3M™ Drapes Designed for the Entire Critical Zone
We understand that the risk of infection increases when strike-through occurs anywhere within the sterile field, not just in the traditional critical zone.
If a drape is absorbent but not impervious, fluid goes straight through the drape onto the operative site where it can pick up skin flora from unprepped skin and transfer this into the surgical site.
If a drape is absorbent and impervious the fluid is absorbed by the drape but cannot transfer to the unprepped skin.
3M surgical drapes are impervious to liquid strikethrough which can help to reduce bacterial transfer and subsequent contamination of the surgical site. See the benefits of using 3M Surgical Drapes with our animation.
Many of our drapes feature an absorbent, impervious material throughout the drape to incorporate the true critical zone … the entire sterile field.
The Range
The 3M surgical drape range consists of both specialised packs and individual drapes for cost effective and flexible draping solutions, covering most surgical procedures:
Cardiovascular Drapes/Cardiac Catheterisation Drapes
Most cardiothoracic procedures require drapes that can withstand heavy manipulation and reduce the likelihood of infection. Drapes that contain antimicrobial features can reduce the risk of surgical site infection which is particularly important in this type of surgery.
Day Surgery Drapes
In response to the Department of Health initiative to carry out 75% of selected elective procedures through day surgery, 3M has developed a range of cost effective drapes suitable for use on the identified ‘Basket of 25’ procedures.
General Surgery Drapes
As general surgery procedures vary widely, drapes need to be adaptable. They must withstand challenges such as large volumes of blood and irrigation fluids, heavy retraction during abdominal procedures and must also offer long-term protection where procedures may last for several hours. 3M’s range of surgical drapes aims to meet these challenges.
Head and Neck Drapes
Head and neck surgery procedures pose a number of challenges for a draping system. Procedures on the ears, nose and throat can be difficult to drape and therefore require a versatile but comfortable range.
Incise Drapes
A range of incise drapes that can help reduce the likelihood of skin recolonisation after prepping and thus reduce the risk of surgical site infection.
Neurosurgery Drapes
Neurosurgical procedures are often lengthy and involve large amounts of blood and irrigation fluids. Drapes that can adequately collect this fluid and maintain a safe environment for healthcare workers are an advantage and will ensure the risk of infection is also reduced.
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Drapes
Some obstetric procedures, such as caesarean section, present challenges for a draping system. The presence of large amounts of blood and amniotic fluid require a drape with excellent fluid control features to ensure the patient remains dry throughout the procedure to reduce the likelihood of fluid spillages that could be a health and safety risk.
Orthopaedic Drapes
Orthopaedic surgery requires a draping system that maintains a sterile field throughout the procedure and reliably adheres to the skin, reducing the likelihood of drapes moving during these often lengthy procedures.
Ophthalmic Drapes
Ophthalmic procedures are often carried out under local anaesthesia and therefore the drapes used need to be lightweight and comfortable for the patient. 3M ophthalmic drapes are made from a lightweight and breathable material that allows fluid to run away from the operative site into specifically designed fluid collection pouches, ensuring the drapes remain dry and the patient is comfortable.
Urology Drapes
Urological procedures require drapes that can effectively control large amounts of fluid and maintain a safe environment for healthcare workers. Drapes that minimise the amount of preparation time before surgery are an advantage as often there is a quick turnaround time between procedures.
Whatever your draping requirements, 3M can supply an additional range of accessories to complement the speciality drapes and drape packs available. The range of adhesive and non-adhesive individually packed drapes combine the benefits of absorbent, impervious fabric and the flexibility of cost effective draping options.
Contact Us for further product information and samples.
Unique Surgical Drapes Exchange Scheme
We recognise that lists and procedures are subject to last minute changes. Therefore, your 3M representative will be happy to exchange any uncontaminated opened and unused 3M surgical drape, free of charge, for a replacement sterile drape.
We not only provide quality products but also appropriate support services which enable correct product use and optimised outcomes.
We strive to contribute to one of the ultimate goals of all healthcare organisations: infection free patients and health care professionals, throughout the continuum of care.
Contact Us for further information.
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