Welch Allyn recently unveiled its FlexiPort EcoCuff line of blood pressure cuffs. The product is meant to address the cost and environmental impact of using single patient disposable cuffs by using a lighter construction and minimizing the materials used. They’re even recyclable for clinics running an ultra green policy. We took the chance to ask Sean Karla, Global Category Manager at Welch Allyn, about the new FlexiPort EcoCuff:
Medgadget: What are the indications for use of EcoCuff?
Sean Karla, Welch Allyn: The FlexiPort EcoCuff blood pressure cuff is intended to be used on the upper arm in conjunction with non-invasive blood pressure measurement systems. The cuff is non-sterile and is available in pediatric through adult sizes. The device is not intended for neonatal applications. The FlexiPort EcoCuff blood pressure cuff is not designed, sold or intended for use except as indicated.
Medgadget: Can it be used interoperatively?
Sean Karla: There are no restrictions preventing clinicians from using EcoCuff during surgeries or other medical procedures.
Medgadget: Is it built to withstand long procedures?
Sean Karla: Yes, EcoCuff is designed to last an entire patient stay. The cuffs were tested to 100 on/off applications and hundreds of inflation/deflation cycles.
Medgadget: Unfortunately in some patients we cannot use blood pressure cuffs in upper extremities, as they might have AV fistulas or history of mastectomy. Was EcoCuff tested for use on lower extremities?
Sean Karla: No, EcoCuff was only tested on the upper arm.
Medgadget: EcoCuff is made from polypropylene. Is this material more environmentally friendly?
Sean Karla: Polypropylene contains fewer harmful chemicals to the environment than traditional disposable blood pressure cuffs. EcoCuff does not contain any PVC, DEHP or BPA. EcoCuff also uses less material than traditional disposable blood pressure cuffs due primarily to its design. In an independent life cycle analysis, EcoCuff was shown to have 60 percent less impact on the environment compared with traditional disposable cuffs due to the EcoCuff design and the materials used. Since the cuff is made of 100 percent polypropylene, it can also be recycled in areas where polypropylene is recycled.
Medgadget: Is EcoCuff water/blood/urine resistant?
Sean Karla: The EcoCuff material is not completely penetrable by liquids. Therefore, liquids will not enter the inflatable bladder through the material. However, the fabric does have a soft clothlike texture that can absorb moisture on the surface.
Medgadget: Any other special qualities of its material?
Sean Karla: The key differentiations of the EcoCuff material are: • Light Weight – For reduced weight in waste • Strong – Durable enough for an entire patient stay • 100% Polypropylene Construction – For reduced environmental impact compared to traditional disposable cuffs • Latex-Free – For patient safety • Soft – Clothlike texture improves patient comfort • Non-Material Differentiation – Unique range slot helps ensure proper sizing and accuracy
Medgadget: Can you explain how your system is more cost effective than offerings from other companies?
Sean Karla: FlexiPort technology makes it possible for hospitals to standardize on one connection method through their entire facility. They do this by attaching a FlexiPort fitting to each blood pressure device. Once standardized, FlexiPort is the only cuff on the market that allows customers to purchase cuffs without tubes or traditional connectors. This provides a cost decrease per cuff. It also helps to eliminate the number of cuff configurations the facility needs (tube and connector styles) and therefore reduces SKUs and inventory. EcoCuff provides additional cost-savings opportunities since it is designed for single-patient use only and is made out of materials that have not previously been used in blood pressure cuff construction. By restricting the cuff to single-patient use and by using different materials, Welch Allyn is able to reduce manufacturing costs and transfer this savings to our customers.
Medgadget: Can you provide our readers with pricing information on EcoCuff line?
Sean Karla: EcoCuff is priced between 10 percent and 15 percent less than other traditional disposable blood pressure cuffs on the market today.
Here’s a Welch Allyn video about the EcoCuff:
Product page: FlexiPort EcoCuff…