Urologists make use of a range of tests when diagnosing conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureter, and other parts of the urological system. The intricate nature of the urological system means that common symptoms, including frequent and painful urination, lower abdominal pain, and pelvic discomfort, could have many potential causes. It is not uncommon for doctors to perform several tests before discovering what is really going on.

To perform these tests, clinicians naturally rely on equipment. Diagnosing an issue may involve taking blood and urine samples, conducting imaging tests, or monitoring urine flow.

Urology solutions make up just one of Paragon Care’s many product portfolios. As a leading provider of surgical equipment in Australia, we are proud to supply our customers with a number of high-quality devices to aid in the detection and diagnosis of urological conditions.

Diagnostic equipment

The function of the urological system is to remove waste from your blood, a process from which urine is created. The kidneys, pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra all contribute to this process.

A variety of things may cause urological disease. Old age is a common factor — for both men and women — and bacteria that enter the urinary tract can cause several different short-term and chronic problems.

Typically, when patients report symptoms of urological disease, clinicians will start by conducting blood and urine tests. The visual, chemical and microscopic aspects of urine can reveal a significant amount about the health of your urinary system. The equipment required to perform these tests includes everything from personal protective equipment (gloves and goggles) to reagents and centrifuges.

Another diagnostic approach is to use imaging tests, including a pyelogram, cystogram, sonogram, CT scan, or ultrasound of the kidneys, ureter, and prostate. These tests are designed to reveal any blockages that may be preventing organs from performing their essential functions. These blockages may be relatively harmless — as is the case with kidney stones — or could signal something more serious is afoot, like a tumour.

Imaging tests tend to require a combination of consumable devices and capital equipment. In the case of ultrasound, for example, a clinician will require access to both the ultrasound machine and a needle guide and probe cover to reduce the risk of infection occurring.

Traditional vs. point-of-care devices

Traditionally, clinicians performing these types of tests had to take the sample, send it away to a laboratory for testing and wait a few days to receive the result. This process ultimately delays the ability of the clinician to arrive at a diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment option.

While some tests still need to be performed in this manner, an increasing number of blood, urine, and imaging screenings can be conducted using point-of-care devices. These machines can travel with doctors — be it to a patient’s bedside or a regional clinic — and drastically reduce the period between when a patient reports their symptoms and when treatment can begin.

There are obvious advantages to this, including a quicker diagnosis, more appropriate treatment options, and improved treatment outcomes. Urology is just one of the many medical specialties exploring this type of diagnostic screening with point-of-care ultrasound machines and point-of-care blood chemistry analysers.

Paragon Care — your one-stop shop for urology solutions

Of course, the role of a urologist does not stop at diagnostics. Treating urological conditions requires equipment, devices, and consumable products. As a leading provider of surgical equipment in Australia, Paragon Care is proud to support our customers with an extensive portfolio of urological equipment.

Our range of consumable products include needle guides, covers, biopsy grids, and closed system transfer devices to support the safe delivery of hazardous drugs. The risk of infection remains high for urological conditions, as it does for any type of disease, and Paragon Care’s line of hospital grade disinfection products aid in the prevention of healthcare associated infection.

Laser and shockwave therapy devices can be used to great effect to treat everything from kidney stones to bladder cancer. Acknowledging that diseases and disorders affecting the urological system are often quite painful, our range of anaesthesia delivery systems, needle guides and specialty covers will help clinicians provide comprehensive patient care.

For more information about our range of urology solutions, contact the friendly and experienced team at Paragon Care today.

In simple terms, an infection occurs when a foreign organism enters your body, resulting in disease. These organisms can include both viruses and bacteria, as well as fungi and parasites.

The symptoms arising from an infection typically range in severity from causing mild discomfort to being life-threatening.

Common infections include:

• Flu
• Chickenpox
• Strep throat
• Ringworm
• Malaria

While these tend to be easily treated, more complex infections including HIV and polio are very serious.

