Ideas That Work: Protect Your SCDs From Fluid

FLUID INVASION Protect your sequential compression devices from fluids by wrapping each one in a self-sealing adhesive bag.

Protect Your SCDs From Fluid

Our sequential compression devices would often break down from all the bodily fluids and betadine that would spill on them during gynecologic laparoscopy procedures. To keep our SCDs dry, we now wrap them in a 16-inch x 20-inch plastic bag with an adhesive strip that secures the bag around the SCD tubing. We "bag" the units in the pre-operative area, but are careful not to cover the arm that hooks onto the stretcher or OR table so that the machine stays secure. Once the patient is positioned on the OR table, we position the SCD on the underside perineal cutout section of the OR table, which keeps the machine off the floor and prevents it from being damaged when the leg section is dropped or the bed is lowered.

Vicki V. Schultz, RN, CASC
Texas Health Women's Specialty Surgery Center
Dallas, Texas
[email protected]