Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will any part of the device interfere with fluoroscope imaging?
No, the base unit is radiolucent. The metal cleats are not radiolucent but they will not
interfere even at extreme angles that are sometimes required by imaging because the
cleats are positioned below the lateral view of the patient.
2. How do you clean the base unit?
The base unit can be cleaned the same way you clean your procedure table. Wipe it
down after each use with a hospital approved disinfectant. Any remaining stains can
be removed by submerging the base unit in warm soapy water. Do not autoclave.
3. Will the KanguruWeb™ work on any table, bed or gurney?
The reusable base unit is specifically designed to meet the requirements of a procedure
table. An alternative base unit is currently under development, specifically designed
for use on gurneys or hospital beds outside of the procedure room. This product will
be available in 2007. Check back for additional information.
- Is the KanguruWeb™ comfortable for the patient?
The KanguruWeb™ has been tested on many patients suffering of varying degrees
of obesity with excellent feedback on comfort. Placing the base unit under the
mattress pad eliminates patient discomfort. Some patients even express a higher
degree of comfort when the disposable web is secured and the pannus is firmly held in
place.
- Can I still use the arm rests when I use the KanguruWeb™?
Yes, deploy the KanguruWeb™ first and once the disposable web is in place, slide
the arm rests between the bottom of the base unit and the cath table.
- Will the KanguruWeb™ impact the patient’s anatomy?
Using the KanguruWeb™ renders the patient’s anatomy more appropriate. When the
pannus is firmly retracted, it is easier to visualize and stick the common femoral
artery. Often, without using this device, the instinct is to stick too low, resulting in
cannulating the superficial femoral artery which is less "forgiving" than the common
femoral artery. Some physicians report that they can use a shorter sheath when using
the KanguruWeb™.
- Taping works just fine and I never hear complaints from the patient. Why should I use the KanguruWeb™?
In some cases, taping can be quick and work adequately. But it can also take as long
as 10 minutes, requiring lots of tape and the pannus is still not stabilized and can still
interfere with site visualization. The KanguruWeb™ works reliably - in under a
minute every time, regardless of the pannus size. Because there is no adhesion to the
skin necessary, complications due to tape or razor burn are eliminated. The KanguruWeb™
will not release or become displaced when you sterilize the wound area. And although
patients may not complain when having to undergo taping, experience shows that
most obese patients are conscious and embarrassed of their overweight condition. Any
thing that can be done to help the patient feel more secure, confident and dignified
about the procedure will be beneficial.
- Is the KanguruWeb™ sterile?
No. Since the reusable base unit and the disposable web are actually outside the sterile field, sterilization is not necessary. Should you want a sterile device, Merit will provide a sterile option KANG100 convenience kit which will provide a longer arterial access needle and a longer anesthesia needle.
- Will the Kanguru Web™ work on all body types?
- Yes, while some patients will have more loose skin, others may have tighter, tauter
skin, when the device is properly positioned, it will retract the pannus and make the
femoral entry site more readily accessible.
No, two people are preferred, and will make the deployment more expeditious; however, you can deploy on the chosen access site first, then move to the other side of the table and deploy the other side.
- Where should the board be positioned?
The lower end of the board, where the single cleat is located, should be aligned with the patient’s iliac crest. The iliac crest is the top of the pelvic bone that you can feel when you place your hand on your side at the waist area.
Testimonials
"The product works well and the staff really likes it and are anxious to try it out. It is the first time I have ever seen them look forward to the heavy patient. Thanks."
Debra Dewald, Cath Lab Manager Washington Heart Center,Washington DC
"We used the "pouch" and everybody loved it! Thanks."
Holly Poole, RT{R}{CV}, Cath Lab and EP Inventory Manager Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore MD
"It is a great invention for our ever growing population. Thank you."
Candace Scheresky RN, Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston TX
"So far so good. Everyone I have spoken to has loved the product."
Susan Dugger, Cath Lab Manager, Spartanburg Regional Health System, Spartanburg, SC