Infections can be acquired in all sorts of ways, presenting a unique and on-going challenge for healthcare professionals. In fact, infection occurring in a healthcare setting — whether that be through contact from other patients or from equipment and instruments themselves, is a significant problem.

Paragon Care understands the challenges faced by clinicians and are committed to providing quality products to aid in infection control.

Consumables, equipment, and supplies used in infection control

Infection can occur at any stage of the treatment process, making it a complex issue. Approaching the problem with a risk-management mindset can protect healthcare workers, patients, and visitors alike. Professional healthcare bodies, such as the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, recommend using a two-tiered approach to infection management.

This approach is made up of ‘standard precautions’ — built around the assumption that all people potentially carry diseased microorganisms — and ‘transmission-based precautions’ , which are used in addition to standard precautions when it is believed that a patient may be suffering from a particularly severe form of infection, such as scabies.

A range of consumables, healthcare equipment, and supplies facilitate these precautions. Paragon Care has an extensive portfolio of capital and consumable products that can be used to prevent infection transmission across the following key areas:

Urology

The urological system is prone to infection, which is why many patients end up requiring treatment in the first place. Equipment used in urology-related diagnosis and treatment — such as ultrasounds — require unique consumables to reduce the risk of patient-to-patient transmission. These consumables, which include non latex ultrasound probe covers prevent cross-contamination to ensure a safer, more hygienic patient experience.

Oncology

Patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments often suffer from a weakened immune system, making them far more susceptible to infection.

Paragon Care and their associated brand, REM SYSTEMS, understand the unique difficulties experienced by cancer patients. Equashield — a closed system transfer device — is favoured by many of our customers working in urology, as it protects both clinicians and patients alike from the risks associated with hazardous drug leaks, sprays, and aerosol that can be leaked during chemotherapy drug preparation, administration, and disposal.

Surgery

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant problem that can lead to prolonged recovery times and further health complications. There are a range of consumables on offer that can reduce the risk of SSI infection, including procedure specific surgical kits that can be disposed of after use.

Pain management is also an essential aspect of surgical treatment. Paragon Care offers a range of anaesthesia delivery systems, needle guides, and speciality covers to reduce the risk of infection transmission in a recovery environment.

Now more so than ever, infection control is a foremost concern for healthcare workers and patients. Fortunately, Paragon Care’s extensive range of consumables, equipment, and supplies can be used to effectively manage the risk of infection, contributing to improved patient care. Contact us today to discuss our full portfolio of products.

It’s no secret that all industries need to be looking at ways they can reduce their environmental footprint and operate in a more sustainable capacity. Suppliers of medical equipment in Australia are not exempt from this.

It’s an unfortunate fact that many medical equipment supplies are single-use items. Reusability is often not an option if crucial infection control principles are to be followed. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps that medical equipment suppliers and their customers can take to help contribute to sustainability efforts.

Sustainability across the lifecycle of an asset

When we talk about sustainability, often what first pops to mind is waste. This attitude is fair enough — the most recent statistics from the ABS state that Australia generated 76 million tons of waste across the 2018-2019 financial year, a 10 percent increase on previous figures.

While attention needs to go into how we dispose of products, there are many other phases across the entire lifecycle of a medical device where manufacturers, suppliers, and customers can improve sustainability efforts.

Material selection: When it comes to recycling, not all materials are created equal. While glass and aluminium can be 100 percent recycled, there are many different types of plastic that are non-biodegradable. The choice of manufacturing material can also have a significant impact on the longevity and durability of a device.

Investing in eco-friendly materials (that don’t interfere with the functionality of a device) is a simple step that manufacturers can take to reduce their environmental impact.

Power source: Many medical devices require a power source to function. In a world where energy is an increasingly valuable commodity, manufacturers are always looking for opportunities to reduce their reliance on greenhouse gases.

