You might wake patients faster, prevent awareness in surgery and avoid overly deep anesthesia with the Datex-Ohmeda Entropy Module. It measures electroencephalography (EEG) and forehead muscle activity (frontalis electromyography), processes both signals through an algorithm and reports results. A paper authored by company scientists says results are as accurate as bispectral index's, but response time is .5 seconds. The paper says measuring the signals separately provides more information and prevents contamination of the EEG signal. The plug-in module is available with Datex-Ohmeda S/5 Anesthesia Monitors using L-ANE03(A) or later. The firm did not give a price.

GE Medical Systems
800.558.7044
www.gemedicalsystems.com

Do-it-all outpatient surgery table Steris says its ASC 2000 Ambulatory Surgical Care Table is easily configured for general, laparoscopic, plastic, colorectal, endoscopic, ophthalmic and pediatric cases. A remote hand or foot control moves the table. Electro-hyd-raulic actuators power smooth, quiet motions, says Steris. A radiolucent tabletop and offset support column allow 85 percent C-arm coverage. Film cassettes load at the head, foot and sides. The pad is conductive, pliable, latex-free and antibiotic, and reduces pressure on patients. The table holds up to 400 pounds and accommodates some accessories you own. No prices were given.

STERIS Corp.
800.548.4873
www.steris.com

New vital signs monitor said to be easy to use A new monitor from Philips is said to be especially easy to use. The portable C3 offers three-lead ECG with pacemaker detection, SpO2 with motion-tolerant Fourier Artifact Suppression Technology (FAST), non-invasive blood pressure with STAT mode, respiration and temperature. The C3 has a 10.4-inch color display that can be adjusted for different lighting conditions, large numbers and an intuitive menu structure. The box allows for several mounting options. The batteries are good for three hours. One option may help you more effectively guard against hypoxia during conscious (non-intubated) sedation. Microstream CO2, a capnography device that analyzes small samples of exhaled CO2 from the nose and the mouth, is said to be useful for oral surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology. An integrated strip chart recorder is optional. The company did not provide prices.

Philips Medical Systems
800.326.6586
www.philips.com

A lighter power tool Surgeons may experience less hand fatigue during shoulder, knee, hip and small-joint surgeries with the power-enhanced Smith & Nephew Dyonics PowerMax Shaver Handpiece. The company says the unit is about 50 percent lighter than traditional shavers and offers improved ergonomic features. The forward/reverse and oscillate buttons and the suction lever are all in one area. List price is $8,200.

Smith & Nephew Endoscopy
800.343.5717
www.smith-nephew.com

PO2 with a long memory You may be able to track your PACU patients effectively and economically with Nonin's new Avant 9600 digital pulse oximeter. The 2.2-pound portable unit works on AC electricity, but an internal battery provides power for up to 12 hours. The unit can store up to 115 hours of data. According to the company, the monitor's bright, adjustable LED display is easy to read from across the room. A patient security mode helps prevent accidental changes to critical parameters by patients as well as untrained caregivers. The monitor also affords many ways to manage alarms. The unit, which comes with a three-year warranty, lists for $1,225.

Nonin Medical Inc.
800.356.8874
www.nonin.com

Irrigating choppers and manipulators Rhein Medical's new open-ended irrigating choppers and manipulators have distal ports that help maintain the chamber when chopping close to the incision. The irrigating shafts are made of 20-gauge thin-wall tubing, so they fit through the paracentesis but still offer high irrigation flow, the company says. The handles are made of high-quality aluminum and are available with any kind of drag chopper, quick chopper or manipulator. The company did not provide prices.

Rhein Medical
800.637.4346
www.rheinmedical.com

Affordable eyewear For inexpensive safety eyewear, consider Palmero Health Care's Pro-Vision Contour Wrap Eyewear. Made of a lightweight polycarbonate frame, it has a telescoping arm to provide a good fit. The glasses come with either grey or clear lenses and cost $10 each. Palmero also offers Pro-Vision Econo Wrap Eyewear for $4.95 each.

Palmero Health Care
800.344.6424
www.palmerohealth.com

Simpler storage Harmony V Carts offer many features for an economical price. The steel and aluminum device features an ABS plastic work surface with raised edges, a pull-out writing surface, a central locking system with key and locking swivel casters. With its side- and back-mounting bracket system, you can easily add and reconfigure accessories, the company says. These include wire baskets or glove-box holder, sharps container, suction-pump holder, oxygen tank holder, upper rack with tilt-out bins, monitor shelf, IV rack, IV pole, wastebasket, power strip, cord wrap, scope holder and more. The carts start at $525.

InnerSpace/Datel Corp.
800.467.7224
www.innerspacecorp.com