The Operating Theatre Journal · ﬁ nd out more 0207 100 2867 • e-mail [email protected] Issue 194 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 3 l The Operating Theatre Journal is published twelve

ISSN 1747-728X November/December 2006 Issue No. 194

The

Operating Theatre Journal

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fi nd out more 0207 100 2867 • e-mail [email protected] Issue 194 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 3

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The Operating Theatre Journal

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Plateletworks: Rapid Platelet Function

Screening at the Point of Care Putting the patient at the heart of the process

HORIBA ABX, in association with GTA (UK) Ltd, is kick-starting the UK distribution of the novel diagnostic screening assay, Plateletworks. Plateletworks, manufactured by Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, Texas, provides a rapid, easy solution for measuring platelet function. To date, the ability to assess platelet function at the point of care has been elusive, especially in the clinical environment. However the Plateletworks kits have been specifi cally developed for point of care (POC) testing to determine four aspects of platelet function: total count, percentage aggregation or inhibition and functional count.

Congenital and acquired conditions, such as cirrhosis or drug therapy, can affect platelets and inhibit their function or production. The presence of dysfunctional platelets is thought to contribute to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) bleeding and other haemorrhagic problems. Without the knowledge of an individual’s platelet function it is diffi cult for physicians to decide upon quantities of expensive blood products and drugs needed to treat the patient’s condition. With Plateletworks one simple test can achieve both quantitative and qualitative platelet assessments within minutes. The results will help determine, for example, whether anti-platelet therapy is working for the patient or if the patient will need a platelet transfusion. Using Plateletworks the physician has the ability to make an informed decision on effective and effi cient administration of blood products and drugs to the patient relevant to their condition.

The Plateletworks system ensures POC testing is kept as simple and quick as possible for the healthcare worker; whole blood samples are used, requiring no sample preparation. Four Plateletworks kits are currently available for processing on a HORIBA ABX haematology analyser for ease-of-use and results in less than fi ve minutes.

Currently, Plateletworks is being integrated into three UK Evaluation sites: Frimley Park Hospital, a three star rated hospital with an established POC team; Liverpool Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC), a centre of excellence and one of the largest specialist heart and chest hospitals in the UK; and Nottingham City whose major research interests include clinical haematology, diabetes/endocrinology and urology.

In addition to the currently available ADP and Collagen agonists, Helena Laboratories will also soon be offering further Plateletworks tests, i.e. arachidonic acid and Ristocetin, for more precise assessment of drug induced platelet conditions. www.horiba-abx.com When responding please quote ‘OTJ’

Nonin – There’s No Better Name To Drop !

PROACT Medical, the UK’s offi cial supplier of Nonin’s SpO2 / CO2 / NIBP monitors and accessories, showcase the range which fully meets the new drop testing and fl uid ingress requirements which come in to place on the 1st of January 2007 - ISO 9919 Particular Requirements for the Basic Safety and Essential Performance of Pulse Oximeter Equipment for Medical Use.

All of Nonin’s monitors offer amazing durability and will withstand the harshest of Military/EMS conditions. Nonin’s Pulse Oximeters have been tested to comply with the tough standards set by the new CEN standard ISO 9919 (2005). This means that all of Nonin’s range meet the new drop testing and fl uid ingress regulations unlike many other Pulse Oximeters on the UK market. These regulations come in to force from the 1st of January 2007 – future proof with Nonin products.

All of Nonin’s Pulse Oximeters also contain Nonin’s leading edge PureSAT™ single processing technology and PureLight™ Sensor technology, which make them incredibly reliable and accurate. Together PureSAT™ and PureLight™ offer impeccable performance at ALL perfusions, amazing motion tolerance and give consistent readings throughout. From ambulances and helicopters to hospital wards, Nonin’s Oximeters are clearly the best choice.For further information contact Proact on: 0870 909 7400 Please quote ‘OTJ’

4 THE OPERATING THEATRE JOURNAL www.otjonline.com

NOVEL WOUND SEALANT GAINS WIDESPREAD ACCEPTANCE AND SUPPORT

Kimberly-Clark’s InteguSeal microbial sealant predicted to become an invaluable pre-operative sterilisation technique -

InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant from Kimberly-Clark

Surgeons involved in the feasibility studies of InteguSeal*, Kimberly-Clark’s novel microbial sealant, have responded enthusiastically to its performance and ease of use. When used during orthopaedic, cardio and vascular procedures in hospitals across Europe, surgeons found Integuseal simple to apply and fast-drying. Furthermore they predict that it will become an invaluable surgical preparation for reducing the high aftercare treatment costs associated with surgical site infections (SSIs).

Currently two to fi ve percent of patients undergoing surgery are at risk from SSIs, a major source of morbidity following operative procedures and where additional treatment is estimated to increase healthcare costs by more than 300 per cent per patient. InteguSeal* is fi lm forming liquid that can be applied to any skin surface or contour.

By bonding to the skin, it seals off spaces where bacteria can grow and thus protecting against their migration into the incision site.

European clinical trials into the use of Integuseal in clinical practice have been conducted. Leading surgeons have found that Integuseal works extremely well alongside a variety of standard preoperative techniques with no subsequent allergic reactions. Prof. Dr. Reinhold Függer, this year’s President of the Surgery Infection Society of Europe, trialled the new sealant at the Elisabethinen Hospital in Linz, Austria. Commenting on the risks posed by surgical site infections, Függer said “Although it is diffi cult to trace the exact source of infection for individual cases, it is well known that skin fl ora are responsible for a large number of surgical site infections. This is why we use incise drapes and surgical cleaning solutions, and likewise why we believe the Integuseal product to be a really good concept.”

