Snipping small, tight sutures may be easier with the Micro Suture Removal Scissors from Spectrum Surgical Instrument Corp. The scissors have enlarged rings that provide easier finger insertion than do most scaled-down scissors, the manufacturer says. A micro notch in the distal tip makes slipping under the smallest of sutures easy. Handcrafted in Europe using German stainless steel, the device includes a warranty for free lifetime sharpening.

When the time comes to lubricate the scissors or any other small instrument, consider Spectrum's Instrument Lubrication Pen. The pen, constructed of anodized aluminum, is refillable, and it has a spring-loaded tip that reduces leakage. An included pen cap protects the device when it is not in use.

The scissors costs $16. The lubrication pen costs $17. Contact Spectrum Surgical at (800) 444-5644, visit www.spectrumsurgical.com, or circle 57.

Keep Your Packs Lean and Mean

 

DeRoyal's slimmed down Standard Value Sets are aimed at saving money for outpatient surgery sites. Each set contains only the drapes, blades and other items absolutely necessary, DeRoyal says, meaning that you don't have to pay for extra supplies you don't need. The company offers 16 sets from which to choose: cystoscopy/tur., dental/oral, extremity/podiatry, face lift, general/plastic, knee arthroscopy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy/appendectomy, laparoscopic/ GYN, lithotomy/gynecology, OMF/TMJ, arthroplasty, ophthalmology I, opthalmology II, otolaryngology/ear, shoulder arthroscopy I, shoulder arthroscopy II, and T&A/nose & throat. None of the sets contain latex products. The costs range from $22.25 to $93. Call (800) DEROYAL or visit www.deroyal.com, or circle 58.

 

Latex Without Allergy?

Polymed: A fusion of latex and synthetic materials.

A new exam glove manufactured by Sempermed may provide the elasticity of latex without the normal risk of allergy. The powder-free Polymed exam glove is a multi-layer fusion of latex and synthetic polymers, which protects against cracking or peeling in normal usage, the company says. Since the glove contains 50 micrograms or less of total water extractable proteins per gram, and since it has a neutral pH balance, the risk of allergic reactions is greatly reduced. A micro-roughened surface on the fingers and palm offers extra grip under wet or dry conditions. The beaded cuff facilitates donning and prevents rollback, the company says. Each box contains 50 pairs, which are available in five sizes, extra-small through extra-large. Call (800) 366-9545, visit www.sempermed.com, or circle 59.

Retract With Ease

The Twin Stay: A simple was to keep wounds open.

When performing hand or foot surgery, standard surgical retractor tools may be too cumbersome and obstruct the surgical site. Lone Star Medical Products, Inc. Twin-Stay retractor hooks may be a better alternative. The Twin-Stay features sliding stay hooks attached to either end of an elastic coupler. You apply the first retractor hook to the surgical incision and the second hook to the opposing end of the incision or to a stationary object, then adjust the tension by tightening the coupler. The hooks allow for good visualization of the surgical site and are especially useful if a surgical assistant is not available, says the maker. The Twin-Stay is manufactured of plastic, stainless steel and latex-free silicone, and the hooks are packaged sterile and ready for use. Each package contains four 5-mm sliding stay hooks and two 16-inch couplers. The cost of a package is $34 with a 10 percent discount given on 10 or more. Contact Lone Star Medical Products Inc. at (800) 331-7427, visit www.lsmp.com, or circle 60.

A Faster Way to Do Op Notes?

Surgeons may be able to record their op-notes without dictation via a software package from cMore. After the procedure, the surgeon creates operating notes via a branching menu. It's possible to import pictures from the video, place them in the file, and write notes on them. The system can also create patient instructions, pathology requests, letters to the patient, and letters to the referring physician. The system integrates well with other computer systems, the company says. Call (888) 95CMORE, visit www.cmoremedical.com, or circle 61.