Opting to use eco-friendly rechargeable batteries, for example, is a step that may help achieve this goal. Devices that can be set to low-energy or power-saving mode when not in use also contribute in the fight towards a more sustainable industry.

Disposal: The nature of healthcare means that some products — like gloves, for example — must be single-use only to protect the health and safety of both patients and clinicians. The risk of healthcare acquired infection (complications that result due to medical treatment) is relatively high and is mitigated only through strict infection control protocols.

However, many in the industry believe that there are still plenty of opportunities to cut back on disposable, single-use items or at the very least, ensure they are made from biodegradable materials.

Reusable items are not necessarily environmentally friendly either. Any product that is designed to be used on multiple occasions will need to undergo extensive sterilisation between patients. The chemicals used in this process often aren’t particularly sustainable.

There is no easy answer to the question of disposable vs reusable. However, the more attention we pay to the problem, the more likely we are to come up with a solution.

Packaging: Finally, packaging. It’s no secret that both capital equipment and consumable supplies are often delivered in a fair amount of packaging. Some of this is necessary and serves an important protective function. Other times it’s excessive.

Minimising packaging waste and harnessing eco-friendly packaging materials are two strategies that can be implemented to great effect to reduce your environmental footprint.

There is no quick fix to issues surrounding sustainability. This is particularly true for companies involved in the production and distribution of medical equipment in Australia, where decisions need to be made in the best interests of patients. However, being aware of a problem is the first step towards finding a solution so engaging in conversations around sustainability and the environmental impact of our chosen medical equipment supplies and devices should be a priority for all.

Temperature management is an important aspect of critical care that can significantly impact patient morbidity. Whilst there is an optimal temperature at which our bodies operate, this can be affected by a range of factors including disease, injury and inflammation.

Clinicians and healthcare professionals depend upon a range of critical care products in order to manage and maintain the internal body temperature of their patients.

What is temperature management?

Temperature management — or thermoregulation — is a complex process that allows the body to maintain its core internal temperature . Natural thermoregulation is a vital component of homeostasis and promotes optimal functioning of all body systems.

Whilst humans have the ability to maintain their own internal temperature, this can be impeded by illness or injury. Often patients in a hospital setting require external assistance to maintain a safe internal temperature, preventing long-term damage to organs and reducing the risk of mortality.

Why is temperature management important in a critical care environment?

Disruption of thermoregulation is a common symptom of critical care patients and often has serious consequences.

Abnormal temperature — whether hypothermic or hyperpyrexic — can be an indicator of fever, infection or inflammation. Patients suffering from traumatic brain injury, cardiac arrest, sepsis and those in post-operative care often record extreme variations in internal temperature which can cause on-going complications.

Monitoring critical care patients for signs of shifting temperature is important, as is managing the rate at which temperature is manipulated and returned to an appropriate range. Patients who are warmed too quickly risk becoming exposed to a range of further complications including cerebral thermopooling, cerebral hypoxia and impaired cerebrovascular activity.

Monitoring, manipulation and regulation of internal temperature is therefore an important aspect of critical care, guiding clinicians with respect to appropriate and timely treatment options.

What products are used in critical care temperature management?

A critical care unit should be equipped with a range of products that can be used to monitor and stabilise a patient’s internal body temperature.

The first step in this process is measurement, which can be carried out via the mouth, the ear, the armpit or the rectum.

Beyond measurement, products used for temperature control are often external in nature. Cooling and warming blankets, gel pads and ice packs are harnessed in order to maintain stable body temperature and provide data and insight into fluctuations.

There are also devices available that are designed to control blood temperature, which is a critical action during cardiovascular procedures.

Paragon Care’s range of temperature management products

Paragon Care’s product range features devices designed to manage patient body temperature across a range of environments including the operating room, recovery room and neonatal intensive care units.

Our associated businesses — Scanmedics and REM SYSTEMS — are at the forefront of critical care products and are experts in the types of temperature management devices required by clinicians and medical professionals to ensure quality patient care.

