If you've been using the same surgical drapes for a while, you may want to consider trying some new products on the market. Manufacturers have been working to make drapes that save you time in the OR, improve safety, provide patient and staff comfort, and even protect the environment. Here's a look at some new products, and some tips on how to make draping easier and more cost efficient.

Equipment Drapes

- Make draping less awkward
Draping OR equipment helps protect it from wear and tear and ensures that it does not contaminate the sterile field. But draping bulky equipment such as microscopes and C-arms can be awkward and, in some instances, compromise equipment function. Zeiss has two new products that may protect without hindering your activities:

Opmi drapes are composed of a soft, cloth-like, colorless film that may envelop your instruments more easily than traditional drapes. The material is embossed, which cuts down on the glare that clear drapes sometimes cause. You can use Opmi drapes to protect microscopes, colposcopes, endoscopes, C-arms, X-ray cassettes, and foot pedals.

Zeiss's mini-drape, or "shower cap drape" fits over the bottom of a microscope and its objective, the area most likely to be contaminated during surgery. The objective cover is made of the highest quality optical plastic for a full, clear view of the surgical field, the company says. Call (888) 773-2790 or order online at http://www.zeiss.com/spd/ dispos/orders.shtml.

- See more clearly
You may be able to gain a clear view of the surgical field with ClearLens microscope drapes, from Microtek Medical. The drapes have curved lenses that cover the microscope's objective. The curved design is said to reduce glare and reflection and eliminate the need to remove or adjust the lens during surgery. Call (800) 824-3027 or visit http://www.isolyserinc.com.

- Drape probes and cameras easily
If you find it difficult to conveniently cover your cameras and laser probes, the EZsert drapes, from Microtek Medical, may make it easier. These drapes have cardboard inserts that you place the camera into; as you pull the camera through the insert, the drape extends along the length of the instrument. Call (800) 824-3027 or visit http://www.isolyserinc.com.

Patient Drapes

- Keep fluid contained
The Boundary line of drapes, from Maxxim Medical, may help you keep your OR cleaner and safer. These laparoscopic, ophthalmic, and orthopedic drapes feature pouches that are placed at strategic locations to collect fluid and keep it from spattering on the floor, on instruments, or on the surgical field. The pouches have flexible bands that hold the outer edges open, and some have built-in suction ports, so you can collect and monitor fluids easily. You can also use the pouches to secure instrumentation, cords, and tubing. Call (800) 727-7340 or visit http://www.maxximmedical.com.

- One drape for all minor procedures
Surgery facilities that do lot of small, quick procedures may be able to standardize with Allegiance Medical's Minor Procedure Drape. The drape is 122 inches long and 77 inches wide, with a 6x6-inch fenestration, and can accommodate a variety of incision sites. You can use this drape for all minor adult and pediatric procedures, including breast biopsy, laparoscopy, and minor abdominal procedures. Call (800) 964-5227 or visit http://www.allegiance.com.