Initial results using Integuseal in clinical practice have been extremely positive. Commenting on the success of Integuseal, Függer said, “We used the device in a series of elective procedures running across the board of general surgery, but primarily in the area of abdominal and vascular surgery which can have fairly high rates of SSI. As others in the feasibility studies have found, the product was very easy to use and it did not interfere with the surgical procedure. Overall, we found its performance to be excellent and, although we used the device on a limited number of cases, none of the patients who were treated with Integuseal prior to surgery exhibited infection in follow-up.”

It is hoped that Integuseal will become an integral part of pre-operative sterilisation techniques, minimising the development of surgical site infections and resulting in extensive savings both in post-surgical patient recovery rates and aftercare medical treatment costs.

To learn more about Kimberly-Clark* InteguSeal* please visit www.kchealthcare.com/ssi.

When responding to articles please quote ‘OTJ’

October 2006 – The program consistently ranked as one of the top three ophthalmology centres in the United States by U.S. News & World Report has chosen the Chalam Flat SSV® STERL® Disposable Vitrectomy Lens from Volk Optical for use in vitrectomy procedures. The direct image lens provides excellent visualization with a time-saving self-stabilizing vitrectomy (SSV) design and disposable convenience.

Wills Eye Hospital, with a long standing reputation as a pioneering institution, was one of the fi rst in the industry to adopt the Chalam Flat SSV® STERL® Disposable Vitrectomy Lens when it became available over a year ago. The Volk lens provides a level of optical quality not typically associated with a disposable lens. Its high surface quality and superior light transmission ensure the best possible optics for viewing the posterior segment of the retina. A low profi le design, 30º fi eld of view and .9x image magnifi cation provide excellent views of the fundus.

According to attending surgeon James F. Vander M.D., “The lens delivers a wider fi eld of view with an improved clearer image quality. I use it all the time and fi nd it especially benefi cial for macular hole surgery.”

In addition to the optical quality, convenience was a driving factor in choosing the Chalam Flat SSV STERL for use at Wills. The patented SSV feature, developed with K.V. Chalam M.D., holds the lens on the cornea, eliminating the need for a suture ring and the time it takes to suture a traditional vitrectomy lens in place. No assistant is needed and surgical prep time is reduced.

Volk’s Disposables Number One Choice at Top Ranked Wills Eye Hospital

Chalam Flat SSV STERL combines excellent resolution and convenience in single lens

“Most importantly,” according to co-director of the retina service David H. Fisher M.D., “eliminating the need for sutures with the self stabilizing feet causes less trauma to the cornea.” The contact lens element weighs less than 1 gram and is formed to conform to the typical shape of a human cornea.

The lens comes ready to use in a dual sterile package and is discarded after each procedure. Processing time to sterilize lenses between

surgeries is eliminated. A low cost per use means there is no tradeoff between convenience and expense.

For more information about Volk products, visit www.volk.com, phone Volk direct at 1-800-345-8655 (+1 440-942-6161 outside the United States), or contact your Authorized Volk Distributor.

Volk Optical is a leader in the design and manufacture of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical ophthalmic lenses, equipment, and accessories. The company is based in Mentor, Ohio, USA, and has representatives

and distributors around the world.

BACKGROUND:

Volk’s Chalam Flat SSV® STERL® Disposable Vitrectomy Lenses provide excellent optical quality and convenience to the surgical staff at Wills Eye Hospital.



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TSSU STAFF NEEDEDNationwide

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Genepool has been appointed to workwith a major national private hospital group to staff it's enhanced HSSU facilities throughout the UK.We urgently need:

General MedicalOperating Theatre Disposable Warming

JacketsTheatre Staff often complain that they are cold standing around in cooled theatres all day long – solve the problem with the General Medical Warming Jacket.

Made from blue SMS fl uid repellent, non-woven textile with elasticated cuffs and press stud fastenings, they are resistant to abrasion and do not release any dust or fi bres. Comfortable to wear, they provide superior resistance to liquid penetration and strength – two of the most critical factors for protection.

The lightweight, breathable nature of the material helps ensure that the wearer remains comfortable and warm, with unrestricted movement and protection. They are available in large, medium and small sizes.

General Medical also offer a wide range of sterile procedure packs to cover the full surgical spectrum. Each of these packs can be customised to meet the individual requirements of Trusts, Hospitals, Departments and Clinics. All components are available as separate items including gowns, drapes, masks, hats in various styles, and much more – all at extremely competitive prices.

For further information or samples of any of the products available from General Medical call 01380 734990 or email [email protected].

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE MÖLNLYCKE HEALTH CARE & AFPP

PERIOPERATIVE TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD

In conjunction with the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) Mölnlycke Health Care is proud to announce the winner of the ‘Perioperative Team of the Year’ award – David Wilson-Nunn and his team at the Department of Anaesthesia from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust.

David and his team were presented with their award at this year’s AfPP conference in Harrogate on Wednesday 11th October.

This new award seeks to reward theatre teams by recognising their hard work within the challenging and ever changing perioperative environment. The award was open to theatre teams of no more than 15 health professionals, including surgeons and anaesthetists, including non AfPP members.

Jane Reid, Chairman of the AfPP commented: “We are extremely proud to add the Perioperative Team of the Year, sponsored by Mölnlycke Health Care to our prestigious awards.

“This award focuses on the team ethos within the perioperative environment, and how this can lead to patient-focused quality care.”

David and his team received:• A generous educational fund for the whole team to share, to achieve

personal development goals, by participating in educational conferences, events and courses within the UK for the overall benefi t of the team

• A complimentary table for 10 team members at the AfPP gala dinner that took place on October 11th in Harrogate

• A year’s free AfPP membership for each team member




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Is your company relocating ?