An online product catalogue and specific product information can be accessed by healthcare professionals upon submitting a product information request on our website.

Paragon Care — leading provider of healthcare equipment

Beyond temperature management, Paragon Care has a comprehensive critical care portfolio, providing clinical solutions for anaesthetists, intensivists; cardiac, vascular and pain management specialists. Our devices, including POC Ultrasound systems, are complemented through an extensive range of products and consumables that cover infection control, pain management, infusion therapy and enteral feeding.

Our product line is backed by our dedicated support call centre, who are available both during and after the sales process to assist with any technical and product related issues.

Should you require critical care products, including those used to monitor, manipulate and regulate temperature, contact Paragon Care today.

Say the word ‘laser’ and you probably picture a thin, red beam of light, shooting off into space. In reality, lasers are a part of many of the products we use on an everyday basis, from barcode scanners to fibre-optic communication (the internet).

The invention of the laser also facilitated rapid improvements in the medical field. Lasers enable clinicians to operate on patients in a non-invasive manner, providing improved access to diminutive and complex body systems.

Paragon Care’s portfolio of medical and surgical supplies is comprehensive and includes high-end laser products that can be used to treat a variety of patient conditions.

A history of lasers in medicine

To understand how lasers came to be used in medicine, we need to take a little trip back to the early 20th century. A theoretical physicist by the name of Max Planck made many contributions to the field of science, but his primary discovery — earning him a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918 — was that of quantum action.

Planck’s work revolutionised the way we think about matter and energy at a subatomic level. Combined with Albert Einstein’s theories — including that light travelled in wave-like patterns — Planck’s findings lead directly to the invention of the modern laser.

The world’s first functioning laser was built in 1960. The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, which additionally can be used to explain how a laser works. Billions of light particles, known as photons, are emitted into a precise beam of light that is concentrated on one particular spot.

Lasers are now used in a variety of situations, everything from astronomy to medicine. In a healthcare setting, clinicians rely on lasers to both diagnose and treat a patient. Broadly speaking, they are favoured as they tend to be far less invasive than traditional methods of patient care. When used correctly, laser surgery results in decreased blood loss, reduced risk of infection, and improved wound healing.

Lasers can be used in general surgery, such as to remove a tumour. They are also commonly used to operate on the eye, a procedure that requires extreme position. Many people are now also turning to laser surgery to assist with cosmetic concerns, including tattoo and hair removal.

Paragon Care’s laser portfolio

Amongst Paragon Care’s extensive portfolio of medical and surgical supplies are several capital laser products.

As a leading provider of medical equipment and consumables, we are expertly placed to provide our customers with solutions. Our large number of partner brands enable us to look both small and big picture, working as a larger business while providing practical assistance across all speciality areas.

One of these areas is urology — a speciality that makes frequent use of lasers for a variety of purposes. The urological system is complex and clinicians require a steady hand combined with specialist technology when treating patients, be they suffering from prostate cancer or a bladder infection.

For example, lasers are often used to break down kidney stones using a device known as a lithotripter. A lithotripter breaks apart large stones that form painful blockages in the urinary tract. The stones are then either naturally passed or removed by a surgeon.

Surgery solutions provided by Paragon Care

Urologists do not only rely on lasers to diagnose and treat patients. They, and other specialist clinicians, require access to a wide range of innovative, quality medical and surgical supplies.

Paragon Care has a long and established history of providing our customers with top-of-the-line medical and surgical supplies. Whether you are looking for an ultrasound or a normothermia system, Paragon Care has the capital equipment for you.

Contact us today to discuss our full product portfolio.

It should come as no surprise that newborns and paediatric patients have very specific medical needs. Often, the equipment and devices used on adult patients are simply not suitable. Developing safe devices for neonatal care — not just smaller versions of products used to treat adults — is an industry in itself.

