PRODUCTS Custom-made procedure packs
Recognising the importance of having the correct consumables and instruments for a procedure, Surgitrac Instruments’ packs are ready to use and assembled to user specifications. The ophthalmic procedure packs are designed to help reduce set up time and waste. For those looking to change from
their current pack supplier, Surgitrac offers a pack matching service and the company’s in-house forecasters can help to maintain the correct levels of stock, ensuring that procedures can be carried out as planned. Standard packs are also offered
including; sub tenon, chalazion, intravitreal and cataract. The packs are available on several NHS framework agreements, via the NHS chain or direct from Surgitrac Instruments UK.
The use of innovative manufacturing techniques has delivered bipolar and monopolar leads with a life span of 300 autoclavings. In the late 1980s, BOWA was asked
Autoclave, bipolar and monopolar leads Secondly, a separate moulding of a
to explore the possibility of applying its electronic, plastic moulding and materials technology to address the deficiencies of existing medical cables, especially in the electrosurgery field, with bipolar and monopolar leads. The realistic life expectancy of existing leads was typically around 50 autoclavings. The existing products had a short life because of fluid ingress, especially around the junction of cable with plug, and a loss of flexibility after repeated autoclavings. To overcome these issues, BOWA instituted several new processes – including a two-step moulding. Firstly, it created a strong, orange plastic part, which would be the housing for the crimped electrical components. This provided a secure mechanical ‘pinch’ on the cable to ensure a strong attachment and provide resistance to any pulling on the cable.
softer, grey plastic onto the orange part was developed, in order to encapsulate the plastic with the electrical components, thereby sealing the plug unit. The softer plastic provided a more
prehensile surface for grip and a kink- preventing collar at the entry point of the cable to the plug. This two-step moulding ensured a sealed plug, providing a barrier to fluid ingress. With regards to the cable, BOWA decided to use a thick, silver plated wire – providing greater resistance to chemicals and autoclaving. The wires are encapsulated in a
proprietary material before being sealed in glass fibre reinforced silicone – thereby increasing the durability of the cable, as well as providing kink resistance. By using all of these features,
BOWA bipolar and monopolar cables are now able to offer a warranty of 300 autoclaving cycles. Details and information can be found from Caterham Surgical.
Handling contaminated swabs advice
Central Medical Supplies (CMS) has launched a training video for its Swabsafe swab management system. Swabsafe is designed to eliminate the risk posed to operating theatre staff by the unnecessary handling of contaminated swabs and assist in accurate swab counting, to protect the patient. The video stresses the importance of effective swab management, outlines best practice and highlights the benefits of Swabsafe as a modern alternative to the swab rack. The Swabsafe system complies with
health and safety requirements and is the only system that meets the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) guidelines. The training video is on the CMS website,
www.centralmedical.co.uk
RFID chip for process documentation
Omega Surgical Instruments’ ARIS technology is based on a RFID chip which is applied to each individual instrument. The chip enables the clear identification and traceability of every instrument in the operation cycle, from CSSD to stores - and into theatres. ARIS RFID enables simultaneous bulk
reading of the instruments, saving valuable time in pre- and post-operative counts in theatres. According to Omega, complete counts can be achieved in seconds, resulting in 100% accuracy and eliminating any human error. The sets will be complete and ready for each surgical procedure, with no delays or cancellations due to incomplete sets. Features include: bulk reading (simultaneous reading of instruments); the ability to set content control; a wide reading area; and the capacity to read blood-smeared or packed instruments.
62 l JULY 2018 l OPERATING THEATRE
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