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Please help us to help you by keeping us up to date withyour current address. This can be e-mailed or faxed to: [email protected] Fax: 07092 097696 or you can justtelephone us during offi ce hours on: 020 7100 2867

Thanks

Armstrong Healthcare unveils its new name: Prosurgics Ltd.

Armstrong Healthcare, the leading image guided surgical robotics company, has announced a new name and corporate identity to refl ect its growth and evolving business focus. As from 28th September 2006, Armstrong Healthcare ceased to exist and the company began trading under the new name Prosurgics Limited. At a naming ceremony held today at the company’s headquarters in High Wycombe, David McTurk, CEO of Prosurgics explained to customers, investors and suppliers the reasons for this change: “Our new name and corporate identity refl ect the positive evolution of the company from its strong technological foundations into a truly customer focussed and commercially led business. Over the last year we have substantially re-aligned and re-structured the company to meet our business goals”. Founded in 1996, the company began as a technology research based business developing a variety of early-stage medical robotics. Today, Prosurgics is a leading commercial organisation with international sales and an American subsidiary.

Over the past 18 months, a strengthened management team has transformed the company from its traditional research roots to a commercially driven and outward facing organisation whilst maintaining its inherent values of delivering high quality precision robotics tailored to its customers’ needs.

Surgical robotics is a young, but rapidly growing market. Estimated to be worth $200million globally in 2005, it is forecast to grow to anywhere between $1-2billion by the end of the decade. Central to the Prosurgics vision is to extend the reach of this technology from its existing niche position, making its benefi ts accessible to a broad range of surgeons and their patients.

Prosurgics products do not replace surgeons, but assist them in achieving superior results. Explains McTurk, “Our image guided robots will enable surgeons to treat a wider group of patients with increased confi dence and improving outcomes.” “This is technology with a purpose - providing surgeons with a simple and reliable means of offering relief to sufferers of debilitating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease is core to what we do.”

McTurk added, “Our understanding of the market is not merely technical or surgical. We are committed to understanding our customers’ needs. Hospitals are under increasing fi nancial and service delivery pressures. Our robots enable less invasive surgery and deliver faster operations, which means reduced hospitalisation and recovery times”.

The company has already successfully raised its 2006 funding target of £1.4m, part of a £3m milestone-driven fundraising programme over 3 years which will assist in the launch of two new products for endosurgery and neurosurgery early next year.

For further information, please contact:

Colin Robertson,Sales and Marketing Director, Prosurgics Ltd, Tel: 01628 536902


Diagnostic imaging innovation at

MedicaThe UK based specialist diagnostic imaging company, M.A.S Medical Ltd, will visit the world’s largest healthcare exhibition – Medica, Germany, in November 2006 to showcase its latest innovations in X-ray imaging.

Highly effective recordings of X-rays are made possible by M.A.S Medical’s DVD Recording System, including cardiac and barium swallow for speech therapy. The system has easy-to-use features which allow for quick and accurate X-ray diagnosis.

The cutting edge tool has an integrated Sony DVO-1000 medical DVD recorder to provide an extensive back up facility of recorded x-rays, including its purpose designed housing unit for simple and compact installation, as well as an internal hard disc for instant recording.

Visitors to Medica will also be able to see M.A.S Medical’s FilmX eXpedo DICOM image recorder, which makes it much easier for radiology departments and imaging centres to share the results of diagnostic examinations on CDs and DVDs.

The FilmX eXpedo works by using site-confi gurable ‘workfl ow profi les’ that streamline custom creation of patient records through programmed automation. Each FilmX CD or DVD is embedded with the LiteBox viewer which converts the PC into a clinical review workstation.

John Coe, Director of M.A.S. Medical Ltd, said: “We are pleased to be attending Medica, as it is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase some of our products and to form new business partnerships on a global scale.”

MAS Medical Ltd is a specialised Diagnostic Imaging Company offering a total solution to image management. MAS Medical is committed to providing the highest levels of service and has achieved BS EN ISO 9001:2000 accreditation

The Company is committed to staff training and development, and has the Investors in People award.

For more information about M.A.S Medical, visit:www.mas-medical.co.ukTelephone: 01484 721 906E-mail: [email protected]


New Scotland Territory Manager for Gambro In-Centre Team

Gambro Hospal Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gambro AB, has appointed Gillian Gillan to manage the Scotland territory for the In-Centre team. Based in Glasgow, Gillian joined Gambro Hospal in September 2006, and reports to National Sales Manager, Richard Harris.

Gillian Gillan is an experienced nurse and healthcare sales representative. She completed both her RGN and midwifery course in Glasgow and left the NHS in 1995 to become a medical representative which, in retrospect, she notes was ‘a positive move.’

She sold pharmaceuticals for HRT, COPD and diabetes and prior to moving to Gambro, had spent almost 9 years with Roche. Gillian came to Gambro wanting a new challenge. However, she never compromised her wish to join a small, dedicated, specialist team, in a clinical subject area of interest to her. In short, she waited for the right opportunity in

a well established company.

On her appointment, Gillian added: “I am enjoying my practical training and am pleased to fi nd that Gambro is somewhat of a pioneer in the interesting fi eld of dialysis.

I’m certain the challenges ahead will be very fulfi lling and I’m delighted to have joined.”Visit: www.gambro.co.uk or Telephone: 01480 444000Gambro Hospal: A better way to better care. Please quote ‘OTJ’

Ansell UK Ltd Regus Building Blythe Valley Business Park Solihull West Midlands B90 8AG United KingdomPhone: +44 (0) 1564 711 034 Fax: +44 (0) 1564 711 344http://www.ansell.eu E-mail [email protected]

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While you focus on healing,

we focus on your hands

The Gammex® PF Micro-Thin® surgical glove is designed specifi cally for micro-surgical procedures. 15% thinner than standard powder-free latex surgical gloves and with a special micro-textured outer surface, it offers outstanding tactility and grip in use. The Gammex® PF Micro-Thin® is part of the Gammex® PF

range of surgical gloves, and benefi ts from all the proven qualities this range is known for. It offers a soft and comfortable fi t, easy donning even with damp hands,

high levels of barrier protection and low allergenicity.

