Surgery Defogged

TMD: What is the system?

Gomez: The purpose of the Advanced Laparoscopic Care Kit (ALCK) with D-H.E.L.P (Disposable Heated Endoscopic Lens Protector) is to prevent fogging of the laparoscopic and daVinci scope lens; clean the scope lens when soiled from body fluids, blood, fat, and tissue; and protect the lens of the scope when not in use. New Wave’s ALCK maintains clear visualization from the start of the procedure to the close.

TMD: Before this, what was the process for defogging/cleaning?

Gomez: Prior to the ALCK with D-H.E.L.P, scopes were prepped with a non-heated, anti-fog mix of water and alcohol, and/or warmed in hot water or warming sleeves.

TMD: Who is the designer behind the systems?

Gomez: Design and development of the D.H-E-L-P happened in my medical school dorm room while attending Cornell University, New York City, NY. After the basic design was complete, Phase II Medical Manufacturing, a contract manufacturer in Rochester, NH, enabled the manufacturing phase of D-H.E.L.P as well as the product launch.

TMD: Today, where does manufacturing of the components occur?

Gomez: We mostly outsource each individual component to contract manufacturers all over the world. However, all of the components of the device come to our office in Coral Springs, FL. They are then assembled and packaged in Coral Springs and sent to a contract sterilizer in the United States before being shipped to hospitals worldwide.

TMD: Since you use a range of contract manufacturers, what is the range of materials/components in the system?

Gomez: D.H-E-L-P is comprised of these materials/components:

• Polyurethane foam
• Copper wire
• Batteries
• Microfiber
• Stainless steel 304
• Surfactant fluid
• Medical grade silicone rubber
• Polyethylene plastic

TMD: Is design done in-house and if so, with what CAD/CAM software?

Gomez: Yes, we have a design team along with a research and development team in house, and they use SolidWorks CAD software.

TMD: Is there another vision on the horizon for the company?

Gomez: New Wave Surgical is committed to identifying unmet needs in the OR that improve efficiency and effectiveness in a cost effect way while improving clinical outcomes. We are currently in development of several new products that will be launched in the next year or two.

TMD: Any parting thoughts?

Gomez: New Wave Surgical’s ALCK with D-H.E.L.P enhances operating room efficiency, reduces operating room time, and provides surgeons improved visualization, which, in the end, improves patient outcomes. In addition, the system is in place in more than 800 hospitals and used in 25,000+ procedures a month.

New Wave Surgical Corp.
Coral Springs, FL
www.newwavesurgical.com

See how D-H.E.L.P. works by watching the movie at bit.ly/Ude8Ba.