https://shop.victorimedical.com/blogs/news.atomVictori Medical - News2020-10-20T11:56:05-05:00Victori Medicalhttps://shop.victorimedical.com/blogs/news/a-quick-reference-guide-for-surgical-tables2020-10-20T11:56:05-05:002020-10-20T11:56:30-05:00A Quick Reference Guide for Surgical TablesAltSource Sales
There are many different types of surgeries and some of them take a while to complete. It’s crucial to have the right operating table for your practice. Surgical tables can be found at hospitals, surgery centers, and at various healthcare facilities. Operating tables are big and heavy and are usually stationary, but there are some models that are designed to be mobile. Extra care must be taken into consideration when shipping and unpacking surgical tables as they can easily break if they are not handled properly.
There are many specialized surgical tables for cardiovascular, gynecology, orthopedic, and pediatric procedures. Some operating tables are more general and can be used for different types of surgeries. The common objective of all surgical table is to keep the patient secured and in the proper position for their procedure. Many operating tables have attachments and accessories that are designed to provide or extend support for different limbs or appendages.
As imaging technology advances, many procedures rely on external monitors to see what’s happening internally. Radiolucent surgical tables are best suited for these procedures. Movement based operations should use an orthopedic operating table to give the precision and flexibility needed. If you’re considering a general-purpose surgical table, make sure that you’ll have unobstructed access to the surgical site.
There are many surgical positions that various operating tables support. These include:
Lateral – The patent lays on their non-operative side. This position is commonly used for chest, hip, and kidney procedures.
Lithotomy – This position requires stirrups to raise and abduct the patient’s legs while the rest of their body is in a resting/supine position.
Prone – Patients lie on their stomach and have their head turned to the side in this position. Back, cervical spine, and rectal area procedures typically use the prone position.
Reverse Trendelenburg – The head is raised and the feet are lowered in this position. This form is used for head and neck procedures.
Sitting – Often referred to as Fowler’s position, the patient is seated at a 90 degree angle. The feet are usually on a padded foot board and the knees are slightly flexed. Facial, shoulder, and neurosurgical procedures often use the sitting position.
Supine – This is the body’s natural resting position and the most commonly used for surgeries.
Trendelenburg – The upper torso is lowered and the feet are raised in a reclining position. This position is ideal for viewing pelvic organs for laparoscopy and lower abdominal procedures.
Like many medical devices, there are weight limits. Because of the weight of the operating tables, freight shipping with blanket wrapped service is required when purchasing surgical tables from Alternative Source Medical. Brand new operating tables often start at around $20,000, but refurbished ones with a 90-day (extendable to one year) can be delivered at a fraction of the cost. Check out our wide variety of specialized and general operating tables and call us with any questions. We’ll be happy to help!
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https://shop.victorimedical.com/blogs/news/what-to-look-for-in-exam-tables2020-09-04T12:09:00-05:002020-09-04T12:11:38-05:00What to Look for in Exam TablesAltSource Sales
We’ve all sat on an Exam Table before for medical examinations. Most of the time they have paper rollers that keep it sanitary by having patients sit or lay down on the thin paper rather than the exam table. For gynecology exams, the pelvic tilt feature and stirrup attachments are usually used. There are many makes and models available with various features and catering to a wide variety of specialties. We’ll cover some of them in this article.
Did you know that exam tables can be re-upholstered? If yours is starting to show some wear and tear or if your office has changed its color scheme, you can spruce up your exiting table for a fraction of the cost to replace it! There are many color options and patterns available.
Children probably enjoy the challenge of climbing onto exam tables, but for everyone else, there’s usually a retractable step to use. Drawers come standard and usually house disposable gowns for patients to wear. Heated drawers are great for medical tools and gels so they’re not cold to the touch. In order for the heating function to work, the exam table will need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. The base of the exam table typically has a retractable drain/tool bin.
Be sure to consider the average weight of your patients when shopping for an exam table. Many support 350lbs, but 500lb models are available too. Because exam tables are rather large, they will require freight delivery and lift gate service if you don’t have access to a shipping dock.
