http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/ Medical Equipment news and Information form the world of medicine en gus@promedical.org Copyright 2008 2008-06-29T00:24:00-05:00 http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/philips-cardiology-solutions-help-providers-reduce-time-to-treatment-for-he/ http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/philips-cardiology-solutions-help-providers-reduce-time-to-treatment-for-he/#When:00:24:00Z Every minute counts for many heart attack patients.  In the case of patients suffering from a class of heart attacks called ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the current ACC recommended “door to balloon” (D2B) protocol—referring to time from patient’s hospital arrival to balloon catheter inflation within the patient’s blocked artery—is less than 90 minutes. Philips’ technologies can help hospitals reduce D2B time by clearing a path from discovery to treatment. First, the Philips HeartStart MRx monitor/defibrillator enables paramedics to wirelessly transmit vital 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) data on the heart’s condition while en route to the hospital. Once this data is received, caregivers move into action, preparing the catheterization (cath) lab before the patient arrives. Philips informatics solutions throughout the D2B care cycle deliver instant access to and seamless sharing of clinical information throughout the hospital. Inside the emergency department and cath lab, Philips cardiovascular imaging equipment helps clinicians pinpoint issues in the heart and allows for confidently planned and executed interventional procedures. Some of these advanced solutions are helping the community of Glendale, Arizona save valuable time for critical STEMI patients. Outfitted with a HeartStart MRx in every fire engine, the Glendale Fire Department utilizes the innovative pre-hospital triaging technology when a patient displays symptoms consistent with STEMI. “HeartStart MRx has reduced D2B times, as previously we would have to obtain the 12-lead ECG inside the hospital and wait for a decision on next treatment steps,” said Daniel Wintrow, captain and paramedic with the Glendale Fire Department. “Now, our paramedics are able to send digital quality 12-lead ECG data to the hospital while in transit, which can dramatically cut down on time and help physicians make decisions about appropriate care before arrival.” For more information about Philips AEDs log on http://www.promedicalonline.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=64 2008-06-29T00:24:00-05:00 http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/panasonic-hd-cameras/ http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/panasonic-hd-cameras/#When:00:35:01Z By Gus Vargas Panasonic System Solutions Company, a Unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, is a recognized leader in CCD cameras, digital and analog video recorders, and monitors. Applications include: medical, dental, microscopy, endoscopic vision, machine vision, non-destructive analysis, robotics, quality control, test and measurement, printing, high speed analysis, surface mount inspection, process measurement, and more. Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC) of Japan, and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  Information about Panasonic and its products is available at http://www.promedicalonline.com.  2008-06-27T00:35:01-05:00 http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/statim-cassette-autoclave-featured-on-nbcs-the-today-show/ http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/statim-cassette-autoclave-featured-on-nbcs-the-today-show/#When:02:20:00Z By Gus Vargas SciCan, the makers of the Statim Cassette Autoclave, have set the benchmark for sterilization and instrument reprocessing technology. For more than 20 years SciCan has been developing and manufacturing highly innovative infection control products that address the need for versatility, flexibility, and efficiency in today’s environments. SciCan is excited to announce that the Statim Cassette Autoclave appeared on NBC’s “The Today Show” on March 4, 2008 in a segment called “Seeing Clearly Now”. The segment introduced a new surgical procedure for implantable permanent contact lenses and the Statim Cassette Autoclave played an important role in the sterilization of the surgical instruments prior to this innovative new procedure. The Statim Cassette Autoclave, the sterilizer of choice for Ophthalmologists worldwide, is the fastest and most gentle sterilization process available today. Statim employs an ultra-fast 6, 9, or 12 minute sterilization cycle. Additionally, Statim’s Drying Technology can dry a load of wrapped instruments in as little as 10 minutes, thereby improving efficiency and reducing turnover time for ophthalmology procedures including refractive and cataract surgery. Statim offers the perfect blend of speed and capacity with its rapid high volume throughput sterilization cycles up to 8 times the speed of common conventional autoclaves. Additionally, Statim optimizes efficiency by employing a removable cassette, allowing practitioners to transport freshly sterilized instruments to the operating rooms aseptically. This fast point of use sterilization makes turnaround a priority, increasing efficiency and virtually eliminating instrument bottlenecks. Ophthalmologists in over 90 countries around the world rely on Statim to help protect their patients and staff from infection. “The Statim Cassette Autoclave offers cutting edge technology to our customers which will, in turn, provide them with a clear and distinct performance advantage in the marketplace” says Andrew Zwingenberger, Vice President SciCan Ltd. The Statim is available in three convenient sizes. Visit www.promedicalonline.com for more information about Scican Products 2008-06-26T02:20:00-05:00 