The Exhibition Showcase
Session of the Winter
Scientific Meeting 2022
With the current lack of opportunity for face-to-face engagement, it has been challenging
for industry to showcase their latest medical innovations to clinicians. Unfortunately in-person
conversations and the ability to get our hands on the kit at physical stands cannot
be replicated online, so it was great to see a dedicated session at the online WSM in
January, showcasing innovative new products followed by a panel discussion on each, as a
step towards addressing this problem (Box 1). Several companies were able to participate,
as well as having representation from the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland and the
Medical Protection Society.
Figure 1.
The Exhibition Showcase Session, with a panel consisting of: Chair: Peter Young, (Industry Lead - Association of Anaesthetists),
John Ward (Association of Anaesthetists), Mark Stacey (Association
of Anaesthetists) and Nicki Dill, (Barema Chair). Dan Carney (Fisher
& Paykel) and Simon Murray (Karl Storz), joined to assist with the
discussion of their products.
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare introduced the Optiflow Switch
interface which enables users to bag mask ventilate without
needing to remove the nasal interface (Figure 2). When
a mask is applied, flow to the patient is interrupted and
redirected to the atmosphere via the flow diverter. When
the mask is removed, flow to the patient resumes. The panel
discussion recognised the potential consequence of rapid
gastric insufflation if a facemask is applied over a standard
nasal high flow interface, which is unlikely to be averted
without a similar engineered safety solution.
Figure 2. (below)
Figure 3. (below)
BD has recently launched a comprehensive portfolio of spinal
NRFit™ products. These are incompatible with equipment
using the Luer connector, thereby preventing accidental
misconnection and improving patient safety. To help identify
the difference, yellow colour-coding is used (Figure 3). The
panel discussed the lengthy process from international
agreement, through development, supply and now
implementation which has taken some 20 years so far, and
welcomed BD’s contribution to accelerating the change.
Figure 4. (above)
Intersurgical introduced three of their innovations: the Silver Knight anti-microbial
breathing systems; colour-coded breathing filters; and the 22 mm Flextube™ breathing
system that incorporates a co-axial capnograph line sampling at the Y-piece with the
connector being remotely sited at the machine end to provide convenient positioning
(Figure 4). With regard to the breathing filters, the panel discussion focused on the
benefits of the neat integration of the gas sampling port, the advantages of proximity
to the patient and also the importance of the clear colour coding given recent coroner
reports of clinical confusion of filter types that have led to recent tragedies.
Figure 5. (above)
Karl Storz showcased the C-MAC® monitor at the heart of their
system. This allows connection of C-MAC® videolaryngoscopes,
video stylet and the ‘FIVE’ range of video intubation scopes.
Also introduced was the C-MAC® Pocket Monitor designed for
prehospital settings or mobile use. Most recently Storz have
launched the ‘FIVE S’ single use range of flexible scopes to their
airway portfolio, offering reusable, single use or a hybrid mixture of
both (Figure 5).
Figure 6 (above)
Mindray brought their new A9 Anaesthesia Workstation which is
now available in the UK. As well as having innovative patient safety
features and an intuitive design, the A9 is designed to support
greener anaesthesia by offering gas optimisation tools that monitor
and respond to unnecessary leakage. The A9 can automatically
adjust fresh gas and output from its electronic vaporiser to achieve
target end-tidal agent and oxygen concentration levels, and has
a modular system with diverse connectivity options. The A9 also
integrates a high flow nasal cannula system into the workstation
(Figure 6).
The College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (CAI) also attended and showcased at the
exhibition. The Association has strong ties with the CAI, and we were reminded of their
promotion of high-quality practice in the fields of anaesthesia, intensive care and pain
medicine through training, examinations and educational programmes. The CAI fosters
continuing medical education through a Master’s Degree programme.
Medical Protection Society (MPS) were present at the exhibition. The MPS has been a
member-owned medical defence organisation for doctors and healthcare professionals
worldwide for over 125 years. Their sole purpose is to protect the careers and
reputations of members, so one can call on them for defence against a range of legal
and regulatory challenges. They provide expert advice and tailored support to help
manage these risks and stop issues from escalating. The panel discussed the importance
of such organisations given the increasing number of serious allegations against our
members, and also the vast amount of advocacy work undertaken by the MPS to lobby
government to protect our members and our patients.
This is only a snapshot summary of new and inspiring developments aimed to improve patient outcomes; the Association is proud to
support industry actively in order to keep innovation vibrant and alive in our specialty.
Acknowledgements: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, BD, Intersurgical Ltd., Karl Storz Endoscopy (UK) Ltd, Mindray UK, College of
Anaesthesiologists of Ireland, Medical Protection Society
Mrs Nicki Dill
Chair, Barema, Bromley
Twitter: @peterjyoung101
Keep an eye out in the January issue of Anaesthesia News for a follow up article on this topic; The Exhibition Showcase session at the Association of Anaesthetists Annual Congress 2022