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https://shop.victorimedical.com/blogs/news/all-about-steam-sterilizers2020-08-03T08:58:00-05:002020-08-03T08:58:59-05:00All About Steam SterilizersAltSource Sales
Trying to decide on an autoclave? Confused/not sure which one is right for you or your practice? With so many options, it can make the decision complicated. We comprised some valuable information and tips to help you:
Why steam sterilization?
Steam is very efficient when it comes to transferring heat, but air is not. High temperatures are needed to destroy microbes by causing their cell walls to break down and coagulate. The concept of using steam in an enclosed space to sterilize equipment has been around since 1679. Two hundred years later, Charles Chamberland invented the autoclave, also referred to as the steam sterilizer.
Autoclave uses
Many industries including food, dental, medical, salon, veterinary, and body art facilities require sterile goods for the safety of their customers. Stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC) plastics can be sterilized with steam. Items that cannot be autoclaved include phenol, trizol Polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics, and household glassware.
Sterilization phases
Autoclaves typically have three phases of the sterilization cycle. During the purge phase, steam flows through the sterilizer to displace the air and cause a continuous flow. The exposure phase is determined by the cycle type to control the desired temperature and length of time needed to sterilize the goods. Generally speaking, the sterilizer must maintain a temperature of 121 degrees Celsius for thirty minutes with 15 psi of pressure to be effective. Once the time and temperature requirements have been met, the exhaust phase begins and pressure is released through the exhaust valve.
Autoclaves are how big?
Steam sterilizers come in all shapes and sizes. Many of the autoclaves we sell start at over 50lbs. Be sure that the chamber and shelving units are big enough to handle the materials you wish to sterilize. Adequate countertop/table space will also be needed as these units tend to take up a lot of space.
New or Refurbished?
Manufacturers like Midmark and Tuttanauer offer one-year warranties on their new autoclaves. By default, our refurbished autoclaves come with a 90-day warranty with an option up upgrading to one year of worry-free coverage. For the same peace of mind and a lot less money, it’s worth looking into refurbished autoclaves.
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https://shop.victorimedical.com/blogs/news/a-beginner-s-guide-to-stretchers2020-07-10T08:48:00-05:002020-09-04T08:55:52-05:00A Beginner’s Guide to StretchersAltSource Sales
The purpose of a stretcher is to safely transport a patient. There are many types of stretchers with features for specific uses. For example, an Ambulance stretcher often has a folding undercarriage that allows it to be slid into the ambulance without having to be lifted into it.
Patients come in all shapes and sizes. Be sure to keep the average size of your clientele in mind when purchasing a stretcher. Some models like the Hill-Rom P8000 have different weight configurations including 500lb and 700lb variations.
OB-GYN stretchers like the Stryker 1061, Hill-Rom P8050, and many others quickly position a patient for pelvic exams. These types of stretchers are ideal in maternity wards and emergency rooms.
General purpose stretchers have lots of features available. Many offer scales that can quickly and reliably weigh patients. Built-in IV Poles are a nice option to have as well. Maneuverability is vital and many stretchers offer motorized drive systems and/or a big wheel to reduce the push force. Hand braking is also good to have for added control. To adjust the height, many stretchers are equipped with hydraulic lift systems.
Eye stretchers are also a great solution to more specific procedures. With dual articulation of the head section and maximum head clearance, they give doctors plenty of room for their legs during eye procedures. Stryker 1069, 1079, & 1089 models are great options for eye stretchers.
It should come as no surprise that stretchers take quite a beating. In life or death situations, patients are being transported quickly and may have a bumpy ride as the gurney is being lifted and pushed around in the ambulance and different hospital wings. Stretchers often get bumped into walls and doors along the way. When purchasing a stretcher, it’s worth paying for better shipping and handling services to prevent damage in transit.
Whether you’re looking for a general or specialized stretcher, The Alternative Source Medical can assist you with new or refurbished options. Call us today and we’ll be happy to help!
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https://shop.victorimedical.com/blogs/news/home-use-hospital-bed-buying-guide2020-06-01T09:52:00-05:002020-06-01T09:54:07-05:00Home Use Hospital Bed Buying GuideAltSource Sales
Home Use Hospital Bed Buying Guide
Whether its for short-term or long-term care, we want our loved ones to be as comfortable as possible. There are many options and features to take into consideration when purchasing a hospital bed for home use. By buying refurbished, you’ll save a lot of money without sacrificing on features or warranty.