Gammex® PF Micro-Thin®, enhanced sensitivity and grip for micro-surgery


DuPont produces new brochure with

information update on EN13795 Leading medical fabrics manufacturer and healthcare industry partner DuPont has produced a new brochure entitled ‘EN13795 – Understanding the Standard’. The 20-page brochure provides essential and user-friendly information on the recently updated requirements of the European Standard for single use and reusable surgical gowns, drapes and clean air suits.

The EN13795 Standard was introduced in 2004 to help prevent the transmission of infectious agents between patients and clinical staff during surgical and other invasive procedures. The Standard, which has been ratifi ed and harmonized by all EU countries, now includes Part 3: - setting new standards for the performance levels and performance requirements for surgical gowns, drapes and clean air suits.

The strict requirements of EN13795, illustrated in DuPont’s new brochure, provide recognized industry-wide benchmarks for manufacturers and health care providers. Through easily comprehensible text, data tables and step-by-step diagrammatic and photographic illustrations, the brochure fully explains the essential requirements of all three parts of EN13795:Part 1 defi nes for manufacturers and fabric converters the characteristics that must be evaluated for surgical gowns, drapes and clean air suits. Part 2 describes and illustrates the proposed EN 13795 test methods, which include resistance to microbial and liquid penetration, cleanliness, bursting strengths, tensile strengths and linting. Part 3 refers to performance requirements and performance levels applicable to the characteristics outlined in Part 1. Products are divided into standard performance and high performance categories. These categories are then further subdivided to distinguish critical areas from less critical areas on the gown or drape.

‘EN13795 – Understanding the Standard’ from DuPont Medical Fabrics is an ideal tool to help manufacturers, healthcare professionals and administrators comprehend the implications of the Standard and the introduction of the recently adopted Part 3. In addition to technical information, the brochure gives clarifi cation on hygiene standards to which hospitals are now expected to adhere. For instance, where procedures involve the use of reusable or multi-patient products, laundries are responsible for tracking usage and re-usage, and testing and certifying gowns and drapes as fi t for use before they are supplied for re-use in the operating theatre.

DuPont has actively participated in the development of the updated European Standard and welcomes its recent adoption. Striving to improve the standards for best practice in medical fabrics for the healthcare industry, DuPont is committed to excellence in every fi eld of development and production. Since the invention by DuPont of its spun-laced fabric over 40 years ago, DuPont Medical Fabrics has developed a market-leading portfolio of non-woven, single use fabrics for the healthcare industry that surpass test standards, offer increased protection and safety and help medical professionals stay cool and comfortable in a protected environment.

For your free copy of the DuPont brochure ‘EN13795: Understanding the European Standard”’ please email: [email protected]

For more information, please contact:Rita Kirkby, DuPont de Nemours International S.A. 2 Chemin du Pavillon,PO Box 50, CH-1218, Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, SwitzerlandTel: 0041 22 717 5862 Fax: 0041 22 717 6021Web: www.medicalfabrics.dupont.com Email:[email protected]® and ™ indicate trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affi liates.

The DuPont Medical Fabrics brochure clarifi es the updated EN safety requirements for surgical gowns, drapes and clean air suits.

Showing in your Theatre now!

THE

OPERATING

THEATRE

JOURNAL

Please quote ‘OTJ’

Facial TransplantationIn November 2003 the RCS working party on facial transplantation concluded that until there was further research and the prospect of better control of complications it would be unwise to proceed with human facial transplantation (Facial Transplantation. Working Party Report. (2003) London Royal College of Surgeons, www.rcseng.ac.uk reproduced in Transplantation 2004; 77:330).

This report was widely cited internationally and in general there was agreement with the thrust of its arguments.

However, in view of the widespread discussions and publications that have taken place since that time on the question of face transplantation and the performance of a partial face transplant in France in November 2005, the working party was reconvened earlier this year to further review the status of face transplantation. After some six meetings, during which evidence both oral and written was considered as well as the more recent published evidence, the Working Party has virtually completed the new Report which will be available in mid November.

The College understands that the Local Research Ethics Committee (LRCE) of the Royal Free Hospital received an application to approve the performance of face transplantation at that institution.

The LREC is bound by its operating rules and allegedly was obliged to give a decision within 60 days. Today it has been reported that the ethics committee has given approval.

The College still has grave concerns about face transplantation and will continue to advocate a cautious approach, but in the light of research over the last 3 years and more recent evidence the working party will suggest minimum requirements that must be fulfi lled before a unit or institution should contemplate undertaking facial transplantation. We hope that the outline of minimal requirements will be of assistance to ethical review bodies and we understand that the Royal Free LREC will review their decision in the light of our report when it is published. We would urge the Trust not to allow this surgery to proceed until that review has taken place. To reiterate the above we believe that facial transplantation should only take place if all of the minimal requirements we will set out can be met.

The Chairman of the RCS Working Party, Sir Peter Morris has written in these terms to the trust and to the Chief Medical Offi cer.

When the report is published, in mid November, the College will hold a press conference and members of the working party will be happy to take questions at that time.

RCS Working Party on Facial Transplantation

Wrong body part op claims ‘rise’ Operations in which patients had the wrong body parts operated on have risen by a half in the last three years, claim fi gures show.

Last year, 40 patients in England had claims settled by the NHS Litigation Authority - up from 27 in 2003-4. The cost of settling the claims topped £1m. Among the mistakes were cases of the wrong leg and hips being operated on. Campaigners said the errors were “unforgivable” and should never happen.The data was released by the NHS Litigation Authority after a Freedom of Information request.

