Medical procedure related objects (e.g., instruments, supplies) tagged with transponders (e.g., RFID transponders, dumb transponders) are accounted for in a medical or clinical environment via an accounting system using a number of antennas and interrogators/readers. A first set of antennas and RFID interrogator(s) interrogate portions of the environment for RFID tagged objects, for example proximate a start and an end of a procedure. Shielded packaging and/or shielded receptacles shield tagged objects, preventing interrogation except for those objects in unshielded portions of the environment. A shielded receptacle may include an antenna to interrogate the contents thereof in a relatively noise-free environment. A data store may maintain information including a current status or count of each instrument or supply, for instance as checked in or checked out. A handheld antenna and/or second set of antennas interrogates a body of a patient for retained instruments or supplies tagged with dumb transponders.

A system for packaging a kit for a radiofrequency ablation procedure protects a radiofrequency ablation kit without compromising its sterile barrier system through the hazards of handling, distribution, and storage. The system includes: an introducer tray configured to hold at least one introducer; a probe tray configured to hold at least one radiofrequency ablation probe; an outer carrier tray, a pouch configured to hold a tubing kit; and a dispenser carton. The introducer tray and the probe tray are held within the outer carrier tray, and the outer carrier tray and the pouch are configured to be held within the dispenser carton. A method of packaging a radiofrequency ablation kit is further described.

A packaging element (2, 3) has two shells (21, 22, 31, 32), each shell having a margin (210, 220) defining an access opening giving access to the inside of the shell, said packaging element (2, 3) having at least a “closed” configuration in which the shells form a chamber that is substantially closed and that is suitable for receiving an article, such as a medical implant. The packaging element (2, 3) further has a sealing strip (4) that extends, outside the shells (21, 22, 31, 32), over the entire length of the margins (210, 220) of the shells of the packaging element, and from one margin (210, 220) of the shell to the other margin (220, 210) of the shell in such a manner as to seal the chamber defined by the two shells. An assembly has two packaging elements received one inside the other, with a corresponding sealing method.

A system for dispensing sterile covers for a stethoscope or other medical device, including a container including elongated members positioned in the container, terminating at tips proximate one end of the container; one or more collapsed pouches positioned inside the container, each pouch having open and closed ends and retainers, each retainer adapted to receive a corresponding elongated member, the collapsed pouches being supported on the elongated members; each pouch comprising a tab positioned proximate the open end for being grasped and pulled in a direction away and downwards from the elongated members, the open end forming an open position defined by the retainers and the tab for receiving a head of the stethoscope inside the pouch while the retainers remain engaged with the elongated members; after use, the pouch is removable from the stethoscope without a user contacting a patient contacting region of the cover.

An improved medical procedure or catheterization tray included in an improved medical procedure or catheterization package. The improved medical procedure or catheterization tray is intuitively arranged and includes instructions printed thereon to improve the medical procedure or catheterization implementation and results. In one example, a catheterization package and catheterization tray has a layout and/or arrangement of components that may help reduce CAUTI rates by facilitating ease of use and aiding in proper aseptic technique during insertion. The medical procedure or catheterization package and/or medical procedure or catheterization tray may include various implements, compartments, and components necessary and/or helpful to the medical procedure or catheterization, including, for example, improved swabs and an improved compartment for holding the swabs.

Container with a membrane packaging for medical objects, consisting of at least one cover which is connectable to a lower part, wherein at least one clamping membrane is circumferentially and peripherally attached to at least one container part, and the object to be protected lies upon the at least one clamping membrane and is borne by it, wherein only one clamping membrane, is given, which lies opposite to a fixed holding slot for holding the object on the other container part and an additional pretensioning can be applied to the clamping membrane upon closing of the container.

A safety apparatus is provided for use in a procedure comprising at least first and second devices, wherein the first device and second device are for use in a medical procedure. The apparatus includes a disabling mechanism that is adapted to releasably retain and thereby prevent use of the said second device until release by a release procedure using the first device. A method is provided of carrying out a procedure comprising the steps of using the first device, applying the first device to a disabling mechanism to release the second device, and using the second device.

A sharps container includes a container portion and a closeable lid. The sharps container includes any suitable cross-sectional shape having at least one wall. The container portion is fabricated from a light translucent or transparent material, such that any suitable light may be shined through the at least one wall thereof. An upper perimeter of the container portion is treated, such that light will not shine through an upper twenty five percent of the container by volume. An opaque tape, an opaque paint, an opaque printing ink or any other suitable treatment is applied to an upper perimeter of the container portion to prevent light from passing through the container portion. At least one wall of the container is treated.

Medical procedure related objects (e.g., instruments, supplies) tagged with transponders (e.g., RFID transponders, dumb transponders) are accounted for in a medical or clinical environment via an accounting system using a number of antennas and interrogators/readers. A first set of antennas and RFID interrogator(s) interrogate portions of the environment for RFID tagged objects, for example proximate a start and an end of a procedure. Shielded packaging and/or shielded receptacles shield tagged objects, preventing interrogation except for those objects in unshielded portions of the environment. A shielded receptacle may include an antenna to interrogate the contents thereof in a relatively noise-free environment. A data store may maintain information including a current status or count of each instrument or supply, for instance as checked in or checked out. A handheld antenna and/or second set of antennas interrogates a body of a patient for retained instruments or supplies tagged with dumb transponders.

An apparatus including a sterilizable tray having a base and at least one fixture connected to the tray adapted for removably securing an implant insertion device to the tray. The tray can be free of a first wall portion for permitting the proximal end of an implantable device to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device for coupling to the implant insertion device and can be free of a second wall portion for permitting a tool to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device so as to threadedly couple the implant insertion device to the implantable device. Related methods and apparatus are provided.