http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/the-environmentally-friendly-superbug-killer/ http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/the-environmentally-friendly-superbug-killer/#When:02:13:00Z It has long been known that hydrogen peroxide can kill germs without being harmful to users. However, up to now, this remarkable chemical had not been considered stable enough to be practical as the foundation for a system of commercial disinfectant cleaners. Scientists at Virox Technologies Inc. have now developed a way to put this world’s oldest known antimicrobial to work. Patented accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) is a stable cleaning and disinfecting solution with enhanced germicidal activity that is not harmful to those who use it, or to the environment. Now available from SciCan Inc. in the U.S.A., OPTIM 33 TB with AHP chemistry is the first real breakthrough in chemical germicides in over 25 years. It is not a mere substitute for current surface disinfection technologies, but a truly new technology with demonstrable superiority in a number of key areas: 1. Contact times - 1 minute Bactericidal (including MRSA ‘Superbug’, E. Coli and VRE) - 1 minute Virucidal (including HIV, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, Influenza A and Polio) - 5 minutes Tuberculocidal 2. Cleaning efficacy - one-step cleaning and disinfecting ability 3. User Safety - OPTIM 33TB carries no warning labels 4. Environmental Impact - hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen Many chemical disinfectant manufacturers try to strike the difficult balance between the safety and the efficacy of their products. It is easy to create a disinfectant that will kill pathogens, however, that disinfectant may be harmful to users and may not be environmentally responsible. With OPTIM 33TB, there is no longer a need to compromise on efficacy (contact times), personal safety or environmental integrity. AHP is a synergistic blend of commonly used ‘safe’ ingredients that when combined with low levels of hydrogen peroxide dramatically increases its germicidal potency and cleaning performance. AHP contains only those ingredients listed on the U.S.A EPA inerts listing and the FDA GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) listing which contribute to unsurpassed health, safety and environmental sustainability. OPTIM 33TB carries no warning labels. The benefits and efficacy of AHP have been validated by third party clinical studies conducted by scientific organizations and third party researchers that are recognized by government regulatory agencies in the United States, Canada and other countries around the world. The applications for AHP are numerous. Widely used in medical offices, it is also commonly used in hospitals, long term care facilities, daycare centers, and other environments. For an uncompromisingly high standard of infection control, turn to OPTIM 33TB to quickly and safely clean and disinfect. To order OPTIM 33TB please call Promedical Inc (866)681.0944 2008-06-26T02:13:00-05:00 http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/welcome-scican-to-our-network/ http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/welcome-scican-to-our-network/#When:02:03:00Z We want to welcome Scican and its line of the fastest sterilizers in the world, the Statim 2000, Statim 5000 and Statim 7000. “We are so happy to have Scican on board and we hope we can bring to our customers their technology because I am sure they will save money by been able to have the fastest sterilization time. As always our commitment with our custoemrs has been bringing the latest technology support them and be behind them” said Mr Gus Vargas Promedical’s CEO in our first day of training for SciCan. 2008-06-26T02:03:00-05:00 http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/are-you-mri-table-pads-worn-out/ http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/are-you-mri-table-pads-worn-out/#When:20:31:00Z Patient Comfort Systems products offer the features and benefits below. TEMPUR® Material · Permanent antimicrobial agent to inhibit the growth of harm full bacteria. · Decreased patient motion during scans due to enhanced patient comfort. · Increased patient satisfaction. · The ultimate in pressure management technology for MRI, CT, and PET scanners. · Reduces peak pressure areas, friction, and pressure for improved blood flow. · Exceptional radiolucent qualities. Economical · Can be easily cleaned and disinfected with any standard hospital disinfectant. · User friendly—Reduces operation costs. · Quick return on investment after purchase. Covering Materials · Ultra-strong fabric with sewn and welded seams to protect the TEMPUR core material from body fluids. · Permanent antimicrobial agent incorporated in the top and bottom cover fabrics. · Vapor, moisture impervious and latex free. reduces sweating and shearing. 2008-03-04T20:31:00-05:00 http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/preventing-infection-in-imaging-are-we-doing-enough/ http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/preventing-infection-in-imaging-are-we-doing-enough/#When:20:28:00Z Hospital- and community- acquired infections are a major and growing problem in the United States as well as throughout the world. Unfortunately, the radiology department, in particular, can be a hub for highly communicable diseases. Most patients with dangerous infections will have an imaging procedure performed within the radiology department some time during their course of treatment, where often the most basic safeguards against infection are not present. This was demonstrated in a recent study from Ireland that cultured MRSA from the bore of the MRI system. