imaging system and minimizes the visual presence of smoke and con-
densation using its software designed for the military. Though smoke
is still present in the abdomen, the manufacturer claims the system
helps sharpen the haze-filled images for your surgeons.
2
Pre-warm and pre-treat scopes
Dr. Renton notes that there are 2 main ways to prevent the fog-
ging and condensation that occurs when you move from the cold
OR to the warm abdomen of the patient: warming the scope before-
hand and using an anti-fogging solution on the camera tip.
To warm the scope beforehand, there are some options that range in
price and complexity. You can use a simple basin filled with warm
sterile saline to store the scope before insertion, while special ther-
moses and scope warmers currently on the market can create similar
results more easily and consistently. Dr. Renton's favorite option:
sheaths that you "crack" to activate and wrap around the scope to
keep it warm. They're simple to use, he says, and don't require you to
move in and out of the surgical field like some other options.
All of the techniques work, says Ms. Dennis. The important thing is
finding something that's easy and consistent to use. "The best thing is
to prep the scope," she says. "Even something as simple as wrapping
it with a warm towel so it doesn't go cold will help."
There are also plenty of anti-fogging solutions on the market, says
Dr. Renton. You apply these solutions before insertion into the
abdomen, and they create a film on the tip of the scope that helps pre-
vent fogging and condensation. These tend to be pretty affordable,
notes Ms. Dennis. Her facility uses a single-use wipe that costs rough-
ly $3 to pre-treat the scope.
Even though there are plenty of options, Dr. Renton notes they aren't
100% effective. "None of the solutions are perfect," he says. "But, usual-
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