The sharper image?
Fujinon's new Sigma 400, 850,000-pixel CCD video endoscope system offers better than twice the color accuracy and resolution of standard systems, the company says, allowing gastroenterologists to detect even the smallest lesions or differences in color or texture of the digestive tract lining. The system includes a monitor. Call (800) 385-4666, or circle 92.

One way to fight the nursing shortage?
Your PACU nurses may be able to handle more patients with Nellcor's new Intouch remote oximetry notification system. The system involves a radio transmitter that sits on the top of each individual monitor; the system works with up to 24 monitors, but they have to be either the Nellcor N-395, NPB-290, NPB-295 or N-3000 monitors. Your PACU nurse wears a pager; when a pulse oximeter sounds, it alerts him or her, showing on the pager screen which monitor is beeping. Call (800) 635-5267, visit www.mallinckrodt.com, or circle 93.

Off the cuff
You may be able to monitor blood pressure more accurately and comfortably with the Vasotrac APM 205A. Instead of using a cuff, the device uses a wristband that monitors systolic and diastolic pressure and mean arterial pressure in the radial artery every 15 seconds. The band is snug but not tight on the wrist. The company says the method is nearly as accurate as an indwelling catheter. Call (800) 894-7601, or circle 94.

A stickier pre-cleaner?
You may be able to clean surgical instruments more easily with a new product from Steris. Just spray PRE-Klenz on the surgical instruments after the case is over; surfactants in the substance start dissolving soil immediately, making it easier to removbe later, the company says. The gel-like consistency of the product makes it stick to the instruments for extended periods of time if transport is not immediate, forming protective layer. A corrosion inhibitor keeps the instruments from rusting, Steris says. The company also claims that the gel formulation is safer than liquid presoaks, since it doesn't slosh in the tray. Just stick the instruments in the washer after spraying them; there is no need to rinse off the gel first. Call (800) JIT4USE, visit www.steris.com, or circle 95.

Go with the flow
If you're in the market for a new anesthesia machine, you may want to investigate the Ultraview Integrated Anesthesia Delivery and Monitoring System, from Spacelabs. The system offers several nifty features, including the ability to use low-flow anesthesia technique and a calculator that automatically tells you how much gas you've used for each case. An optional internal volume absorber is said to allow anesthesia professionals to change concentrations quickly, producing fast emergence. You can use Spacelab monitors or plug in your own; the system uses an "open architecture" that allows this. Other options include a BIS and EEG monitor and the company's Caremaster information system, a medical records software package that dovetails with the company's instruments. For information, call (800) 251-9910. visit www.spacelabs.com, or circle 96.

Rack'em up
You may be able to more conveniently store flexible endoscopes with Metro's Starsys Scope Storage Cabinet, with its turnstyle-type rack. The cabinet includes a drip pan and vented door to facilitate drying, says Metro. Choose between an 11-scope and 22-scope capacity cabinet, at 21 5/8 and 43 1/2 inches wide, respectively. Both are 24 1/2 inches deep; you can place the brackets an high as 89 inches. As scope technologies evolve, you can easily remove and replace the brackets, the company says. Call (800) 433-2232, visit www.metro.com, or circle 87.

Millennium transport
DRE's new Millennium Stretcher features central locking castors and height adjustment pedals on both sides, as well as full-length, one-hand adjustable, drop-down side rails, so there is no risk of pinching IV lines or fingers, the company says. A one-year warranty is included. Call (800) 499-5376, email at info@dremedical.com, or circle 98.

A new way to reinforce tissue
A new surgical mesh may be useful in many procedures, includeing breast and lip augmentation, several types of laparoscopy, certain incontinence procedures and tympanoplasty. The device, calles SIS, is a sheet of tissue made from porcine intestinal mucosa. Surgeons can use the substance to reinforce weakened tissue, says the maker, Cook Surgical. It comes in three formats, one for dressing a wound, one for a urethral sling procedure, and one for soft tissue grafts. Cook says the substance contains no cells that can trigger rejection. Call (800) 457-4500, visit www.cookgroup.com, or circle 99.