ClearCount Medical Solutions’ SmartSponge System got a nod on Tuesday from the Wall Street Journal’s 2009 Technology Innovation Awards. Though the Pittsburgh company's product didn’t receive the top prize in the medical devices category, it was one of three international products named runners-up (to the i-Limb, an artificial hand designed in the U.K.). The award recognizes breakthroughs in medicine, software, the Internet, wireless and consumer electronics.
The SmartSponge detects and counts surgical sponges using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with embedded microchips, providing clinicians with an automated way to reconcile sponge counts during patient procedures.
"I think that the notice will create more understanding of our RFID as a viable technology to solve problems in the health care environment," says company co-founder and chief technology officer Steve Fleck.
"It’s now being evaluated by hospitals around the country, as well as in Pittsburgh. We’re getting international inquiries on a weekly basis."
Those inquiries include a current evaluation at a medical center in Singapore.
Source: Steve Fleck, ClearCount Medical SolutionsWriter: Chris O’Toole