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Safety Sleeve
Protecting patients with sterile Slater prophylaxes
 The concept seems simple enough — place protective sleeves over medical products to save on clean-up time, safeguard patients from cross-contamination and reduce liability risks. And, in response to recent news, help control the SARS epidemic.
But while the answer is obvious, finding a suitable material and manufacturer was a challenge. TADCO Inc, Farmington, NM, a manufacturer of specialty medical products, in conjunction with Polyzen Inc, Apex, NC, a manufacturer of specialty polyurethane films, were able to find a material that reduces the issues associated with PVC-contaminates or latex-related allergies.
TADCO officials saw the opportunity to develop low-cost useful medical accessories designed to maintain a high-quality product for the comfort and well-being of the patient. Over 39 products now include those that ensure protection of IV site areas and prevent contamination. Dr. William Slater invented the Slater sleeve, a simple device made of clear, biocompatible polyurethane.
“It all happened,” recalls Chuck Dade, who recently took over the firm from his family, “when we initiated a relationship with one of the recognized leaders of the polyurethane industry —Tilak M. Shah, president of Polyzen. At that time, they were a small manufacturer who specialized in products derived from polyurethane resins and compounds. Now, together, we’re both much larger and better known.” A patent that Shah had been recently awarded for bonding TPU films was the catalyst to the relationship and a new product.
“Ease of manufacture, product versatility, a quiet ‘hand’ and peel-down features for easy product access for laryngoscopes were our challenges,” notes Shah. Laryngoscopes are inserted into a patient’s throat to examine the larynx or keep the patient’s airway open. To avoid contamination or spread of infection or disease, caregivers must either sterilize the blade portion between uses — a costly and time-consuming task — or apply a clean sleeve over the units as a safety and hygienic measure. “Plus, TADCO further challenged us to make the sleeves operator friendly, with easy-on handling characteristics. Doing this, they felt, would provide ideal protection during intubations. It is especially pertinent now, what with the SARS situation, that all medical products have some sort of protection to prevent contamination and spread of this virus.”
Undaunted, the R&D technicians at Polyzen proceeded with the development of a 1.5 mil specially-designed sleeve in two sizes — 3- to 5-in. and 5- to 8-in. — for TADCO to take to market. The proprietary process was used to weld invisibly the “almost non-existent” seam to ensure patient comfort while simultaneously sealing the sleeve, thereby reducing liability risk. Specialty medical-approved-use polyurethane polymers and compounds were used in the film production, then the sleeves were welded and incorporated onto a special peel-down pouch to give the user easy access, and ensure the sleeve remained clean prior to the intubation procedure.
“The product really took off,” says Dade, “owing to its combination of simplicity and efficiency. This new, non-latex, non-porous barrier sleeve provides a no-touch intubation for medical practitioners. Moreover, the anesthesia journal studies regarding the contamination of the blade support the need for products like ours, which are used in surgical departments, plus other units in hospitals and surgical centers. Our solution, in the form of disposable covers, has caught on. It is very convenient, we hear,” he continues, “and cost effective. Further, it reduces the cost of cleaning the blade and preventing damage to the blade and conduit system from soaking or sterilization.”
—SG
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