There were 27 claims settled for what is known as “wrong site surgery” in 2003-4, rising to 35 the following fi nancial year and 40 in 2005-6.

Over the period, the cost of settling those claims, including damages and costs, increased from £447,694 in 2003-4 to £663,145 the following year and £1,098,975 last year.

A third of claims involved surgery on the wrong tooth, but wrong hips, knees and legs were also operated on.

Peter Walsh, chief executive of Action Against Medical Accidents, said: “These are accidents that should not be happening.

“This is not rocket science. It is all about having the correct procedures in place, it is not like we are talking about risk surgery.“This mistakes have devastating impact on patients and is unforgivable.”

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “Millions of surgical procedures are carried out safely and correctly every day in the NHS and only a tiny number of cases are ever performed incorrectly.

“But the government is very clear, NHS patients who are injured as a result of clinical negligence should receive correct and full compensation.”

And she added last year guidance was issued to doctors to ensure consistent methods were used to mark which body parts were due to be operated on.

Source: BBC NEWS


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Tristel exhibits new endoscope sterilising tray and Fusion ‘burstable sachet’ at

Medica 2006Tristel, the specialist company that uses its proprietary chlorine dioxide chemistry to create instrument and surface sterilants for use in the healthcare industry, will exhibit new products at Medica 2006 (15-18 Nov; Dusseldorf, Germany).

Foremost among these is a novel endoscope sterilising tray designed for use with the company’s recently introduced Fusion system; this ‘burstable sachet’ presentation of Tristel’s chlorine dioxide high level disinfecting and sporicidal solution provides a highly convenient means of preparing fresh active solution for single use. The combination of tray and Tristel Fusion enables single-use decontamination of fl exible endoscopes, with automatic draining of the disinfectant after a pre-programmed time.

Additionally the endoscope tray acts as a storage device, enabling safe transportation of decontaminated instruments around the hospital. It can also be integrated into a trolley system. Since drainage, a water supply and power are not required, this enables mobile decontamination of instruments.

The endoscope tray was developed in conjunction with Mark Fraundorfer, an eminent New Zealand urologist. The fi rst version is for use with cystoscopes, bronchoscopes, nasendoscopes and ultrasound probes. Subsequent versions will accommodate larger, heat sensitive instruments.

The Tristel team will be available at Medica on Stand No. Hall 6/A37 to discuss individual infection control issues www.tristel.com

Further information contact: Polly Oates Tristel Solutions Lynx Business Park Fordham Road Snailwell Cambs UK CB8 7NY Tel: 01638 721500 Fax : 01638 721911 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tristel.com When responding to articles please quote ‘OTJ’

DTR Medical Introduce New Single-use Tibbs Arterial Cannula

DTR Medical have launched sterile single-use Tibbs Arterial Cannula with olives and cones in large and small sizes to reduce the risks from contamination through fl ushing, and provide a cost-effective alternative to re-processing.

The Tibbs Arterial Cannula are manufactured from high quality stainless steel, which can be bent to shape to suit the procedure. Each cannula is individually double packed until ready to use avoiding wastage and is supplied with two peel off traceability labels for record use.

DTR Medical provides innovative and high quality sterile single-use instruments to Vascular, Cardiothoracic, ENT, Neurosurgery, and other specialities. The product range is developing rapidly and features over 200 lines.

The company has its own cleanroom manufacturing facility and is accredited to ISO9001:2000 and ISO13485:2003 and produces a wide range of CE marked products that comply with the European Medical Device Directive MDD93/42/EEC. Recently DTR Medical was awarded Investors in People in recognition of the strong team dedicated to meeting the demands for new single-use devices.

New Sterile Single-use Tibbs Arterial Cannula Range from DTR Medical

For further information contact: Andrew Davidson Managing Director DTR Medical Limited 17 Clarion Court Clarion Close Enterprise ParkSwansea SA6 8RF Email: [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0) 7974 575264Facsimile: +44 (0) 1792 797955 When responding to articles please quote ‘OTJ’


MEDICHEM’S BATTLE AGAINST

MICRO-ORGNISMS OPENS DOOR TO TOP

BUSINESS AWARD

MediChem International Ltd, Britain’s leading manufacturer of infection control products, has been nominated as a fi nalist in The National Business Awards scheme.

The company, launched just nine years ago, is amongst the 10 fi nalists in the Business Innovation of the Year group, one of the 15 categories in the National Business Awards. MediChem, which produces medical chemicals and hygiene products at its manufacturing plant in Sheerness, is highly respected internationally for its chemical technology expertise in chemical biosecurity and infection control systems.

Managing Director Rick Hayman attributes MediChem recognition as one of the country’s top innovators to the company’s work in developing new disinfectant technologies to combat the rise of infection in UK hospitals and environmental institutions, including animal health organisations.

Mr Hayman said: “MediChem’s success has been a result of our efforts to develop effective new ways of combating outbreaks of infection in NHS hospitals, and other institutions requiring advanced infection control measures. These battlefronts, both domestic and international, have put our research and development in the vanguard of fi nding effective new counter-measures in the battle against resistant micro-organisms.”

The National Business Awards is one of Britain’s most prestigious annual events, celebrating enterprise and achievement in business. Sponsored by Orange, its aim is to recognize excellence and high ethical standards amongst British companies.

Mr Hayman said: “Reaching the fi nals of The National Business Awards is recognition of the hard work put in by our staff which has resulted in extraordinary innovation in our product development output, a direct consequence of public fears over the increase in infections in healthcare establishments and the need to provide a formula for the next generation that is effective, whilst being compliant with new legislations like the Biocidal Products Directive. MediChem’s R&D division has become a hothouse of innovation, strongly focused on technological development of new disinfectant formulations.