Paragon Care is committed to helping our clients help their smallest and youngest patients. Our product portfolio includes a number of devices used to treat and screen neonatal and paediatric patients that are both safe and effective.

Neonatal defined

The neonatal period is defined as the first four weeks of a newborn’s life. It is a time of rapid development and comes with its own risks and potential complications.

There are many reasons why a neonatal patient may be admitted to a hospital. Those born prematurely often require monitoring for the first few weeks of their life. Congenital diseases and disorders can present themselves at this early stage. Feeding difficulties are also relatively common and may require special attention to ensure the patient receives adequate nutrition.

Paediatric health, on the other hand, relates to infants, children, and in some cases, adolescents. The conditions that may affect these individuals are as broad as those you associate with adult patients.

Neonatal equipment

Designing neonatal and paediatric medical devices can be challenging. There are additional safety considerations and equipment that is approved to use on a newborn may not be appropriate for a slightly older infant.

Paragon Care’s comprehensive product portfolio includes a number of devices that can aid clinicians safely treat young patients. Continue reading for an overview of these devices; for more information, please submit a Product Information Request.

Brain monitoring

Brain monitoring — also known as electroencephalogram — has not always been common in the neonatal ward. However, clinicians are finding it an increasingly useful way to determine whether a newborn is suffering from seizures, which often have limited signs in a neonatal patient.

Understanding an infant’s brain health can assist to make critical decisions regarding treatment and care.

Electrodes

Electrodes are used to carry electricity from an instrument to a patient. It goes without saying that adult electrodes are not suitable to be used on an infant or newborn. Paragon Care provides electrodes of a variety of shapes, sizes, gels, types, materials, and adhesion levels.

Enteral feeding

Newborns suffering from low birth weight or gastrointestinal issues that make feeding difficult may require enteral care. A tube attached to the stomach or small intestine can help neonatal patients receive valuable nutrients and medication.

Infusion therapy

Infants admitted to critical care, surgical wards, or even a general hospital setting may require infusion therapy. There is always the risk of infection occurring with this type of treatment. For particularly young or small patients, the consequences of cross-contamination can be significant.

Paragon Care’s Closed Medication Administration Sets have been designed with needle free adaptors and stopcocks to reduce this risk.

Jaundice management

Jaundice is a relatively common condition that will often clear by itself. For those newborns who require extra care and attention, Paragon Care offers a number of non-invasive solutions and therapy devices.

Neonatal vision screening

Neonatal vision screening is undertaken to help detect abnormalities that could lead to severe vision impairment later in life. This routine testing requires the use of a range of specialist instruments to visualise the retina and diagnose conditions accurately.

Newborn hearing screening

Early detection and intervention for auditory conditions is crucial and can significantly improve the outcomes of neonatal patients. Hearing loss can be associated with head injury, congenital abnormality, or serious disease, including meningitis.

NICU video monitoring

Having a newborn patient admitted to the NICU ward can be a stressful experience. Software that enables families to view their children in the NICU can help relieve some of this anxiety in a simple and effective manner.

Procedural kits

Procedural kits help clinicians treating all types of patients — from newborn to geriatric — provide high-quality care. By using a tailored procedural kit, clinicians can have confidence that all the tools and products they need are right by their side.

Temperature management

Hypothermia and hyperthermia are relatively common in neonatal patients but if left untreated, can have serious consequences. Specialist products and devices are required to slowly and safely return a newborn patient to an appropriate internal body temperature in the operating room, recovery room, and intensive care unit.

For further information about Paragon Care’s product portfolio and approach to neonatal medical device management, contact our friendly and experienced team today.

Any healthcare environment carries a pathological risk for patients and clinicians. Unless proper precautions are taken, cross-contamination and infection can occur easily.

The source of infection can be anything from an unclean surface to disposable gloves used to treat multiple patients. It’s important for all individuals — clinicians, healthcare managers, patients, and visitors — to take seriously their responsibilities in reducing the risk of infection.

