Product News: August 2000

Keep your bearings
If the twists and turns of such endoscopic procedures as shoulder arthroscopy have ever disoriented you, consider the new line of Direct Coupled Interface (DCI) Camera and Endoscope Systems from Karl Storz Endoscopy (above). The lightweight device provides a self-righting feature which maintains orientation regardless of viewing angle, the company says. DCI systems are fully compatible with all Storz Telecam SL camera control units. You can adapt other endoscopes with a universal eyepiece adapter. For more information, call 800-421-0837, visit www.karlstorz.com, or circle 90.

A superior way to staple?
If you've ever been uncertain about whether a stapler has fired, you may like the SurgiMate Rotating Head Skin Stapler from DeRoyal Surgical. The instrument provides an audible and tactile trigger and a clear cartridge which allows you to see all 35 staples. The SurgiMate facilitates staple pre-positioning for better tissue alignment, the manufacturer claims. The patented "cat ear" staples are designed with raised corners to prevent rolling and to aid in removal. Also available is DeRoyal's Fixed Head Stapler. Call (800) 251-9864, visit www.deroyal.com, or circle 91.

DeRoyal's ExtendEVAC, an electrosurgical pencil with an integrated suction channel, can remove smoke from the point of origin.

A hot tip
Your eye surgeons may enjoy using Rhein Medical's new, reusable cautery pens. The pens are lightweight, which may reduce hand fatigue, and the distal tips are designed to retard tissue buildup, the company says. You can use your cautery cord, or purchase a 12-foot reusable bipolar cord from Rhein. The autoclaveable pens are available in three styles: 18-gauge pen with a 45-degree bevel, 18-gauge pen with a dual broad tip, and a 23-gauge pen with a tapered tip. Contact Rhein Medical at 800-637-4346, visit www.rheinmedical.com, or circle 92.

If you are concerned with patient safety and instrument reprocessing issues, consider the new continuing education program from Allegiance Healthcare Corporation. The Care and Handling of Surgical Instruments provides decontamination, disinfection, sterilization, inspection and cleaning guidelines. For more information, call 800-323-9088, visit www.cardinal.com/allegiance, or circle 93.

Snipping without slipping?
If you're interested in new surgical scissors, consider the Highgold scissors (right) from Spectrum Surgical. Two unique features prevent tissue slippage, the company says-a serration in one of the tungsten carbide edges, and a high cutting angle. The scissors are available in both straight and curved designs in the following sizes: Metzenbaum 5 3/4 inches, Metzenbaum 7 inches, and Metzenbaum 6 3/4 inches. Featuring 18-carat gold markings on the rings and shanks, the scissors come with a lifetime warranty that includes free sharpening for life. Call (800) 444-5644, visit www.spectrumsurgical.com, or circle 94.

A new tool for liposculptors
If your surgeons perform "liposculpture," involving the transport of fat from one area of the body to another, they may be interested in the newly modified Dispos-a-ject Microinjection System from Byron Medical. This gun allows you to interchange standard BD 10 cc and 1 cc luer lock syringes. To convert the instrument, simply remove the 10 cc plunger adapter. This will expose a smaller diameter perfectly suited to 1 cc syringes, the company says. Other than the reduced diameter dosage rod and bushings, the device is unchanged. Contact Byron Medical at (800) 777-3434, visit www.byronmedical.com, or circle 95.