Sterilizer Promises Fewer Aborted Cycles
Plasma-free process is kind to heat- and moisture-sensitive instruments.

The V-PRO 1 low-temperature sterilization system promises fewer aborted cycles and a 55-minute turnaround time. Its 136-liter square chamber lets you process more devices per cycle and its plasma-free process eliminates the need for a space-constraining electrically charged coil inside the chamber, says Steris. A plasma coil can eat up nearly 40 percent of the available chamber capacity, meaning that fewer devices fit, and contact with the coil or too many metal instruments in the chamber increases the possibility of aborted cycles, says Steris. The company adds that the V-PRO 1's pre-conditioning system helps to remove excess moisture, a major reason for aborted cycles, and that the system isn't hypersensitive to the way in which contents are loaded into the chamber, to residual moisture on the instruments or to the amount of metal contained in the instrument packs. "Aborted cycles have become a challenge for sterile processing departments because they result in repackaging, reloading and reprocessing of the devices," says Steris, "and they cost the department in additional sterilant and staff time. Aborted cycles can also impact surgical suite productivity." The list price for this system is $151,000. For more info call (800) 548-4873, visit www.steris.com or circle 167 on your Reader Service Card.

Larger handles mean less fatigue for surgeons during ENT procedures
It's not uncommon for surgeons to report hand fatigue while performing electrosurgery procedures due to the small handles on instruments. The new line of reusable suction coagulators from Megadyne Medical Products aims to solve this problem by using larger and more ergonomically designed handles to provide surgeons with a comfortable grip and easy control. According to the manufacturer, these devices are available in French sizes 8, 10 and 12 and, depending on the model chosen, have either foot controls or hand controls that consist of a tactile switch. List prices range from $8 to $9 depending on the model you choose, with foot-controlled models being less expensive than hand-controlled models. For more info call (801) 576-9669, visit www.megadyne.com or circle 168 on your Reader Service Card.

Wall-mounted nook makes a space for computers
Finding a spot for a computer in an OR can be difficult. Anthro Corporation offers a solution for facilities that have spare wall space: the eNook Pro. The manufacturer says this system can be flipped up like a Murphy bed when not in use and set up by entering the correct numeric combination and pushing the magnetic door latch to allow for easy computer access. The surface of the nook is made from durable, antimicrobial, chip-resistant Kydex, with rounded corners to prevent injuries from accidental bumps. It can hold up to 75 pounds. It's available in two sizes: One for LCD monitors and another for laptops. The manufacturer declined to disclose the price. For more info call (800) 325-3841, visit www.anthro.com or circle 169 on your Reader Service Card.

Double-headed brush allows for aggressive and thorough cleaning
The double-headed cleaning brush from Spectrum Surgical Instruments can ease the burden of reprocessing hemostats, needleholder jaws, scissors or orthopedic instruments. This tool has nylon bristles on one side for gentle scrubbing and stainless steel bristles on the other for aggressive cleaning. The manufacturer defuses any worries that stainless steel could damage instruments by noting that no surface damage has been detected through pictures taken at magnified levels. The manufacturer declined to disclose a price. For more info call (800) 444-5644, visit www.spectrumsurgical.com or circle 170 on your Reader Service Card.

Self-seal pouches include a chemical indicator to ensure proper sterilization
If you want to save the time and money it takes to use a chemical indicator during sterilization, you may want to consider the Steriking SelfSeal pouches from Healthmark Industries. Each pouch comes with a peel-off strip; the sticky closing flap contains a chemical indicator to ensure the inside of the pouch meets the proper conditions for sterilization. The manufacturer says these pouches are made from 80-pound paper with five-ply laminate, so they remain soft after the process and are resistant to tearing and shearing. List price is $88.12 for a box of 1,200. For more info call (800) 521-6224, visit www.hmark.com or circle 172 on your Reader Service Card.

Detector alerts staff if instruments are accidentally discarded
Looking for an easy way to reduce the number of instruments your staff accidentally throws away? Consider installing the GuardianOR Surgical Instrument Detector from Medical Cost Containment Systems. Featuring a loop-type metal detector embedded in the lid of a standard 15-inch-by-15-inch hamper stand, this product is designed to alert staff whenever a metal object is accidentally discarded into waste receptacles or linen bags. By sounding an immediate alert, the detector lets staff quickly retrieve the discarded instruments at the point of loss. A key-operated digital numeric counter tracks the number of detection events triggered by the detector. The product retails for about $3,250. For more info call (800) 395-1646, visit www.guardianor.com or circle 171 on your Reader Service Card.