SURGERY
Tackling environmental issues Weight is an important consideration for a disposable retractor, not only for handling and positioning during surgery but also when balancing the cost of incineration versus reusable alternatives. While reusable metal retractors do exist, they are quite heavy, the sterilisation process is not without environmental concerns, and there will always be a slightly higher infection risk than with a new, guaranteed sterile, product. “There is a big push for all departments to work towards being more environmentally friendly. You have to weigh up choosing reusable equipment and the cost and energy requirements of sterilisation against single use, disposable items, the type and amount of plastic in them, and the cost and pollution aspects of incineration,” Miss Greenwell commented. “For urogynaecology, there was no alternative reusable retractor, and the Galaxy II has 10 % less plastic and is 10 % lighter than other existing products, contributing to the waste reduction targets.”
The future Product development is just the beginning: it is essential to keep listening to feedback, adding constant improvements to refine a product and make life even easier for surgeons. Continual innovation is vital and, for example, a Galaxy II Male kit (Figure 3) has been optimised for use in male- specific procedures, such as scrotal and associated surgeries, as well as prosthetic testicle implantations. A number of different accessories and a novel hammock elevation strap help to manoeuvre the male anatomy, allowing the penis to be held securely without requiring hooks through the skin, and improving patient comfort. Another development is the introduction of light into surgical sites via the retractor; good lighting is crucial in any procedure, and can be challenging with overhead lighting and personal headtorches. The Galaxy II LUX combines the Galaxy II retractor with Vivo Surgical’s KLARO in vivo LED device, which can be mounted on the retractor via a purpose-designed clip. This partnership provides better access and a clearer view of the surgical site and eliminates the disadvantages of using overhead lighting or personal headtorches.
The lighting tip offers the highest surgical light intensities on the market, with four
settings to match the needs of different operations, while maintaining a safe operating temperature of below 38˚C. With a 650 mm long cable, compact 4.6 mm diameter and a flexible structure, the light can be effortlessly positioned during surgery to offer up to ~340˚ of illumination inside deep and narrow wounds. This new addition is helping to overcome a number of difficulties, ensuring uniform site illumination, reducing the need for light repositioning and eliminating the risk of patient infection from contaminated light handles, as well as improving ergonomics for surgeons.
Summary
What began as a simple observation during a surgical procedure rapidly led to the development of a novel self-retaining plastic retractor that can be operated with one hand. There is now good, solid evidence that this product could make a real difference to surgeons across the board.
Since its launch in the UK two years
ago, it has grown in popularity – initially aimed at the women’s health sector, it is now being adopted in other fields, such as urology, colorectal, orthopaedics, ENT and paediatrics – and currently accounts for around a 30% market share. More recently, it has been released
The stays and hooks on a retractor are incredibly important. The selection supplied with the Galaxy II suit different layers of tissue that might need to be pulled back and all designed to minimise trauma.
22 l
WWW.CLINICALSERVICESJOURNAL.COM
on the US market, where it is already starting to make a difference. With further enhancements and refinements, a seemingly simple device is set to transform the surgical landscape, offering benefits to surgeons and patients alike.
CSJ
About the Author
Angela Spang is the founder and CEO of JUNE MEDICAL, an international medical device company operating since 2013, with base in Marlow, United Kingdom. Angela has a broad and long background in international business with medical devices, having held internationally focused senior positions with Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Allergan (AGN) and American Medical Systems (END). She also owns and runs a medical education company, focused on training health care professionals on surgical procedures using cadaveric tissue, London Medical Education Academy.
FEBRUARY 2021
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
