain transponder 26 within pocket 54. Pocket 54 may be coupled or attached to surgical object 16 by at least one of a fiber, adhesive, polymer, tweezers or an eyelet. The pouch 54 may be coupled or attached to a surgical sponge 62. Furthermore, the pouch 54 may be deformable and / or flexible such that the pouch 54 does not interfere with the functionality of the surgical sponge 62 when attached thereto. The pouch 54 may be formed of a material (e.g. cotton) with a sufficiently high yarn count to allow the pouch 54 to be securely sewn, or otherwise attached, to a piece of gauze or low yarn count material. or similar thin.

In one embodiment, the pouch 54 is lined around its perimeter 64 except at opening 58. The partially stitched pouch 54 is turned inside out to form a pillowcase structure, with stitches 66 inside 56 of pouch 54. Advantageously , the pouch 54 may be of a color that is distinguishable from the surgical environment to better detach the pouch 54 and thereby facilitate visual detection of the pouch 54 and the attached object 16.

Fig. 6A shows the rod 22a and Fig. 6B shows an antenna 22 according to an illustrated embodiment.

In some embodiments, antenna 22 is shared with both interrogation circuit 30 and detection circuit 32. In one embodiment, antenna impedance 22 is matched to an impedance of interrogation circuit 30. The antenna 22 may include a single ring antenna or several ring antennae.

In some embodiments, the healthcare provider 12 may move the rod 22a along and / or through the patient's body 18 at approximately 12.48 to 45.72 centimeters (12 to 18 inches) in proximity to the patient 18 and to the surgical site for verification of object removal 16. A rod head 22a may include a single ring-shaped antenna or several ring-shaped antennas. The rod 22a or the head of the rod may be advantageously disposable.

In some embodiments, antenna 22 is an annular space or air coil formed by wire coils. For example, in one embodiment, antenna 22 consists of 1/10 ° of center turns spacing at an inside diameter of about 27.94 centimeters (11 inches) and an outside diameter of about 35.56 centimeters (14 inches). inches). As illustrated in Fig. 6A, the rod housing 22a may include an upper portion 68 and a lower portion 70 which abut the windings 72. Those skilled in the art realize that the present disclosure provides numerous preferred embodiments comprising yarn spools where the coil turns are optimized for inductance and wire spacing limits.

According to at least one embodiment (FIG. 1), both interrogation and detection circuits 30, 32 are located distally or separately from rod 22a and antenna 22. In other embodiments (FIGS. 6A and 6B) the portable portion 34 of rod 22a includes circuitry 74 which may include some or all electronic devices that provide interrogation and detection functionality for interacting with transponders 16 and detecting proximity of transponders 16. In particular, the array 74 may include interrogation and detection circuits 30, 32. Alternatively, or additionally, circuitry 74 may include user interface elements (e.g., LEDs, LCDs, speaker, etc.) and / or a connector to the coaxial cable 24 for establishing a communication path between the antenna 22 and the separately housed interrogation circuit and / or detection circuit 32.

The cabling (e.g., coaxial cable 24) comprising a plurality of conductors may be provided to rod 22a for establishing signal and / or voltage connections to rod 22a. This can provide communications between the antenna 22 positioned on the pole 22a and the separately housed interrogation and detection circuits 30, 32.

Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of circuit assembly 76 driven by rod 22a according to an illustrated embodiment. Circuit set 76 may implement a variety of functions, some of which are discussed immediately below.

According to one embodiment, rod 22a is a disposable rod. Circuit assembly 76 may implement a disabling feature that advantageously prevents reuse of rod 22a. For example, this may prevent rod 22a from being used for surgery on different patients.

Circuit assembly 76 may, for example, include a fuse 78 that is selectively operable or "blastable" to permanently disable antenna 22. Unlike typical fuse use to protect circuit assembly or individuals from anomalous operating conditions fuse 78 blows even in the absence of an anomalous condition while circuit assembly 76 is operating normally. The fuse 78 is preferably irreplaceable or cannot be replaced without reconditioning the rod 22a by the original manufacturer.