The winners of each of the categories in the 2006 The National Business Awards will be announced at a gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, on 7 November.MediChem International Ltd www.medichem.com

Rick Hayman, Managing Director MediChem International Limited

Please quote ‘OTJ’

10

NEW RIGEL RFID TECHNOLOGY SPEEDS

ELECTROMEDICAL TESTING

New medical device safety testing technology developed by Rigel Medical, part of the Seaward Group, incorporates signifi cant benefi ts for test engineers, service fi rms and contractors involved in the electrical safety testing of electromedical equipment in hospitals.

The innovative new Braincell concept introduced by Rigel Medical uses ‘smart’ RFID (Radio Frequency Identifi cation) data tags that remain attached to medical equipment to provide fast and effi cient storage of test information.

When used with the Rigel 277 electromedical safety analyser, the new technology extends the concept of traditional bar code test systems for the automatic identifi cation and testing of medical equipment.

While most bar codes primarily contain a single ID number, Braincell smart tags have a much larger data storage capacity. As a result, all product information including asset ID, test class, site and location, previous test date, test engineer, Applied Part confi guration and a 4-line comment fi eld can all be recorded and remain permanently with the item.

In this way, the Braincell contains all the required information to enable fast one-touch re-testing of medical equipment and can also be used as a means of automated asset tracking of equipment around a building.

Two-way communication between the Braincell and the Rigel 277 Plus using a simple read/write device facilitates automatic re-testing, with the smart tags having the ability to store test data transmitted back from the instrument. As a result, service records are updated automatically after each test routine and remain with the equipment for its lifetime.

The Braincells are completely self-contained, strong and durable and do not require line of sight visibility for test data retrieval or transmission. As a result, the RFID tag tag can be applied either internally or externally to a medical device thus making it less susceptible to theft or loss during cleaning.

The Braincells and the hand-held read/write module are available as accessories to the multipurpose Rigel 277 Plus. Specifi cally designed to test in accordance with all main industry standards, including IEC/EN 60601-1, MDA DB9801 and IEC/EN 61010, the Rigel 277 Plus can test electromedical equipment with multi type applied parts in a single test routine.

For further details please visit www.rigelmedical.com or e-mail [email protected] Quote ‘OTJ’

ORTHOVIEW PLAN TO SHOW LATEST SOFTWARE

AT RSNA DEBUTOrthoView will be exhibiting for the fi rst time at the forthcoming RSNA meeting in Chicago where they plan to show the latest version of their highly successful orthopaedic digital templating solution, OrthoView4.Also at the meeting will be 18 of the Company’s partners who will demonstrate the integration of OrthoView into their individual PACS systems. OrthoView can be seamlessly integrated into all major PACS systems and allows the surgeon to accurately plan and template in a ‘fi lmless’ environment.

OrthoView4 comes with a new Trauma Module designed to fully meet the needs of orthopaedic surgeons working in trauma. By means of an easy-to-use package, surgeons have at their fi ngertips everything they require for all routine 2-D planning procedures. OrthoView’s intuitive WizplatesTM have been introduced for each class of prosthesis, enabling rapid sizing and positioning of templates. The new Module will support the following classes of trauma prosthesis from all the major manufacturers: plates, screws, nails and prostheses for fractured neck of femur. A major enhancement is ‘on-screen fracture reduction’; part of the image processing toolset, it provides surgeons with the ability to visually re-assemble a fracture.OrthoView is the world’s most widely used digital orthopaedic planning solution, used in hospitals and clinics throughout the globe. With a comprehensive library of digital templates from major orthopaedic implant manufacturers, it offers pre-operative planning and templating for all joint replacement surgery. Quick and simple to use, it delivers accurate and reliable recommendations for the orthopaedic team.

For a demonstration and free copy of the Company’s latest demo CD, visit booth No. 5314 at RSNA.

OrthoView’s partners present RSNA include: AMICAS, Aspyra, Avreo, BRIT, CoActiv, Eastman Kodak, eRAD, Fuji, GE, Genesis, IDC, McKesson, Philips, RAYPAX, SwissRay, Softmedical, Telemis and Thinking Systems.For further information contact Verity Woodward, Marketing ManagerTel: 02380 762500 E-mail: [email protected] When responding to articles please quote ‘OTJ’


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Ring or e‛ mail and ask for

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Benefi ts of bedside ultrasound in emergency medicine

The Sonosite MicroMaxx® ultrasound system is hugely benefi ting a wide range of acutely ill medical and surgical patients in the A&E department at Rochdale Infi rmary in Lancashire. The system allows trained staff to rapidly perform bedside scanning, for example, to check for free fl uid following blunt abdominal trauma, in the early detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms, in patients presenting with deep vein thrombosis, and to assess urological emergencies looking for the presence or absence of hydronephrosis.

“The advantages of using bedside ultrasound without having to move the patients are fantastic,” explained Mr Rip Gangahar, Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Rochdale Infi rmary. “The MicroMaxx ultrasound system is very easy to use and it is a great advantage to be able to save clips of images; this serves both as an invaluable teaching aid as well as a powerful audit tool. The system has quite a large screen and has better resolution than some other portable systems I have seen. With the 13 MHz probe we have been able to start musculoskeletal ultrasound in the department, using it routinely now for the localisation of non-metal/non-glass foreign bodies and in the assessment of tendon injury. We are also using the MicroMaxx system extensively in the assessment of non-trauma patients, looking for gallstones, biliary duct dilation and pancreatic anatomy in jaundiced patients and for renal and bladder stones in cases of haematuria.”

Mr Gangahar concluded: “The convenience of portable ultrasound systems like the MicroMaxx system is proving invaluable to the clinicians involved.”

