Microbial study results show that sterile disposable sheaths, when used with endoscopes, are as effective as using a liquid germicidal system for disinfecting scopes between patient procedures and provide protection against cross-contamination equivalent to immersion in germicidal solutions.
Study authors Alphi Elackattu, MD; Mary Zoccoli, MD; Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD, FACS; and Kenneth M. Grundfast, MD, FACS, all from Boston University School of Medicine, note in their conclusion that through the use of sterile disposable sheaths, physicians will be able to prevent cross-contamination. Using the individually packaged disposable sterile sheaths has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an acceptable alternative to high level disinfection following endoscope use.
The Medtronic Slide-On(TM) EndoSheath(R) System is a sterile, disposable cover for flexible endoscopes that provides a latex-free barrier between the scope and the patient. The system is designed to reduce patient contact with organic debris and staff exposure to hazardous chemicals. The study authors noted that the system is an alternative to time-intensive chemical reprocessing, allows for quick scope turnaround and helps physicians maximize time treating patients.
"The EndoSheath System is designed to allow physicians to cover the insertion tube of the flexible ENT scope with a sterile microbial barrier when performing endoscopy procedures in the clinic and office environments," said Janis Saunier, marketing director for the ENT division at Medtronic. "We believe the use of a sterile sheath on a nasopharyngoscope, combined with enzymatic detergent cleaning and disinfection with 70 percent alcohol, can provide a reliably decontaminated, patient-ready instrument, providing an acceptable alternative to high-level disinfection of endoscopes."
About the ENT Business at Medtronic
Located in Jacksonville, Florida, the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) division at Medtronic develops and manufactures products designed to treat ENT diseases. As the market leader in ENT, Medtronic is changing the way ENT surgery is performed with innovative, minimally invasive products and techniques that benefit both patients and surgeons. Main products include powered tissue-removal systems and other microendoscopy instruments, nerve monitoring systems, sleep-disordered breathing therapies, image-guided surgery systems, disposable fluid control products, and a Ménière's disease therapy device. Learn more about the ENT business on the web at www.MedtronicENT.com
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 24, 2009. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
SOURCE: Medtronic, Inc.
Medtronic, Inc. Investor Relations: Jeff Warren, 763-505-2696 or Public Relations: Chuck Grothaus, 763-505-2614