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) MRSA was originally discovered in 1961 and is now widespread throughout hospital and outpatient settings. The most common source for transmission of MRSA is by direct contact with people who have MRSA infections or asymptomatic carriers. In 1974, MRSA accounted for only 2% of the total staph infections; in 1995 it had risen to 22% and by 2004 had reached 63% of all staph infections. MRSA is among those infectious diseases commonly known by the term “super bug”. MRSA may be community acquired, CA-MRSA, or hospital acquired, HA-MRSA. The morbidity and mortality of these bacteria is staggering. On average, hospitalizations for the treatment of MRSA versus other infections have a length of stay approximately 3 times longer and are 3 times more expensive. Additionally the risk of death is 3 to 5 times greater. A major concern for imaging centers is that MRSA can be carried by asymptomatic patients. Therefore, any patient lying on an imaging table without a known history of MRSA could actually be a carrier spreading these aggressive bacteria. Worldwide, it is estimated that up to 53 million people are asymptomatic carriers of MRSA; of these it is estimated that 2.5 million reside in the United States. Also, of concern is the fact that MRSA and other pathogens can live on inanimate surfaces such as common table pads and positioners for months. Center for Disease Control (CDC) The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has developed guidelines for environmental infection control in healthcare facilities. The CDC and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) issued a 249 page document extensively detailing their recommendations concerning, in part, the principles of cleaning and disinfecting various surfaces even including carpeting and cloth furnishings. A chapter focused on laundry and bedding discusses how mattresses and pillows become contaminated and harbor bacteria, viruses and parasites and even how healthcare workers are becoming infected. 2008-03-04T20:28:00-05:00 http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/connecting-a-panasonic-camera-to-any-surgical-or-biological-microscope/ http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/connecting-a-panasonic-camera-to-any-surgical-or-biological-microscope/#When:01:20:00Z Beginning this year Promedical is proud distributor for Panasonic Medical the innovator in surgical cameras and accessories. The products we are carrying now include the Panasonic SD camera and the Panasonic HD camera. Attaching any of these cameras to a microscope is very simple since you can order the adaptors directly from us. We will just need to know what type of microscope you are using and wish to attach the camera. To view in HD you can hook up a Panasonic plasma display to have the most amazing picture of the surgery or the images captured by your microscope in the lab. You can still work with a flat panel for the SD camera but, the SD CRT is still a better option for color viewing but a flat panel display would do a great job too.  2008-02-25T01:20:00-05:00 http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/the-panasonic-lq-md800-time-to-change-your-old-vhs/ http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/the-panasonic-lq-md800-time-to-change-your-old-vhs/#When:02:14:00Z Now is time to change your old VHS for the new Panasonic LQ- MD800, a professional DVD video recorder for higher video and audio performance. For ultrasound systems, C arm and video devices this is the right time to do it and the price we are offering is unique. Please visit us at http://www.promedicalonline.com, or send me an e-mail to give you a cupon discount. 2008-02-11T02:14:00-05:00 http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/mri-machines-could-spread-mrsa/ http://www.promedical.org/pmblog/index.php/site/mri-machines-could-spread-mrsa/#When:14:43:01Z There is no doubt that the best way to deal with the super bug MRSA is to prevent exposure in the first place. Of course this is easier said than done and it requires vigilance. Community acquired MRSA is a major concern but there are still worries about hospital acquired MRSA. Most hospitals are doing an excellent job with sanitiz­ing areas. Obviously it is an important task. But, a study out of Ireland has raised a key issue concerning a commonly used testing apparatus– the MRI. If you think about it, the MRI is a place where people are brought in with everything from sports related inju­ries to major infectious diseases and illnesses. The Ireland study found that the MRI may be the toughest Tool in the hospital to clean because of its design and a hard to clean area called the bore of the unit. The study finds that this sanitation should be placed at a premium because the potential from spread of MRSA is quite possible and happened in their study. All hospitals are told to clean surfaces which come into contact with patients between every test but this report suggests rigorous attention to detail in the cleaning. PCS 6pc Table Pad Are You Table Pads Worn Out? Promedical products offer the features and benefits below. TEMPUR® Material · Permanent antimicrobial agent to inhibit the growth of harm full bacteria. · Decreased patient motion during scans due to en­hanced patient comfort. · Increased patient satisfaction. · The ultimate in pressure management technology for MRI, CT, and PET scanners. · Reduces peak pressure areas, friction, and pres­sure for improved blood flow. · Exceptional radiolucent qualities. Economical · Can be easily cleaned and disinfected with any standard hospital disinfectant. · User friendly—Reduces operation costs. · Quick return on investment after purchase. Covering Materials · Ultra-strong fabric with sewn and welded seams to protect the TEMPUR core material from body fluids. · Permanent antimicrobial agent incorporated in the top and bottom cover fabrics. · Vapor, moisture impervious and latex free. reduces sweating and shearing. Click this link to see our products: http://www.promedicalonline.com/productcart/pc/showsearchresults.asp?IDBrand=5&iPageSize=6 2008-02-09T14:43:01-05:00