For more information about SonoSite products, please contact:Alexander House, 40A Wilbury Way, Hitchin SG4 0APTel: 01462 444 800, Fax: 01462 444 801E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sonosite.com

Mr Rip Gangahar

Quote ‘OTJ’

Liquid stops bleeding during surgeryBiodegradable liquids that control bleeding during surgery could dramatically reduce time in the operating theatre, a study says.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Hong Kong have developed a liquid composed of small protein fragments that can stop bleeding in wounded rodents within seconds.

The researchers say this is the fi rst time that nanotechnology, technology at the atomic or molecular scale, has been used to achieve complete haemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding from a damaged blood vessel.

They say that if this success could be repeated in humans, doctors could have a new tool to combat bleeding, one of the hardest problems in surgery.

“The time to perform an operation could potentially be reduced by up to 50%,” says lead author Dr Rutledge Ellis-Behnke, a research scientist at MIT.

The fi ndings are reported in the journal Nanomedicine.

The research shows that when a liquid composed of peptides is applied to open wounds, the peptides assemble into a nanoscale protective barrier gel that seals the wound and halts bleeding.

Once the injury heals, the gel is broken down into molecules that cells can use as building blocks for tissue repair.

Doctors currently have few effective methods to stop bleeding without causing other damage. Current tools include clamps, pressure, cauterisation and sponges.

In their experiments on hamsters and rats, the researchers applied the liquid to wounds in various types of tissue, including the brain, liver, skin, spinal cord and intestine.

“In almost every one of the cases, we were able to immediately stop the bleeding,” Ellis-Behnke says.

The researchers do not know exactly how the solution works. But they suspect that the peptides interact with the extracellular matrix around the cells rather than inducing clotting.

They say the bleeding stopped too quickly for clotting to be the cause and there were no signs of clotting, including aggregation of platelets.

Source: Reuters / News in Science Health & Medical

New Subsidiary in Argentina Begins

OperationsOn September 1st, 2006 Dräger Medical S.A. in Buenos Aires, Argentina opened its doors for business as a full-fl edged subsidiary. Previously, the manufacturer of medical technology had only dealer representation in Argentina.

After more than 50 years of market presence in Latin America with subsidiaries in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico and a regional customer center in Costa Rica, the company can now boast of having its own subsidiary in the second-largest country in South America.

Dräger Medical employs approximately 200 employees at the now fi ve locations, which will continue to provide overall sales and service support to customers in Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and all the countries in Central America.

Jürgen Heiko Borwieck is the new organization’s General Manager. The 33-year-old industrial engineer has been with Dräger Medical for twelve years, the last four of which he oversaw various regions and countries such as Portugal and Saudi Arabia.

“The founding of another subsidiary is the next step to expanding market shares in the treatment of acute-care patients through a professional presence in South America,” said Borwieck. Above all, it will be the company’s system solutions that set it apart from the competition. Dräger Medical Argentina S.A. will carry the entire product portfolio of comprehensive CareArea, solutions for the acute point of care – from emergency, perioperative, critical and perinatal care to home care.

About Dräger Medical:Dräger Medical AG & Co. KG is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of medical equipment, the largest division of Drägerwerk AG (history dates back to 1889) and a 65:35 joint venture company between Drägerwerk AG and Siemens AG. The global Company offers products, services and integrated CareArea, Solutions throughout the patient care process - Emergency Care, Perioperative Care, Critical Care, Perinatal Care and Home Care. With headquarters in Lübeck, Germany, Dräger Medical employs nearly 6,000 people worldwide. Additional information is available on the Company’s website:www.draeger.com Please quote ‘OTJ’


l

For more information please contactMercy Ships, 12 Meadway Court,Stevenage SG1 2EFTel: 01438 727800email: [email protected]

Registered Charity No: 1053055

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Join with us tohelp change lives

Mercy Ships, a global charity,uses hospital ships to bring world-class medicaland community services to the forgotten poor.

We welcome donations of medicalequipment, corporate donations andsupport through payroll giving, to help

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CPREzy; Proven solution to high cardiac arrest death rates

97% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests result in death. Even in hospital it is not much better. Improving this statistic starts with improving the quality of the immediate e m e r g e n c y response.

C P R ( C a r d i o p u l m o n a r y Resuscitation) is the essential skill needed to maintain life after a cardiac arrest and millions of Euros are spent on training the technique. The skill is diffi cult to learn and research shows that within 6 months 90% of the skill has been forgotten. For this reason victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have little (about 3-4%) chance of surviving.

CPREzy is the fi rst device to overcome the skill loss problem and help ensure that manual CPR can now be delivered correctly. Research from four countries, peer reviewed and published in leading scientifi c journals, thoroughly validates the product. For instance, Dr. Noordergraaf of St Elizabeth Hospital, Tilburg, Netherlands, says in his papers:

“Neither physicians nor nurses consistently recognise impression

depths without the help of a feedback device. Ability

improves with feedback, eg the CPREzy”…. “The improvements in effi cacy should be an important factor in optimization of

the ‘Chain of survival’.”

Requiring almost no additional training, a metronome beat and a

series of LED lights give the feedback and guidance to the rescuer helping to ensure that the correct rate and depth of compression are achieved immediately and consistently.

Hospitals, ambulance services, care homes, doctor’s surgeries, military, transport, leisure centres, factories, offi ces and even homes are all markets for this simple and inexpensive, yet exceptional, product.

The CPREzy has been favourably received and distribution is currently being established around the world. Indeed the manufacturer is at Medica looking to extend this network further (Hall 7, Stand 70D25).

