Product News: May 2003

Soft, Safe Surgical Gown A new surgical gown from DuPont is said to be especially strong, cool and comfortable. The company says the gown material, called Suprel, combines the strength of polyester and the softness of polyethylene. The new fabric causes less surface friction than competitive products, DuPont says, allowing for excellent freedom of movement. And it transfers heat away from the body quickly, adding to comfort in the O.R. The company did not provide pricing information.

Dupont
800.441.7515
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Handy wipes
For quick, convenient hand hygiene, consider Regent Medical's Hibistat towelettes. The combined 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and .5 percent chlorhexidine gluconate provides immediate and persistent antibacterial action, the company says. To use, rub hands vigorously with a towelette for approximately 15 seconds. Water and drying are not necessary. The towelettes also have a moisturizing agent that protects hands from the drying effects of alcohol, Regent says. Towelettes come in boxes of 50. The company did not provide pricing information.

Regent Medical
800.843.8497
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Simple satisfaction surveys
Measure patient satisfaction with email surveys from EdgeSurvey from CTQ Solutions. The Internet-based service sends electronic surveys to your patients' email and follows up with automatic reminders. Monthly reports offer analysis and trending. The service costs $40 per month with an additional charge of $1.85 per survey. CTQ Solutions also offers a variety of consulting services, including strategic planning, implementation planning, site reviews and audits, and customized engagements.

CTQ Solutions
877.208.7605
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Faster wound healing
You may be able to reduce the incidence of wound infection and promote healing with SilvaSorb Gel. Medline, the maker, says the substance releases ionic silver, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, over a period of three days to help prevent infection. Medline says SilvaSorb Gel is non-irritating, non-sensitizing and will not harm new granulation tissue. The substance comes in a 1.5 fluid ounce single-use tube, which costs $27.45; you can use it for multiple applications on a single patient.

Medline
800.633.5463
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Calming curtains
Sereneview cubicle curtains surround patients with calming nature scenes, potentially reducing stress and creating a healing environment, the maker says. The curtains are claimed to be lightweight, washable and fire-retardant; they meet hospital safety standards and are easy to install. The current product line includes "Tropical Breeze," an inviting deserted beach scene, and "Tranquility," a garden full of tulips. The curtains come in three sizes; all include 20 inches of mesh. The company did not provide pricing information.

Catalina Curtain Company, Inc.
888.515.6578
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Bacteria-resistant bristles
Spectrum Surgical's wire-twisted brushes now last longer, the company says. The secret is the new anti-microbial nylon bristles, which resist bacterial growth and so do not break down as quickly. Spectrum offers a range of sizes from 8 inches to 31 inches and vary in diameter from 1 mm to 15 mm. Complete brush kits to cover most surgical instrument cleaning needs are also available. The brushes start at around $11.

Spectrum Surgical
800.444.5644
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Lighting for less
Get lots of lighting features for an economical price with the new SYSTEM ONE surgery lighting system. Features include a large, 20-inch (508 mm) diameter, multi-faceted reflector, a halogen bulb with an emergency back-up bulb which automatically switches over if the primary bulb fails; output of 100,000 lux at 1 meter with over 4,000' Kelvin color temperature; electronic on/off and four stage dimming; a removable and sterilizable handle; and a 74" (1880mm) extended arm. You can get the light with single or dual light heads; a three-head system will be available soon. Single models list for $3,900 and Duo models list for $7,400.

Medical Illumination International
(818) 838-3025
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Easy imaging
Skytron's 3000 Series Pain Management Specialty Imaging Table is said to provide 65 square inches of unobstructed fluoroscopic imaging. It offers 20-degree lateral tilt, Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg and can support up to 500 lbs. It's also available with an optional four-way top slide (as shown). The carbon fiber top can be equipped with 8-inch lateral and 20-inch longitudinal movement with an optional joystick controller. The tables start at $30,000.

Skytron
800.SKY.TRON
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