A New Idea in Sigmoidoscopy
A new rigid sigmoidoscope may be less expensive, easier to use and easier to maintain than the flexible variety. The RectoSight rigid rectoscope provides 20x magnification and a 60-degree field of view, which is said to enable surgeons to identify flat polyps as small as 0.5 mm. There is an insufflation and irrigation system and a separate 3 mm working channel. A disposable sheath fits over the scope, eliminating the need for disinfection, the company says. You can also do hemorrhoid ligature with the scope, a procedure not possible with flexible scopes. It works with a standard monitor. Sightline, the maker, is located in Israel; call 011 972-4-855-0447, visit www.sightline.com, or circle 90.

 

Osteotomes: Let's make a deal
A new osteotome kit from Spectrum Surgical Instruments, below, is said to be especially economical. The kit, which contains five osteotomes, a Mead mallet, and an anodized aluminum sterilization tray, sells for $349. According to company representatives, facilities would normally expect to pay $250 for the custom tray alone. The set includes three Hoke osteotomes in 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" widths, and two junior lambotte osteotomes in 6-mm and 12-mm widths. Call (800) 444-5644, visit www.spectrumsurgical.com, or circle 91.

 

A safer, faster way to suture?
A new suturing system by LSI is said to be safer and faster than conventional methods. The Sew-Right SR 5, with its gun-type shape and dual needles for two large tissue bites, allows surgeons to place sutures without ever touching a needle. The surgeon positions the first bite, squeezes the handle, then positions the second bite and squeezes the handle. The suture is now ready to tie; LSI offers the Ti-Knot TK 5 for securing and trimming the sutures. After placing the suture, the surgeon threads the ends through a special titanium collar (titanium is inert in the body) contained within the instrument. He or she then tensions the suture, and squeezes the trigger. The device crimps on the collar and cuts off the suture tails. For information, call LSI Solutions at (716) 427-7979, visit www.lsisolutions.com, or circle 92.

 

A safer sponge?
A new device may provide an extra layer of safety for LASIK procedures. Bac-Stat disposable sponge products, made of a bacteriostatic PVA material, inhibit the growth of microorganisms including Staph-aureus, Staphylococcus and E-coli, says the maker, American Optisurgical. The blue color of the sponges also causes less glare during a procedure, according to AOI. Available are the Bac-Stat Lasik Ring, the Lasik Ring with drain, and spears. The first two come in 20-unit boxes; the spears come in 150-unit boxes. Call (800) 576-1266, visit www.optisurgical.com, or circle 93.

 

Public screening
A new vital-signs monitor from DRE features a screen that can be viewed at an angle without distortion, so that everyone in the operating room can see. The company says the ASM 5000 is compact, with five parameters, a 64-color display and high-resolution images. The monitor has a one-hour battery back-up, and the monitor includes a lifetime warranty. Call (800) 499-7091, e-mail info@dremedical.com, or circle 94.