Circuit assembly 76 may be configured to selectively blow fuse 78 to permanently disable antenna 22 in response to a lapse, passage, or occurrence of a defined amount of use. For example, circuit system 76 may be configured to selectively blow fuse 78 upon the determination that a set amount of time has elapsed after antenna 22 began transmitting interrogation signals or after antenna 22 or rod 22a have been switched to an ON state. Circuit assembly 76 blows fuse 78 by intentionally producing an overvoltage through fuse 78. Some embodiments may provide overvoltage to circuit assembly 76 of rod 22a via cable 24.

The set amount of use can be immutably adjusted by circuit system 76. In some embodiments, blown fuse 78 disconnects antenna 22 from interrogation and sensing circuits 30, 32 housed in rod 22a. In other embodiments, blown fuse 78 disconnects antenna 22 from the separately housed interrogation and detection circuits 30, 32 (Figure 1). Alternatively, the circuitry 76 may use a resonance check to determine a varied capacitance C1 on a fuse series path 78. In addition, in some embodiments, the circuitry 76 cooperates with a wireless tester described herein. Next.

In some embodiments, circuitry 76 includes one or more user interface elements, for example an indicator such as an LED 80. As shown in Figure 7, the indicator light 80 operates without the need for a cable guide additionally via a properly sized resistor R1 that enables current to flow through LED 80 when antenna 22 is active.

In some embodiments, circuitry 76 may also include a key S1. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, switch S1 can start (enable) and stop (disable) antenna 22 without the use of additional cable guides by employing a capacitance C2 to vary the resonance of a pole circuit indicating a state of the key.

In operation, the performance of the various modalities can be optimized by designing the interrogation and detection circuits 30, 32 to practice relatively short transmission cycles with a relatively wide bandwidth. For example, modalities used a 240 microsecond transceiver loop with the loop comprising 90 transmit seconds, 10 exhaust seconds, 10 recovery seconds, and 130 receive seconds for signal accumulation. It has been found that as the signal bandwidth increases, the transmission cycle is shortened to a good effect.

Modalities can apply fast Fourier transform to accumulated received signals for signal reduction by noise. Some modalities may further reduce the signal to noise ratio by the practice of adaptive noise reduction. In such embodiments, ambient noise is sampled and removed from the signals received by sensing circuit 32. In some such embodiments, ambient noise levels are sampled by a second antenna / receiver device arranged distal from a target area. Signals that are transmitted by transponders 26 in the target area, in response to transmissions of the interrogation circuit 30, are sufficiently attenuated distally from the target area, so that signals received by the second antenna will substantially comprise noise, such noise serving as a baseline for the signal. adaptive noise cancellation of signals received by the target area detection circuit.

The technology prescribed by the various embodiments herein may also be effectively employed to detect objects to which RFID indicators are attached. Those of skill in the art are well aware that RFID is a method for remotely storing and retrieving data in RFID tags. RFID1 identifiers, unlike identifiers or transponders of the above-discussed modalities, comprise more complex electronic devices that respond with data when queried by an RFID transceiver. However, in response to the appropriately adjusted duration and pulse bandwidth, RFID tags can provide signature responses that are detectable by sensing circuit 32 in a manner similar to that associated with the tags or transponders previously discussed herein.

In normal operation, a remote transmitter transfers power to a passive RFID identifier by means of a radio frequency signal. The RFID identifier uses the energy thus obtained to transmit data in response to the remote query. Proper tuning of the transmission cycle of the present invention can effectively emulate the narrowband signal requirement required by the RFID identifier for power transfer.

Some embodiments may accommodate applications in which both data identifiers (RFID) and dumbbell-type identifiers (as shown) are present. Although data identifier devices use collision avoidance methods, they are not designed to interoperate with interleaved frequency broadband dumbbell identifiers. However, in some embodiments, the transceiver synchronism model is interspersed between that required for data identifiers and those required for dumbbell identifiers, thereby enabling detection of any identifier in the target area.