Fortunately, there are medical surgical supplies and simple strategies that can help achieve this goal. Paragon Care understands how critical infection control is in any and all healthcare settings and can provide our clients with a range of products and devices to prevent infection and cross-contamination.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) has been a bit of a buzzword over the last few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We’ve all been playing our part by wearing masks but healthcare professionals must take this a step further.

On top of surgical masks, doctors, nurses, and anyone working closely with patients may be required to don gloves, goggles, glasses, face shields, gowns, and aprons. While this outfit has become a common sight over the past twenty-four months, it was already expected for those treating patients in a surgical setting, where the risk of infection is far higher.

Personal protective equipment is a consumable product that should be disposed of after use.

Understand infection control requirements for capital and consumable products

Different types of medical surgical supplies and equipment will have different requirements when it comes to infection control.

Capital equipment has several defining factors. It tends to be more expensive than consumable products and is durable in nature — you can expect a capital device to last for several years (providing it is appropriately maintained). With regards to infection control, capital equipment will often require the use of accessories that will need to be replaced on a regular basis. An ultrasound machine, for example, would be considered a capital device but a clinician will also require probe covers and needle guides to use it. These products prevent cross-contamination between patients and are consumable in nature. In addition, an ultrasound machine will likely have cleaning protocols that must be followed.

Consumable items are usually one-time use products that must be disposed of for infection control purposes. In addition to probe covers and needle guides, surgical gloves are a great example of a consumable product. Using these items to treat multiple patients is extremely dangerous from an infection control perspective.

Understanding the difference between capital and consumable products and how to treat these respectively will reduce the risk of infection between patients (and clinicians) occurring.

Invest in infection control devices

In addition to accessories and consumable products, many healthcare equipment providers offer devices that can help keep a healthcare environment safe and clean.

Amongst Paragon Care’s comprehensive product portfolio are a number of disinfection systems that can help lower pathogen bioburden levels and prevent healthcare infection. These systems include UVC disinfection robots, which utilise room mapping technology to deliver a continuous wave of UVC energy, destroying pathogens and germs.

For more information on Paragon Care’s product portfolio, submit a Product Information Request today.

Train employees appropriately

It may seem simple but one of the best ways to reduce the risk of infection is ensuring that employees are appropriately trained on healthcare protocols. While you can assume that doctors, nurses, and related specialists have completed the required training, administration workers, cleaners, technicians, and anyone else who works with and around patients should understand their responsibilities relating to infection control.

The 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene, for example, can significantly reduce the risk of infection transmission between patients, employees, and visitors. Keep signs handy to remind everyone how they can protect those around them.

Stay up-to-date with latest findings and research

Finally, stay up-to-date with the latest research in the infection control sector. As a healthcare manager, this is one of the best things you can do on behalf of both clinicians and patients. Understand what emerging risks are and work closely with your medical equipment supplier to invest in products that will best protect those who are at risk of contracting an infection.

As a leading provider of medical surgical supplies, Paragon Care is at the forefront of infection control. Our friendly and trained team are available to answer any questions you might have about our products and medical equipment services. Contact us today to find out more.

Maintaining a sterile environment is critical for any healthcare facility. This, of course, has always been the case, but the on-going Covid-19 pandemic has really brought home the importance of infection control.

Whether a patient is attending a general clinic or having life-saving surgery, there are many opportunities for infection to strike. It is not only patients that need protecting; clinicians, too, are at risk from cross-contamination and infectious disease.

With this in mind, infection control is one of the most important considerations for a healthcare manager. There are a range of capital products and medical consumables that you can utilise to ensure a sterile environment. Read on to discover how Paragon Care can help you protect your patients and healthcare workers alike.

Consumable Products

Medical consumables play an important role in the fight against infection.