More information is available from;

Jon Bennett-BaggsBusiness DevelopmentHealth Affairs Pty Ltd-

[email protected]

When responding please quote ‘OTJ’

Mölnlycke Health Care Announce 2006 Friends of African Nursing Sponsorship Award Winners

Mölnlycke Health Care are committed to education in the fi eld of perioperative care and have been working with Friends of African Nursing (FoAN) to provide education and best practice support for perioperative nurses in Africa for a number of years.

Each year Mölnlycke Health Care sponsors two nurses to teach alongside FoAN in East Africa, as nursing expertise from the UK is crucial to the continued development of these programmes. Mölnlycke Health Care is delighted to announce this year’s successful applicants: Gavin Hookway and Clare Evans.

Clare was presented with her award at the Mölnlycke Health Care stand at the Association for Perioperative Practice annual congress on Wednesday 11th October, and Gavin will be receiving his award at the BUPA Hospital in Portsmouth, where he is a Theatre Manager. Gavin and Clare are both delighted with their awards and looking forward to working with FoAN.Angela Hatherill-Smith, a winner of the Mölnlycke Health Care FoAN award in 2005 was also presented with her award on Wednesday 11th October on the Mölnlycke Health Care stand.

For further information on FoAN please visit www.foan.org.uk

For further information on services provided by Mölnlycke Health Care and information about how to apply for next year’s sponsorship award please visit www.molnlycke.net

When responding please quote ‘OTJ’


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Millions of personal medical records are to be uploaded regardless of patients’ wishes to a central national database from where information can be made available to police and security services, the Guardian has learned.

Details of mental illnesses, abortions, pregnancy, HIV status, drug-taking, or alcoholism may also be included, and there are no laws to prevent DNA profi les being added. The uploading is planned under Whitehall’s bedevilled £12bn scheme to computerise the health service.

After two years of confusion and delays, the system will start coming into effect in stages early next year.

Though the government says the database will revolutionise management of the NHS, civil liberties critics are calling it “data rape” and are urging Britons to boycott it. The British Medical Association also has reservations. “We believe that the government should get the explicit permission of patients before transferring their information on to the central database,” a spokeswoman said yesterday.

And a Guardian inquiry has found a lack of safeguards against access to the records once they are on the Spine, the computer designed to collect details automatically from doctors and hospitals. The NHS initiative is the world’s biggest civilian IT project. In the scheme, each person’s cradle-to-grave medical records no longer remain in the confi dential custody of their GP practice. Instead, up to 50m medical summaries will be loaded on the Spine.

The health department’s IT agency has made it clear that the public will not be able to object to information being loaded on to the database: “Patients will have data uploaded ... Patients do not have the right to say the information cannot be held.”

Once the data is uploaded, the onus is on patients to speak out if they do not want their records seen by other people. If they do object, an on-screen “fl ag” will be added to their records. But any objection can be overridden “in the public interest”.

Harry Cayton, a key ministerial adviser, warned last month of “considerable pressure to obtain access to [the] data from ... police and immigration services”, but he is confi dent that these demands can be resisted by his department.

Another concern is the number of people who can view the data. The health department has issued 250,000 pin-coded smart cards to NHS staff. These will grant varied access from more than 30,000 terminals - greater access for medical staff, and less for receptionists. Health managers, council social workers, private medical fi rms, ambulance staff, and commercial researchers will also be able to see varying levels of information. Offi cials say the data will be shared only on a need-to-know basis. But Guardian inquiries show a lack of safeguards.

Although data protection laws supposedly ban unnecessary build-ups of computer information, patients will get no right to choose whether their history is put on the Spine. Once uploading has taken place, a government PR blitz will follow. This will be said to bring about “implied consent” to allow others view the data. Those objecting will be told that their medical care could suffer.

The government claims that computerised “sealed envelopes” will allow patients selectively to protect sensitive parts of their uploaded history from being widely accessed. But no such software is yet in existence. It is being promised for an unspecifi ed date. Some doctors say “sealed envelopes” may be too complex to be workable. The design also allows NHS staff to “break the seal” under some circumstances.

Warning over privacy of

50m patient fi les

Call for boycott of medical database accessible by up to 250,000

NHS staff

Police will be able to seek data, including on grounds of national security. Government agencies can get at records, according to the health department, if “the interests of the general public are thought to be of greater importance than your confi dentiality”. Examples given of such cases include “serious crime and national security”.

The department’s guidelines say: “The defi nition of serious crime is not entirely clear ... Serious harm to the security of the state or to public order, and crimes that involve substantial fi nancial gain or loss will ... generally fall within this category.” The health department says confi dentiality can already be breached in such cases.

At present, police have to persuade a GP, who knows the patient, to divulge limited facts, or insist on a court order.

Under the new system, data may be disclosed centrally and anonymously, at the touch of a button. Health department privacy advisers say they do not wish to allow police to have clinical information. But they are prepared to disclose patients’ addresses.

Another safeguard initially promised was that all patients would be able to check their records on the internet for mistakes. But a system involving the issue of smart cards to patients has not yet been tried out.

Current criminal penalties are so weak they have failed to stop tabloid journalists and private detectives raiding such data on an industrial scale, according to a recent special report by Richard Thomas, the information commissioner.

Sir John Bourn’s National Audit Offi ce also wrote a recent report warning of signifi cant concerns among NHS staff “that the confi dentiality of patient information may be at risk”. But offi cials persuaded the NAO to delete the warnings in the published version.

The original draft said: “Patient confi dentiality remains a controversial issue among critics ... both as regards the adequacy of the planned safeguards to protect information, and whether patients should have a right to opt out of having their information recorded”.

Source: The Guardian, David Leigh and Rob Evans


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The Operating Theatre Journal · ﬁ nd out more 0207 100 2867 • e-mail [email protected] Issue 194 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 3 l The Operating Theatre Journal is published twelve