In alternative embodiments, the accommodation of detecting both the data identifier and the dumbbell identifier, separate detection circuit systems, such a circuitry adapted for detecting data identifiers and one adapted for detecting dumbbell identifiers may be. employees sharing a single form factor and user interface. In some such embodiments, the two sets of circuit systems may share a single antenna / pole.

A wireless tester for manufacturing is within the scope of the embodiments. In a variation of the resonimeter, the device uses the currently disclosed technology to pulse components and make measurements with a special rod / meter adapted for that purpose. This technology enables Q-free measurement of the frequency and amplitude of wire wound coils and wire wound ferrite components. The best for testing is extremely fast measurement. Parts can be measured in 60-100 ms and move across the test line without physical connection. Unlike traditional resonance devices, the amplitude of the resonant frequency response is precisely captured. The antenna is specially designed to accommodate a small reading area for line technology testing, and because of its high inductance, requires modified timing to accommodate the associated power drain. Thus, those skilled in the art realize that the various embodiments are directed to an identifier or economical transponder for detecting objects (in particular, objects in the surgical environment), along with a broadband detection device. for use in conjunction with an identifier like this. The various trends further describe numerous improvements in such technology. Still further, embodiments include a wireless apparatus that employs technology along the same lines in the manufacturing environment. Based on the foregoing description, these and other features, enhancements, advantages and features of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art who are thereby able to make and use the same.

The various modalities described above can be combined to provide additional fashions. All US patents, US patent publications, US1 foreign patent applications, foreign patent applications, and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and / or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference in their integrity. Aspects of the modalities may be modified, if necessary, to employ concepts from various patents, applications, and publications to provide even further modalities.

These and other changes can be made to the modalities in light of the detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be interpreted to limit the claims in the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted to include all possible embodiments together with the full scope of those equivalents. which such claims are designated. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by disclosure.

Claims (46)