What features are available on a hospital bed?
IV Pole and Drainage bag holders are pretty standard features. Many hospital beds offer controls for adjusting the position and angle of the bed. Some beds have a battery backup that still allows these adjustments to be made during a power outage. Manual controls are also available on some models. Late-night readers will enjoy the built-in nightlight offered on some beds.
Built-In scales are usually available at an extra cost. Only pay for that feature if you’ll be using it. Not all patients are fully bed ridden and an easy exit system is worth looking into for them. When it comes to maneuverability, not all hospital beds are created equal. If you’ll be moving the bed around often, you’ll want one with a motorized drive system.
What’s the difference between semi-electric and a fully-electric bed?
Both types of hospital beds use motors to raise the head and foot sections, but a semi-electric bed has a crank to adjust the height of the bed deck.
What kind of mattresses are available?
Hospital bed mattresses can be made from foam, innerspring, coils, air, or gel. We include foam mattresses, but an provide quotes for other types if desired.
Shipping and Handling
Just like the people using them, hospital beds come in all different shapes and sizes. Make sure that the bed you are considering can support the weight of the person using it. The beds themselves often weigh a couple hundred pounds and have added shipping costs for residential delivery. Most delivery companies will drop it off by the garage and not into a house for insurance reasons. Be sure to have several people available to assist in bringing a hospital bed into your home.
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https://shop.victorimedical.com/blogs/news/alternative-source-medicals-response-to-covid-192020-05-04T10:02:00-05:002020-05-04T10:54:39-05:00Alternative Source Medical's Response To COVID-19Monte Montain
It has been a surreal and life-changing set or circumstances as of late. We have been hurt locally and globally. The pain we have endured has been personal, emotional, financial. The overall fear we have never experienced in our lifetime. We are standing together, yet 6 feet apart, in hopes we can be smart, stay safe and healthy, and bounce back from this on every level.
In response to that, Alternative Source Medical has decided to fight it full force. We have taken every opportunity to help as many as we can in their time of need.
Immediately after we were told of the crisis, we had an executive meeting. We took a count of everything we had necessary to help within the coming months. From personal protective items such as masks, to equipment like ventilators, vital signs monitors, beds, stretchers, anesthesia machines, etc.
The first order of business was to go through our stock of disposable items. We were able to locate in our inventory 1000+ N95 masks, 4000+ Transport Media Vials, 250+ Purell wall hand sanitizer pumps with sanitizer, 200+ boxes of gloves (S, M, L, XL), 200+ pieces of sterilization equipment and enzymatic cleaners, 100+ polyurethane gowns, dozens of face shields, boxes of bouffant covers, and boxes of shoe covers.
As a company, we felt the need to make sure our employees are safe first and foremost over the coming months, but everything else needed to be donated to in order to help the community and the hospitals who are on the front lines battling for us.
To that end, we started putting together a plan on how to get equipment such as beds to the front lines as quickly as possible. This meant testing, repairing, certifying, cleaning, painting, on an accelerated level we have never encountered. We contacted hospitals all over the country offering our services. The response was immense.
In a matter of days, we started to mobilize hundreds of beds, stretchers, ventilators, monitors, anesthesia machines, thermometers, and more.
Our employees worked seven days a week for six weeks in order to step up to the demand. On a daily basis, we realize that what we do helps save lives, and makes a difference for patients, medical professionals, nursing home facilities, home healthcare, doctors’ offices, surgery centers, and hospitals. Perhaps the most touching and profound example of this was a thank you video received from a client in Baghdad. We sent them a Drager Babylog Ventilator. They responded to us in video with our ventilator hooked up directly to an infant in an incubator keeping the child alive. This is something that makes every moment worthwhile.
As we watch this pandemic shift, we are reminded that at any moment, at any time, our families, friends, co-workers can be taken from us. What we can do is fight head-on. Do this by following the rules, staying safe, and by taking care of those in need.
The Alternative Source Medical wants you to know, regardless of this global pandemic, we can help. Whether you need a hospital bed for your aging parent, or your facility needs a whole hospital wing built, or you want a blood pressure monitor to make sure you are healthy every day…No matter the size of the issue at hand, no matter the complexity, we are here to respond.