Ultra-thin surgical swab: its development and clinical application.

INTRODUCTION: Ultra-thin (diameter: 3 mm) surgical swabs have not been in practical use as it is difficult to manufacture these using the pre-existing methods; therefore, a new technology has been adopted. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of ultra-thin surgical swabs in bench-top and preclinical settings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed liquid particle counter (LPC) test, cotton strength test, shaft bending comparison and surgical vision test for checking the durability of swabs as bench-top investigation, and laparoscopic surgery in a porcine model as preclinical investigation. All tests were compared with conventional 5-mm swabs. RESULTS: The ultra-thin swabs had fewer eluted particles in the LPC test, endured a 5 kg pulling force in the cotton strength test, their shaft did not break at 100 mm bending in the shaft bend comparison test, and interfered less in the surgical vision test. They were used for manipulating organs with no damage in preclinical investigation. CONCLUSIONS: Three millimeters ultra-thin surgical swabs manufactured with the new manufacturing technology are effective and safe.

Research and development of anti-maceration laparoscopic surgical cotton swabs.

INTRODUCTION: Although laparoscopic cotton swabs have been used in procedures such as blunt tissue dissection and elevation of organs, fluid maceration is widely known to reduce their original performance. Thus, we developed an anti-maceration laparoscopic surgical cotton swab that is expected to solve this problem by coating the cotton swab with water-resistant resin. This study aimed to determine whether anti-maceration cotton swabs perform better than conventional products. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fine surface shape analysis of cotton swabs was performed using microfocus X-ray computed tomography, and changes due to fluid absorption of the anti-maceration cotton swabs and pre-existing products were quantitatively compared. As indices, the degree of expansion by maceration and SMD (surface roughness index of the fiber industry showing the size of irregularities on the surface) were evaluated. RESULTS: The degree of expansion was lower in anti-maceration swabs than in conventional products. Maceration reduced SMD in existing products, whereas the SMD in anti-maceration cotton swabs did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-maceration cotton swabs have a superior performance over conventional products.