Health devices
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Patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) infusion devices allow patients to self-administer narcotic analgesics within the limits prescribed by the physician. They deliver solutions intravenously, subcutaneously, or epidurally and allow patient activation by means of a pendant button on a cord connected to the pump or a button directly on the pump. ⋯ In this Update Evaluation, we present our findings on an additional pump, the Deltec CADD-Prizm PCS II. Like most of the previously evaluated pumps, this pump does not stand out as ideal but nonetheless meets most of our criteria and is rated Acceptable.
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Patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) infusion devices allow patients to self-administer narcotic analgesics within the limits prescribed by the physician. PCA therapy is typically used for postoperative, obstetric, terminally ill, and trauma patients. PCA pumps deliver solutions intravenously, subcutaneously, or epidurally and allow patient activation by means of a pendant button on a cord connected to the pump or a button directly on the pump. ⋯ While none of the six units stands out as ideal, they meet most of our criteria, and we consider them somewhat better choices than the rest. We rate one other pump Acceptable (with Conditions) because, in one of its operating modes, it has a drawback that could be dangerous to patients; we consider its use acceptable only if the hospital doesn't employ the operating mode in question. Finally, we rate two pumps Not Recommended because they both have a significant number of disadvantages.
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Mixing up different types of medical and device gases can have damaging and even deadly consequences. Therefore, it's vital that hospital staff members understand that only the label on a gas cylinder is a reliable indicator of its contents. Any other indicators--such as the type of connector on the cylinder, or the color the cylinder is painted--could be misleading, since the standards covering these indicators sometimes overlap and may be poorly understood. This article discusses how and why the wrong indicators might lead an unsuspecting staff member to use an inappropriate type of gas, and how hospitals can minimize the odds of this happening.
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The Mega 2000 return electrode, manufactured by MegaDyne Medical Products, is a reusable, capacitively coupled return electrode used in monopolar electrosurgery. It consists of a large--almost two feet by three feet--sheet of flexible conductive fabric that is enclosed in a nonlatex, urethane insulating material. Unlike conductive return electrodes, which are applied adhesively to the patient, the Mega 2000 does not come into direct contact with the patient. ⋯ While some healthcare facilities have considered using this return electrode because of its potential clinical and economic benefits, others have questioned its safety because it differs in design from a traditional return electrode. Therefore, we have examined its safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness in this Evaluation. We also offer guidance for facilities trying to decide whether to buy the Mega 2000.