Regardless of the type of healthcare facility you manage, be it an aged care home or large specialist hospital, there are certain basic products that you will need to protect patients and workers. These are commonly referred to as ‘Personal Protective Equipment’. The Covid-19 pandemic means we are all well aware of what PPE is — gloves, gowns, face masks, and hair nets.

In addition, medical consumables can be used to ensure equipment is kept sterile. Ultrasound probe covers, for example, provide a physical barrier to prevent cross-contamination during an ultrasound examination. Procedural kits, which are specifically designed to be used across all healthcare specialties, make it easy for clinicians to access and dispose of sterile tools.

Paragon Care’s product portfolio includes a number of medical consumables that can help disinfect surfaces and equipment in a quick and effective manner.

Capital Equipment

As is the case with most areas of healthcare, capital equipment and consumable products work hand in hand to help clinicians provide quality medical care.

Innovations in medical technology have meant that there are a range of capital products that can be used to disinfect a room and reduce the risk of infection. These products often utilise UV-C (ultraviolet C) technology to disinfect surfaces, killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Such machines can operate independently, around-the-clock to provide constant protection and peace of mind.

Here at Paragon Care, we have a number of such products available for purchase. Contact our team today to find out more.

Paragon Care — Leading the Medical Equipment Industry

As a leading supplier of medical consumables, we understand that it’s our responsibility to stay on top of developments, challenges, and opportunities in the medical industry. As such, we are proud to offer a wide range of capital and consumable products that can be used in the fight against Covid-19 and other infectious diseases.

As a healthcare manager, protecting patients and clinicians from unnecessary risk is one of your top concerns. You may not always know what’s around the corner, but prioritising a clean and pathogen-free working environment is always a good idea.

To learn more about how Paragon Care can help you create a safe, clean working environment, contact our friendly team today.

If you are looking to purchase medical equipment, one of your most important considerations should be the types of service offerings extended by providers. Medical devices are often a long-term investment and it is certainly worth putting in the time and effort to compare the equipment repair, maintenance and support options offered by medical device companies before making a final decision.

Why is regular servicing and maintenance important for medical devices?

All types of equipment — medical or otherwise — require regular servicing and maintenance to reduce the likelihood of untimely breakdowns. Routine maintenance also plays a valuable role in prolonging the lifespan of an asset.

Servicing is particularly important for medical devices as clinicians depend on the smooth functioning of equipment to diagnose and treat patients efficiently.

Medical equipment that is not functioning at optimum capacity may prevent healthcare professionals from providing the highest level of service. Faulty equipment may return incorrect information, result in longer waiting times and cause appointments to be cancelled — all of which can significantly impact a patient’s health and wellbeing.

Medical device companies understand the importance of equipment maintenance and many providers have dedicated service departments to assist their clients in this area.

What kind of service offerings should you look for in a medical device company?

Medical equipment is a substantial investment and requires long-term care to ensure on-going functionality. Whilst a provider may advertise equipment at a cheaper price, it is well worth doing your research to ensure that they are offering a full range of maintenance and repair services. This can include:

Maintenance

Following scheduled maintenance is a proactive measure that will significantly increase the lifespan of your asset. Maintenance provides an excellent opportunity for technicians to pick up on small technical issues that have the potential to turn into wide-ranging problems that affect the functionality of equipment.

Check to make sure that your equipment provider offers maintenance to Original Equipment Manufacturer standards and using certified parts.

Repair

No matter how well equipment is cared for, at some point you are likely to require the services of a repair technician. Equipment repair can be inconvenient, reducing the ability of clinicians to diagnose and treat patients and significantly increasing waiting times.

Ensure that your provider has a sizable, fully trained team of technicians that are able to provide fast and efficient on-site repair services.

Warranty

Warranty is an essential aspect of equipment services that acts to protect your asset and investment.

This service offering can come in the form of manufacturer’s warranty, retailer’s warranty or extended warranty, depending on the channel through which you purchased the equipment.

