The 2017 Excellence in Surgical Products Awards will be presented in the November/December issue of Surgical Products. Leading up to the publication of that issue, nominees will be featured on the Surgical Products website.
Category: Infection Control
Product description and innovation synopsis:
In developing the Cardinal Health Cesarean Birth Drape with Clear Anesthesia Screen, it was critical to provide a solution for both clinicians and patients. For clinicians, Cardinal wanted to ensure the new drape provided AAMI 4 protection and maintained sterility. For patients, the goal was to create a way for the mother to participate in the birth in a meaningful way. This drape features a dual layer anesthesia screen — with a clear plastic layer on top — providing the option for patient visibility. Other features include 360-degree fluid control pouch with contoured foam ring, Velcro Cord-Holding Tab, armboard covers, and more
(Image credit: Cardinal Health)
What sets this product apart from others available in the industry?
This new product was developed to address unmet patient and clinician needs in Labor & Delivery, specifically relating to cesarean sections. This product is innovative compared to standard c-section drapes in the market that do not allow for an unobstructed view. The Cardinal Health Cesarean Birth Drape with Clear Anesthesia Screen features a clear layer so that the mother can be involved. Cardinal Health noticed the procedural trend — of family-centered c-sections — and responded quickly. In addition to the product, Cardinal also created educational tools to help people understand how to use the drape.
How does this product benefit the surgical team and aid in better outcomes?
The cesarean section is the most common surgery in America — about 1 in 3 babies is delivered this way. But for many women, being told they need a C-section is unpleasant news. Mothers who deliver vaginally are able to benefit immediately from skin-to-skin and visual contact between mother and baby. Cesarean sections, in contrast, have historically been viewed as a more “surgical” and “sterile” environment. The goal of developing the Cardinal Health Cesarean Birth Drape with Clear Anesthesia Screen was to develop a solution that allowed for a more “family-centered” cesarean that provided visual contact for better maternal bonding.
