Gloves with a Soft Side
If frequent hand washing and glove changes leave your staff's hands dry and chapped, consider a trial of Aloetouch surgical gloves. The inside of the glove contains dried aloe that is said to activate with body heat, hydrating and softening the skin. The gloves are powder-free and available in both low-protein and latex-free varieties. A case of 200 pairs of latex gloves lists for $333.33 and a case of latex-free gloves lists for $644.44. Call the company for a price quote, product samples or a glove utilization study.

Medline Industries, Inc.
800.MEDLINE
writeOutLink("www.medline.com",1)

Protect your handpieces
You may be able to extend the life of phaco handpieces with Spectrum Surgical's phaco handpiece protection case. The case is made from a durable polymer, which the company says can withstand any method of sterilization. Silicone support cradles inside the case help hold the handpiece securely in place. The case costs $115 and also comes with coupons for discounts on handpiece repairs.

Spectrum Surgical Instruments
800.444.5644
writeOutLink("www.spectrumsurgical.com",1)

Better blades for plastic surgery?
Plastic surgeons may be able to minimize cosmetic surgery scars with Rhein Medical's Diamond Knife for Soft Tissue Surgery. The man-made diamond blade's sharpness improves healing and reduces scarring, making it a good choice for facial surgeries and other soft tissue procedures that demand aesthetic results, the company says. The knives are available in two scalpel styles, both on retractable aluminum handles. They are reusable and autoclavable. The company offers a no-obligation 30-day trial. Call Rhein for pricing information.

Rhein Medical
813.885.5050
writeOutLink("www.rheinmedical.com",1)

Blankets that do more than warm
You may be able to warm patients and protect them from decubitus ulcers at the same time with the Blue Diamond Gelvelop. Made from viscoelastic polymer gel, the Gelvelop works like an envelope. You tuck any patient-warming or cooling blanket between the gel layers and close the Velcro seal. The devices are reusable and latex-free. Call David Scott for pricing information.

David Scott Company
800.804.0333
writeOutLink("www.davidscottco.com",1)

A gentler generator
High-tech electronics allow the Gyrus Medical PlasmaKinetic (PK) Tissue Management System to cut and coagulate smoothly across a variety of tissue types, the company says. The generator delivers energy in short bursts rather than continuously, allowing tissue to cool between pulses. The generator also monitors the impedance and automatically adjusts power, creating lower impedance and less energy resistance. The end result: Less sticking and less thermal spread. The system includes the PK generator and cutting forceps. The forceps are available in 10-mm and 5-mm diameters and 15-cm, 24-cm, 33-cm, 45-cm lengths. The forceps cost between $269 and $289.

Gyrus Medical
(800) 852-9361
writeOutLink("www.gyrusmedical.com",1)

Get more monitor for less
Invivo's new M12 vital-signs monitor offers lots of features for a low price, the company says. The monitor features a large 12-inch color LCD display, 5-agent gas identification, an intuitive user interface and a starting price under $10,000. You can add custom options as well. The company says the device is at home in ASCs and hospitals, as well as in the OR or the PACU.

Invivo Research, Inc.
(407) 275-3220
writeOutLink("www.invivoreserach.com",1)

Heavy-duty patient transport chair
You may be able to transport obese patients more safely and easily with the MAXX Chair line of transfer chairs from CareTech USA. The chair comes with optional power, which adjusts the chair into Trendelenburg, tilt-in-space, stretcher, recline, hi-lo, transfer and upright positions, thus reducing the potential risk of back injury due to patient moving and positioning. The MAXX Chair is available in a range of models; the smallest accommodates up to 300 pounds and the largest accommodates up to 1,000 pounds. An optional pressure reduction cushion set is also available. The chairs start at around $2,500 to $3,000.

CareTech USA
800.769.0975
writeOutLink("www.caremed.com.tw",1)

Medical records via e-mail
Surgeons who operate at your facility may find a new web site called OperationMD.com helpful. The site allows patients to submit a "do-it-yourself" patient history prior to visiting the surgeon's office. The report gets stored on the surgeon's online patient database and the web site sends the office an email as notification that the history is complete. Before the patient comes to the facility, you can view and print the report online, or you can download it as a Microsoft Word file. OperationMD.com is in a trial period and is currently available free of charge.

OperationMD.com
801.569.1260
writeOutLink("www.operationmd.com",1)