Abstract:
An integrator-collector contains a time-corellated digital receiver for measuring, displaying, and recording fluid loss (including blood) from surgery or crisis procedures and for maintaining, displaying, and recording a count of secured surgical items such, as needles and sponges. The integrator-calculator computes total blood loss during surgery by means of an electronic beam, which upon activation by a surgical sponge, triggers the automatic conversion of the weight of the sponge into cubic centimeters of blood loss. Fluid balance can be computed and reported from a corellation between blood lost, and loss from other fluids, such as vomitus and urine, and plasma intake and the intake of other fluids, such as clear intravenous fluids.