SubscribeAnsell Healthcare, the global leader in hand barrier protection, announces the launch of the Gammex® PF Micro-Thin® microsurgery glove, which offers an optimal friction grip on instruments.
Specially designed for microsurgery, the Gammex PF Micro-Thin is 15% thinner than the standard Gammex® PF and offers an improvement in grip of 12%. This breakthrough in grip has been achieved by optimizing Ansell's manufacturing process.
The micro-rough textured outer surface ensures a secure grip in wet or dry conditions to facilitate the most delicate instrument handling. The powder-free glove delivers comfort, elasticity, and maximum fingertip sensitivity, plus a natural fit and improved grip which help prevent hand fatigue.
Thin yet safe
In order to obtain the tactile sensitivity required for delicate procedures in ophthalmic, micro and cardiothoracic surgery, gloves need to be as thin as possible. Manufacturing thinner gloves often results in two key problems: the gloves are prone to uneven thickness (in particular 'thinning' at the crotch area and thickening at the fingertips) and are at greater risk of developing holes.
The Gammex PF Micro-Thin is only 0.18 millimetres thick (single wall measurement) at finger level; thickness is systematically verified at two stages of the manufacturing process. Ansell Healthcare's Gammex PF Micro-Thin gloves offer high barrier protection by testing for Viral Penetration; they maintain the same strength as standard surgical gloves as measured by "Force at Break" EN455 Part 2 standard. Quality control is ensured by AQL inspection methods: 1.5 for pinholes (GI), water leak test.
Improved grip on instruments
The improved grip of the Gammex PF Micro-Thin has been assessed by the standard testing procedures applied to all Ansell medical gloves, including controlled slip tests involving metal weights against a glove's textured exterior. The average value showed an improvement on dry grip of 12% over the Gammex PF surgical glove. Grip values are constantly monitored through friction tests on line, and during post processing.
Even small, undesired movements or slippage can have serious consequences during microsurgical procedures. While many surgeons pay attention to the choice of their instruments for reasons of safety, ergonomic factors may have an equal impact on grasping and controlling instruments.
In both wet and dry conditions gloves with insufficient grip oblige the user to exert more grasping force, resulting in strain and fatigue during surgery. Gloves with improved grip reduce the muscle effort of forearm and thumb muscles involved in grasping, thereby relieving the fatigue and musculoskeletal pain commonly experienced after minute surgery procedures.
"This new surgical glove has all the qualities of Europe's leading surgical glove-the Gammex PF-coupled with unparalleled grip and thinness," explains Mr. Holger Fuerstenberg, Marketing Director Europe for Ansell Healthcare. "Gammex PF Micro-Thin is the fruit of long-standing dialogue with surgeons regarding their needs and concerns."
All the qualities of a Gammex PF
The Gammex PF Micro-Thin completes Ansell's Gammex PF range of powder-free, low protein NRL surgical gloves, which includes the Gammex PF HydraSoft. HydraSoft® is an innovative hydrating coating technology for surgical gloves designed to retain moisture and rehydrate surgeons' skin during use.
Like the Gammex PF, the Gammex PF Micro-Thin has very low protein content. Lab tests of the Ansell High-Temperature Post Washing Process have shown that the process reduces the NRL allergen content of NRL gloves to very low levels.* Its formulation is thiuram free, and patients are protected by close monitoring of pyrogen and endotoxin levels at the time of manufacture. Low allergenicity is also assured by reduced chemical residues.
The Gammex PF Micro-Thin glove integrates Ansell`s exclusive powder-free technology; the glove is easily donned, even with damp hands. Upon contact with wet hands, the hydrophilic components release a lubricant that improves donning ease, resulting in easier intra-operative changes.
Secure hold on surgical gowns is ensured by an adhesive band located on the top of the straight cuff. This unique design relieves pressure from the forearm whilst operating. In order to reduce glare and reflections during surgery Ansell has chosen to manufacture the Gammex PF Micro-Thin in a brown colour.
* Source: FITkit® tests carried out on Ansell and competitors' gloves.
Brussels, 27 July 2006