SWICKER Surgical Foam Sponge
The SWICKER® Surgical Foam Sponge
SWICKER lint-free, radiopaque surgical sponges can be used continuously throughout a single procedure to lower the overall sponge count, save procedure time, and reduce medical waste.
SWICKER is available in:
Sponge
Digit
Mitt
SWICKER can be used:
Rolled
Folded
Flat
How does it work?
The SWICKER is more than just a sponge. It is highly absorbent and designed for continuous use during the procedure.
See for yourself.
Can your sponge do all this?
A suction tip will clear any area of the sponge.
Biocompatible radiopaque ink dots provide exceptional visibility under X-ray [Also MRI compatible].
Use as instrument padding for stable retraction, resection and organ isolation.
Reduces overall sponge count and biohazardous waste expenses.
Why Switch to SWICKER?
COUNT
SWICKER Surgical Foam Sponge (2-3 per procedure)
Vs
Tradition Cotton Surgical Sponges (20-50 per procedure)
Counting sponges adds to procedure time and costly minutes in the OR.
SWICKER can help teams spend less time counting and searching for lost sponges.
CONTINUOUS USE
Easy to wring out or suction clear to use again during a single procedure.
Swap between one working sponge and one waiting sponge.
CELLULOSE FREE
Cotton products made of cellulose can release lint into the body.
Avoid complications caused by lint contamination. SWICKER surgical foam sponges reduce room floaters and clean instruments without leaving lint behind.
CHOICE
SWICKER is available in multiple sizes and thicknesses accommodate any procedure
and incision size.
COST
Reduce medical waste disposal, inventory, and shipping expenses.
3 used SWICKER sponges* weigh less than 0.25 pounds (113 grams)
vs
50 used traditional cotton surgical sponges* weigh up to 3 pounds (1360 grams)
*Typical procedure usage based on clinical experience.
SWICKER® radiopaque surgical foam for laparoscopic and robotic procedures
- Easily placed and retrieved through a Trocar without removing the Trocar from the patient
(see sizing chart) - Can be used for resection
- Wicks away blood to improve visualization
- Cleans instruments without leaving lint behind
- Safely clears fluids when using suction devices
- Reduces room floaters
- Less abrasive than traditional cotton surgical sponges
FAQs
What makes SWICKER different than traditional cotton surgical sponges?
SWICKER Surgical Foam is lint-free and available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses to accommodate any procedure.
- An open-heart procedure can be performed with only [3] three SWICKER sponges.
- Less abrasive than traditional cotton surgical sponges.
- The SWICKER has been designed to fit through a laparoscopic Trocar.
Why is the SWICKER more expensive than traditional cotton surgical sponges?
2-5 SWICKER Sponges can replace ALL your surgical sponges for any procedure.
- Significantly reduces OR time used for sponge counting.
- Using SWICKER sponges eliminates the need for plastic counting bags and reduces medical waste.
- SWICKER eliminates the need to open additional cotton surgical sponges during a procedure.
Is SWICKER available with RFID?
No. Radiofrequency identification chips (RFID) add an expense that is not necessary when procedures require only 2-5 SWICKER sponges.
- All sponges require manual counting. RFID is only a benefit if a sponge is lost during a procedure and requires a sterile probe cover.
- An RFID sponge cannot fit through a laparoscopic trocar. SWICKER can be used with trocars >5mm.
Is SWICKER available with barcodes?
No. Barcoding adds an expense that is not necessary when procedures require only 2-5 SWICKER sponges.
- All sponges require manual counting.
- A barcoded sponge cannot fit through a laparoscopic trocar. SWICKER can be used with trocars >5mm.
Does SWICKER have a radiopaque marker?
Yes. In the unlikely event that a SWICKER is misplaced, the radiopaque ink dots are visible under x-ray.
Does SWICKER have a string?
No. A loop stitch suture can be placed through the sponge to make a string/leader if needed.
How do you clean the SWICKER sponge?
Wring the SWICKER sponge out in a bowl of fluids or suction clear with a surgical suction tip into a canister.
How do you clean the SWICKER sponge?
Wring the SWICKER sponge out in a bowl of fluids or suction clear with a surgical suction tip into a canister or cell saver to measure and manage estimated blood loss (EBL).
How do you clean the SWICKER sponge?
Wring the SWICKER sponge out in a bowl of fluids or suction clear with a surgical suction tip into a canister or cell saver to measure and manage estimated blood loss (EBL).
What is the FDA status?
SWICKER Surgical Foam Sponges are FDA Cleared [Class I]. The code associated with SWICKER is GDY.
Is there a reimbursement code associated with the SWICKER sponge?
No. The cost of surgical sponges are included in the overall procedure reimbursement.
Is SWICKER patent protected?
SWICKER is protected by a broad portfolio of global issued and pending patents controlled by Syntervention, Inc.