Due to the nature of the specialized work environment that is the operating room (OR) for surgeries, the safety and comfort of patients typical comes first. One important aspect in obtaining this is the necessity of employing silicon gel pads which are used to place patients and remove pressure during some procedures. These gel pads are very important in correcting improper body structural postures, reducing nerve compression and thus inhibiting formation of pressure ulcers. But since they are surgical tools, very much like all tools used in surgery, durability is paramount to their efficacy and safety.
What Are Silicon Gel Pads?
Silicon gel pads on the other hand can be described as soft, flexible material that is commonly used to support patients during operation. They may be positioned on the OT table or table mat or used in conjunction with other pressure relieving and patient supporting OT table positioning gel pads. Because they are highly elastic and rather unyielding, these types are particularly appropriate for use during operations where a patient may be positioned for an extended duration, say neurological or orthopedic surgery, for instance.
The Importance of Durability in Silicon Gel Pads
One major factor in choosing silicon gel pads is the ability to endure or withstand the tough conditions in surgery. These pads are intended to be reusable by repeatedly subjected to cleaning and sterilization and other usage without compromising its shape, cushioning nature, and safety characteristics. A typical OT table positioning gel pad must retain its functionality throughout its useful life because any deterioration is not only inconvenient but also dangerous to the patient’s wellbeing.
Several factors influence the durability of silicon gel pads:
Material Quality: Most of the gel pads have silicon material in their construction; the type of silicon used determines the durability of the gel pads. Some of the durable materials that are used are silicone, which makes the pads non sticky hence durable since the silicone does not easily wear out. It also does not crack, a problem that is associated with other materials that may be used in the construction of similar products.
Resistance to Temperature Changes: Different temperatures may be exposed to surgical environments for example from warm sterilizing systems. High quality silicone gel OT table positioning pads can withstand these temperature changes without affecting its efficiency and shape.
Ease of Cleaning: In an operating room it is mandatory that conditions of asepsis are observed. Non-absorbent silicon gel pads have qualities that gently make them easy to clean and disinfect. The material has low porosity in its structure, thus minimizing the chance of infections while at the same time as long as the areas are heavily infected the frequent washing will not affect the longevity of the material.
Load Distribution: Silicon gel pads also reduce states of pressure on certain areas of the body through spreading a patient’s weight they prevent nerve injury or pressure ulcers. Another advantage of a long lasting pad is that it will afford protection for the same, without the need for replacement mid through the procedure.
Comfort and Flexibility: This also relates to the ability of the OT table mat or positioning gel pad to hold the shape of a patient’s body. However, with time, pads that were constructed with substandard materials or workmanship might be unable to contour themselves on the shape of the body, thus become ineffective as well as uncomfortable for the patient.
Conclusion
The fact that some of the silicon gel pads are more durable than others is not just about the company that made the product or the expected life span of the pad, but it is also about how those pads are able to keep patients safe and comfortable during surgeries. OT table mat are intended to show high performance in quality while being used in the operating room. Hence, for patient care and successful surgery, the hospitals and surgical centers have no option than to ensure they purchase good quality gel pads that will guarantee the result and at the same time provide a clean and safe environment.