It is always a good idea to check that your equipment provider offers an appropriate level of warranty — including the ability to extend, should you wish to further secure your equipment.

What kind of support does Paragon Care provide to their customers?

Paragon Care sets itself apart from other medical device companies through the support it provides to our customers, with comprehensive service and maintenance assistance for the entire lifecycle of an asset. Our multiple service divisions allows us to offer equipment maintenance, repair and Total Equipment Management for all your equipment servicing needs.

Our technicians are fully trained to manufacturer certification and use genuine manufacturer parts for all maintenance and repairs. Our dedicated call centre operators are available to provide during and after sales support, and are experts across both technical and product related issues.

If you are looking to purchase medical equipment, and consider maintenance, repair and comprehensive warranty options to be important factors in your decision-making process, contact Paragon Care today to discuss how we can assist you.

Arthroplasty is a type of surgical procedure used to restore function to a joint — typically the knee, hip, or shoulder. Another term for arthroplasty is joint replacement surgery.

When conducting arthroplasty, the joint may either be restored (through resurfacing of the bones) or completely replaced using an artificial implant.

There are a wide range of reasons as to why an arthroplasty procedure may need to be carried out. Orthopaedic surgeons typically opt for arthroplasty when other medical treatments no longer provide reliable relief from pain. This can be due to a pre-existing injury or an inflammatory disease — such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Due to innovations in orthopaedics equipment and improved manufacturing capabilities, patients who receive an arthroplasty can expect to enjoy years of pain-free movement.

What type of orthopaedic equipment is used to carry out arthroplasty?

Orthopaedic surgeons rely on a wide range of equipment to carry out an arthroplasty procedure. This includes general surgical instruments — forceps, clamps, drills, blades, and retractors — many of which are featured in standard and custom built procedural kits.

The type of orthopaedics equipment required generally depends on the type of arthroplasty being conducted. Some patients will require a total joint replacement whilst others only require certain components restored. Innovative technology means that some clinicians are now opting to go with robotic-assisted surgery — a minimally invasive procedure that offers quicker recovery time.

Typical features of a joint implant

A joint implant is made up of substances designed to mimic the material and action of a real joint. The choice in materials depends on the joint location, size, and the surgeon’s own preferences. This includes skin, bone, metal, plastic, and ceramic.

The implant itself will be constructed to mimic the components found in a real joint. For example, in the case of the knee, the implant typically includes three segments; the medial component (inner knee), the lateral component (outer knee), and the patello-femoral component (underside of the knee).

Depending on whether you are receiving a full or partial arthroplasty, all or only certain components may be replaced.

These days, advancements made in technology are rapidly improving the ability of orthopaedic surgeons to custom fit implants. A custom built implant means that less bone is needed to be cut down to fit the replacement joint, leading to a quicker recovery time and less pain for patients. Clinians are able to use high resolution CT scans to create an in-depth visual model of the patient’s joint. From this model, they can easily plan the surgery beforehand.

Paragon Care — experts in orthopaedics equipment

Paragon Care offers a wide range of orthopaedics equipment to be used when conducting arthroplasty and all other types of orthopaedic procedures.

We provide a wide range of operating room products, including surgical helmet systems, skin adhesives, sterile tourniquets, patient support systems, cold compression therapy, and sterile drapes for C-Arm’s.

We understand the role that pain management therapies play in patients undergoing arthroplasty. Our product line includes a range of anaesthesia delivery systems, needle guides and speciality covers to help reduce the risk of infection transmission.

Regarding infection control, we offer hospital grade disinfectant products — including the THOR UV-C and Illuvia HUAIRS — to lower the risk of infection for both patients and clinicians.

We also pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovative orthopaedics equipment. Our portfolio includes non-invasive biologic treatment options for those suffering from early to moderate-stage osteoarthritis.

If you are a healthcare professional looking to acquire medical equipment, contact Paragon Care today to find out about our extensive product range of customer support options.