Prevent Pressure Injuries
Proper patient positioning is a crucial facet of obtaining optimal patient outcomes. Blue Diamond Medical Gel Pads and Positioners from the David Scott Company are tools that can aid your staff in positioning patients safely and may help virtually eliminate the risk of pressure injuries. Blue Diamond Chest Rolls [pictured] are designed to function well in applications ranging from prone positioning to chest expansion to heel or knee elevation. Virtually any kind of extremity manipulation can be achieved. They "self-heal" if punctured, meaning the will not leak or ooze. They are reusable, latex free, and x-ray translucent. Call (508) 875-3333, visit http://www.davidscottco.com or circle 131.

A Space-Age Surgical Table
The STERIS HERMES Ready Amsco 3085 Surgical Table is a voice-activated table developed by STERIS in conjunction with Computer Motion and Stryker endoscopy. The table, which functions as part of the entire Hermes system, gives the surgeon direct voice-command control over the table positioning at any point during the procedure. The table can run on battery power as well as electric power and is intended to function as part of a central control center, along with additional OR components manufactured by the other two partner companies.

At the start of the procedure, the surgeon downloads a personal interface card in the control center. The table will only recognize and respond to the voice on the card. The surgeon can then give a series of verbal commands to adjust the patient into different positions. The table responds with an audio (electronic "voice") confirmation and visual positional information viewable on the computer monitor. Before the table is introduced to the OR, STERIS' partner companies provide the surgeons with training on the vocabulary of the machine, familiarizing them with the pronunciation and speed that will be needed for the table to respond. During training, the surgeon's voice cards are imprinted for OR use. Call (440) 354-2600, visit http://www.steris.com or circle 132.

A Sterilizable Endoscopic Camera Head
The Telecam Parafocal Zoom Camera Head from Karl Storz Endoscopy is said to be the first endoscope camera head that offers both zoom capabilities and autoclave sterilization. The company says that the camera head, which works within the sterile field, can produce state-of-the art resolution and pinpoint detail of anatomy. Moreover, because it can be reprocessed by steam sterilization-a rigorous but time-saving reprocessing option not previously available with the heads of zoom cameras- the camera head may help reduce reprocessing delays in between cases. Call (800) 421-0837, visit http://www.karlstorz.com or circle 133.

Suturing Securely
Diamond-Grip micro needle holders from Spectrum Surgical are specially designed to aid suturing in delicate surgical procedures. The jaws of the needle holder are coated with a diamond surface, which is designed to be gritty enough to provide a strong hold of the suturing needle without being so abrasive that small needles are damaged. Likewise, the holders are designed not to cause fraying of even the finest of monofilament or multifilament suturing materials, which could cause loss of tensile strength. The needle holders are available in 5", 6", 7", 8", or 9" lengths. Call (800) 444-5644, visit http://www.spectrumsurgical.com or circle 134.

No More Needlesticks
If you want to reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries but don't want to ask your staff to change their injection technique, you may want to look into the NMT Safety Syringe from New Medical Technology. You draw up and deliver medication as you would normally, but the syringe retracts automatically as the user depresses the plunger. Unlike other safety needles, there are no external components that need to be manipulated to cause the needle to retract into the barrel. Additionally, the needle is designed with a four-sided shape to promote a secure grip with either gloved or wet hands. For more information, call (800) 522-1512, visit http://www.newmedicaltechnology.com, or circle 135.