Product Review: Stryker T7 and T7 Plus Surgical Helmet System
Every day, surgeons save multiple lives by participating in activities that expose them to harmful pathogens and deadly infections. Surgeons are generally provided with a loose-fitting hood or a hood combined with a gown system for protection and to ensure patient safety. However, the Sterile Surgical Helmet System (SSHS) can greatly reduce the risk of contamination by acting as a physical barrier to block the transfer of infectious materials present in blood, fluids, or respiratory secretions during surgical or surgical procedures. other medical interventions. SSHS incorporates a HEPA-filtered head-mounted fan that draws air from the surroundings into the helmet and channels it out through the bottom simultaneously to deliver ultra-clean air. With the increasing incidence of infectious diseases, maintaining personal hygiene has become even more essential for surgeons. Given the growing interest in protecting healthcare workers, hospitals are increasingly adopting surgical helmet systems. But making the right selection of sterile helmets can make a big difference in terms of safety and comfort.
Leading innovation in enhanced security
Introducing a major innovation in personal protection systems, one of the leading medical technology companies, Stryker Corporation, recently launched the T7 and T7 Plus, designed to customize fit and improve comfort during surgical procedures. The state-of-the-art personal protective helmet (T7) and gown (T7 Plus) provide optimal protection and comfort, thus enhancing the surgeons’ experience and improving the quality of treatment. While the T7 is Stryker’s lightest and quietest helmet, the T7 Plus is made of breathable, tear-resistant material to work seamlessly with the helmet and protect against microorganisms and infectious body fluids.
Helmets can often be uncomfortable due to the loose fit that can increase exposure to infection as pathogens can find a way to enter the human body. Technology and ergonomics work perfectly together to provide a comfortable fit for the wearer of the T7 helmet without including safety. It addresses the challenges of uncomfortable fit and provides an effective solution by offering customizable options for the wearer. Lack of communication is another challenge faced by surgeons that can affect the procedure of the operation or lead to life-threatening situations. While wearing the T7 helmet, you don’t need to worry about communicating with other healthcare providers in OT as it is 40% quieter than previous generations. Surgeons can sometimes be stumped when checking whether or not the helmet is on due to noise reduction.
Transformative surgical experiences
For someone who spends hours in the operating room in critical conditions, the enhanced comfort and safety offered by T7 can be life changing. EVA foam conforms to the head with a lighter frame and provides better balance. Dual adjustment knobs allow the user to precisely control height and width, and the improved center of gravity helps reduce neck strain. Another amazing feature of the T7 helmet is the longer battery life that results in less interruption in the OR, providing 15 hours of operation with the LED off and 6 hours with the LED on. The pause button allows suckers to optimize distribution and streamline the give-and-take workflow. The T7 also features a removable light cover that increases surgeons visibility during the operation.
The T7 helmet is one of the lightest and most durable helmets available on the market today. When surgeons know they are protected against pathogens, they can perform better with the right mindset and increased focus. The T7 Plus gown designed specifically for the T7 headgear is made from soft, lightweight breathable viral barrier (BVB) fabric that helps surgeons stay cool and comfortable. When administered correctly, the face shield automatically turns on the ventilator. The peel-off technology allows the user to quickly and easily remove the sterile lenses to avoid any type of obstruction in sight. AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) Level 4 protection adds the highest level of protection against bodily fluids, particles and other microorganisms, while enhanced seams provide a strong, secure barrier.
Other newer surgical helmet systems
THI Total Healthcare ViVi® System
Designed to provide protection while maintaining personal effectiveness in the OT, the ViVi® System is one of the best options for surgeons and their teams. The advanced surgical helmet system is easy to use and allows surgeons to stay focused and alert. The best part of the ViVi® system is that it makes the barrier barely noticeable, which helps increase the productivity of surgeons. ViVi’s patented two-fan system pushes hot, humid air through a filter outside the suit, thereby creating space for 100% fresh, filtered air. In addition to offering high airflow, the system provides high rates of air exchange within the suit, preventing the surgeon from breathing residual air. ViVi’s motion sensing technology recognizes gestures, helping surgeons give their full attention to the patient while adjusting fan speed with just a nod. Unlike other surgical helmet systems that heat up with rising temperatures, ViVi® uses activity sensors to automatically adjust the fan speed according to the surgeon’s level of physical activity.
The ViVi® helmet is lightweight, weighing only 370g (0.82lbs) as it is made of carbon fiber, which saves surgeons from carrying an additional load on their heads. By providing a 190-degree view without distractions, the helmet significantly increases the surgeon’s field of vision. Ergonomically adjustable high power light (100,000 lux intensity) maximizes performance and comfort while providing excellent visual access with excellent shadow illumination, perfect ocular axiality and depth of field. ViVi® is ideal for all types of surgery, as it allows a wide range of slight movement from 0 to -55 degrees. Highly efficient LED light provides the best lighting experience with the lowest battery consumption. The ViVi® High Filtration Hood is designed in accordance with the requirements of AMMI Level 4 and EN 13795.
Zimmer Biomet TotalShield® Surgical Helmet System
The Zimmer Biomet TotalShield® Surgical Helmet System has been designed to address the most common challenges faced by surgeons in the operating room. With 6 speed-adjustable fans and 8 precisely placed airflow ports, the helmet quietly distributes cool air for full-head airflow without drying your eyes. Front airflow vents deliver cool air to your chin and the area around your face while reducing lens fogging. Adjustable rear vents let you draw cool air through the back of the neck and hood. Side airflow vents deliver cool air to the side of your neck and chin for maximum comfort, while front bar airflow vents deliver cool air to your face.
To accommodate different head sizes, TotalShield® comes with a dual-adjustable headband, airflow earplugs, and a rear skull support that offers a customizable fit. The TotalShield® battery provides more than 10 hours of operation on a single lithium-ion battery and includes a built-in battery life indicator. The ergonomic design provides better balance and stability for surgeons. Bright LED headlamp provides illumination for deep cavity visualization and better tissue differentiation.
conclusion
With the increasing incidence of highly contagious coronavirus that spreads efficiently through respiratory droplets, the demand for a sterile surgical helmet system is gradually increasing. The SSHS not only reduces the spread of microorganisms from the surgeon to the patient and back, but also improves comfort with the head-mounted fan and LED lights. The growing need for SSHS and rapid technological advances would further improve the quality of surgical helmets and enhance the surgeon’s experience in the operating room.
According to TechSci Research Report on “Global Personal Protective Equipment Market By Product (Head, Eye, and Face Protection; Hearing Protection; Protective Clothing; Respiratory Protection; Professional Footwear; Hand and Arm Protection; Fall Protection), By Application Industry (Construction and Manufacturing; Oil and Gas; Health; Mining; Fire; Food and beverages, chemicals; transportation), by distribution channel (institutional/direct sales vs. retail sales), by region, by company, competition, forecast and opportunities, 2025″, the global personal protective equipment will reach 93 billion US dollars by 2025. The growth can be attributed to the increasing awareness of employee safety and the advancement of technology. In addition, rapid industrialization and various government regulations regarding the Employee safety are also contributing to the growth of the personal protective equipment market.