A Systematic Review of Disposable Sheath Use During Flexible Endoscopy

Flexible endoscopes are exposed to blood, mucus, and other secretions during procedures. Single-use sheaths are designed to prevent contact between contaminants and reusable endoscope components. This systematic review examined findings from 22 studies that assessed endoscopic sheath use during urologic, gastrointestinal, or respiratory procedures. The evidence showed that sheaths were durable and yielded faster endoscope turnover times because their reusable components did not require high-level disinfection or sterilization. After a brief learning period, health care providers successfully assembled and maneuvered sheathed endoscopes. Patients generally did not experience greater discomfort during procedures in which sheaths were used. Microbial cultures of sheathed endoscopes were negative or similar to unsheathed endoscopes. More research is needed to evaluate the potential effect of disposable sheaths on infection risks. The evidence suggests that sheaths are a viable option for reliably providing a barrier between endoscopes and patients without affecting the quality of endoscopic procedures.

[Research on status and future development of safety injection device in vaccination]

Vaccination is the important measure to improve the immunity level and prevent infectious disease. To ensure the safety injection in the vaccination is important. Because the consciousness of the safety injection continuously strengthens, Various safety injection devices emerged and continuously developed. AD suringe and the needle collecting device has renovated for 3 generation so far. This thesis summaried and discussed the research and development of the safety injection device in the vaccination.

Industry economics in the United States

Demand for medical equipment in the United States (US) is projected to grow by 8% between 2001 and 2006, to reach 105 billion dollars. In 2001,the market was valued at 71.4 billion dollars, based on an annual growth of 7.5% between 1996 and 2001, according to The Freedonia Group. Product innovation and the growing ageing population is driving the industry, despite health-care cost containment measures. Medical and surgical instruments continue to be the largest sector, which is expected to grow to 30.5 billion dollars in 2006. However, electromedical/electrotherapeutic apparatus will remain the fastest growing sector, with annual gains of 10.8% predicted for this period.

Engineered structures for use in disposable incontinence products

The background and evolution of absorbent disposable hygiene products is discussed. The current technology used to produce disposable hygiene products such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence management products is shown to have a number of manufacturing and in-use problems. Alternative technologies, such as multilayer composite webs offer the opportunity to achieve better product weight control, and therefore better control over the other related properties, reduced raw material waste and improved functional characteristics. There are still problems to be resolved when using such composite materials, but the potential of these new technologies has now been established.

Trends and patterns in electrophysiologic and ablation catheter reuse in the United States

In a survey of 140 electrophysiologic laboratories in the USA, 49% reuse catheters to some extent. Catheter reuse is associated with significant reductions in cost but is not conducted in a standardized fashion.