1. A system for detecting surgical objects identified with transponders used at or near a surgical site in vivo, characterized by the fact that the system comprises: a rod housing; at least one antenna carried by the pole housing; a fuse coupled to at least one antenna and selectively operable to permanently disable at least one antenna; and a disabling circuit configured to selectively blow the fuse to permanently disable at least one antenna in response to a lapse of a defined amount of use. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: an interrogation circuit coupled to drive at least one antenna to transmit interrogation signals in the form of modulated broadband signals. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the interrogation circuit is housed separately from the rod and is coupled thereto by a coaxial cable. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the interrogation circuit is housed in the rod. System according to claim 2, characterized in that an antenna impedance matches an interrogation circuit impedance. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a detection circuit coupled to at least one antenna for detecting return signals returned from one or more transponders in response to the interrogation signals. A system according to claim 6, characterized in that the detection circuit is housed separately from the rod and is coupled to it by a coaxial cable. System according to claim 6, characterized in that the detection circuit is housed in the rod. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the rod housing includes a handle sized to be grasped. A system according to claim 9, characterized in that the pole housing includes an annular portion extending from the cable, at least one antenna staying in the annular portion. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one antenna includes a plurality of rings. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the defined amount of use is immutably adjusted by the disabling circuit. 13. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the disable circuit produces an overvoltage through the fuse in response to the defined amount of use. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuse is irreplaceable. 15. Method for operating a system for detecting surgical objects identified with transponders to be used at or near a surgical site, Characterized by the fact that the method comprises: using a rod with at least one antenna to locate surgical objects identified with transponders; determine if a definite amount of stick use has occurred; and permanently disabling at least one antenna in response to a lapse in the set amount of use. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that permanently disabling at least one antenna includes permanently blowing a fuse to uncouple at least one antenna. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that using a rod with at least one antenna to locate surgical objects identified with transponders includes transmitting interrogation signals in the form of modulated broadband signals from the at least one antenna. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that using a rod with at least one antenna to locate surgical objects identified with transponders includes receiving at least one antenna return signals returned by the transponder in response to interrogation signals. . A method according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises: determining an object presence based at least in part on a higher intensity of the feedback signals received from the transponder. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that determining the presence of the object based, at least in part, on a higher intensity of the return signals received from the transponder includes processing the return signals with the sensing circuitry remotely located relative to the base, the rod interchangeably communicably coupled to the sensing circuitry by means of a coaxial cable. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that determining the presence of the object based at least in part on a higher intensity of return signals received from the transponder includes processing the return signals. with detection circuitry located on the stick. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that determining whether the defined rod usage amount has occurred includes determining whether a definite time has elapsed after the rod has been communicatively coupled to the remotely located interrogation circuitry at with respect to the rod, the rod interchangeably communicably communicated in the interrogation circuitry by means of a coaxial cable. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that determining whether the defined rod usage amount has occurred includes determining whether a definite time has elapsed after the rod has been communicatively coupled to the interrogation circuitry located on the rod. . The method of claim 23, further comprising: matching an impedance of at least one antenna with an impedance of the interrogation circuitry. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that determining whether the defined amount of use of the rod has occurred includes determining whether a definite time has elapsed after at least one antenna has begun transmitting the interrogation signals. . A method according to claim 15, further comprising: producing an overvoltage through the fuse in response to the lapse in the defined amount of use. 27. Article for use in detecting surgical objects worn at or near a surgical site in vivo, characterized by the fact that the article comprises: a pouch with an interior and a lockable opening to selectively provide access to the interior from its interior. outside, the interior sized to receive and retain a transponder therein, the pouch being coupled to a surgical object for use at or near a surgical site in vivo. Article according to claim 27, characterized in that it further comprises: a transponder retained in the bag. Article according to claim 28, characterized in that the opening of the pouch is seam closed to secure the transponder within the pouch. Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the pouch is fixed to the surgical object by at least one of a fiber, an adhesive, a polymer, a tweezers or an eyelet. Article according to claim 27, characterized by the fact that the pouch is fixed to a surgical sponge. Article according to claim 27, characterized in that the pouch is sewn into a surgical sponge. Article according to claim 27, characterized in that the pouch is sewn into a surgical sponge. Article according to claim 27, characterized in that the pouch has a sufficiently high yarn count to allow the pouch to be securely sewn into a piece of gauze. Article according to claim 27, characterized in that the pouch is made of cotton and has a sufficiently high thread count to allow the pouch to be securely sewn into a piece of gauze. Article according to claim 27, characterized in that the pouch has an inverted pillowcase structure. Article according to claim 27, characterized in that the pouch is of a color that is distinguishable from a surgical environment. 38. Article according to claim 27, characterized by the fact that the bag is deformable. Article according to claim 27, characterized by the fact that the bag is flexible. 40. Method for use in detecting surgical objects used at or near a surgical site in vivo, characterized by the fact that the method comprises: providing a pouch with an interior and a lockable opening to selectively provide interior access to from the outside, the interior sized to receive and retain a transponder therein; locate a transponder inside the bag; and attaching the pouch to a surgical object for use at or near a surgical site in vivo. 41. The method of claim 40 further comprising: sewing the closed opening to securely retain the transponder within the pouch. 42. The method of claim 40, wherein coupling the pouch to the surgical object for use in or near a surgical site includes sewing the pouch to a surgical sponge. A method according to claim 40, characterized in that providing the pouch with the interior and the closable opening includes providing a pillowcase structure with points around a perimeter thereof located within the pouch. A method according to claim 40, characterized in that it further comprises: forming the pouch by wrapping around a perimeter thereof except at the opening; and turning the lined pouch inside out so that the stitches are within the pouch. A method according to claim 40, characterized in that providing the pouch with the interior and the closable opening includes providing a cotton pouch with a sufficiently high yarn count to allow the pouch to be securely sewn into one piece. gauze A method according to claim 40, characterized in that providing the pouch with the interior and the closable opening includes providing a colored pouch with a color that is distinguishable from a surgical environment.