MTI, Inc., a manufacturer of medical exam and surgery chairs, has released the following information about a new mobile procedure table for use in multiple medical specialties:

Pre-op, Transport, Surgery, and Recovery all on the same Motorized Chair

The 440 Series is available in a 24" (Model 440) or 22" (Model 439) wide procedure table that is ideal for providing a mobile surgery platform in the specialties of Ophthalmology, Plastic Surgery, ENT, Oral Surgery and others, who need to transport a patient from various locations within the clinic for procedures or surgeries. A smart lithium-ion battery powers the 440 without the need for connection to an electrical outlet for true operational mobility and allows you to use one chair without moving the patient, reducing patient handling and the possibility of patient or healthcare personnel injury. However, in case of a battery emergency, there is a standard power cord that can be used for uninterrupted operation. The multi-directional casters system provides complete mobility with a 3/4” (1.9 cm) base to floor clearance.

Reduce Healthcare Personnel Injury

The Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that healthcare workers occupy six of the top ten occupations at highest risk for back injuries. John T. Bielecki, MD, MPH said, “Hospitals lead all industries for lost day cases of back pain, and the inciting event for most back injury is patient transfer.” (Occupational Health Tracker: Journal of Trends & Strategies for Occupational Health Professionals, Volume 5, Number 2, Summer 2002. http://www.systoc.com/Tracker/Summer02/BackInjuries.asp).

Because the 440 is powered by a smart lithium-ion battery, it has no need for connection to an electrical outlet which gives it true operational mobility. This allows the doctor or other healthcare personnel to use one chair without moving the patient, thus reducing patient handling and subsequently reducing the possibility of patient or healthcare personnel injury.

For more information on the MTI 440 Series Mobile Battery-Powered Stretcher Bed, please call MTI’s Sales Department at (800) 924-4655 or visit our web site at www.mti.net.

Healthcare workers, such as nursing aides, nurses, health aides, radiology technicians, and therapists are the leading group of people when it comes to losing the most time at work because of back pain, and this is partially due to their having to move patients without having adequate medical equipment and tools. Some manufacturers of medical equipment are working to improve this situation by inventing and producing new products that help healthcare workers in the fields of podiatry, dermatology, plastic surgery, oral surgery, otolaryngology, and ophthalmology.

One respected manufacturer of patient seating has long been developing sturdy, safe, durable, and comfortable equipment that outshines the competition in a number of ways. This company has built in more than the normal lifting ability in its surgery and exam chairs and tables (650 pounds is their standard lifting capacity, but their bariatric models are built to lift up to 800 pounds.)

These products also have ADA-compliant low 19-inch entry and exit heights; floating arms that slide back for easy entry and still serve their function when the chair is flat; and adjustable, locking footrest extensions. These standard product features have contributed to injury prevention in the healthcare industry.

This company is now marketing an additional product feature for helping podiatry and wound care professionals avoid and prevent injuries when handling patients; namely, a strong but lightweight aluminum leg-wrapping support (patent pending) that attaches to the front of the foot sections of their podiatry chairs. This leg-wrapping support functions in two ways: it provides calf support for wrapping the patient’s foot and/or heel; and it provides heel support for wrapping the rest of the patient’s leg. This support is easily moved from one side of the foot section to the other, for ease of wrapping either leg, foot, or heel. This leg-wrapping support is easily cleaned and disinfected because it is coated with a non-porous material.

Healthcare providers are well advised to keep these kinds of product features in mind when purchasing the medical equipment they will depend on to prevent lifting injuries in their staff members.

The MTI 527 Series

Leg Wrapping Support Feature (Patent Pending)

Hospitals lead all industries for workers losing days in cases from back pain, and many times this is from moving patients (Dimensions of Care: Back Injuries in Healthcare Workers. John T. Bielecki, MD, MPH). The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that healthcare workers occupy six of the top ten occupations at risk for back injuries.

1. Nurses Aides
2. Construction Workers
3. Garbage Collectors
4. Licensed Practical (Vocational) Nurses
5. Truck Drivers
6. Registered Nurses
7. Health Aides
8. Machinists
9. Radiology Technicians
10. Therapists

Prevention is key thus MTI has developed a patent pending Leg Wrapping Support that attaches to the front of the foot sections of the MTI 527 and MTI 527W Podiatry Chairs. The patent pending leg wrapping support is a dual function support providing a calf support for wrapping the foot/heel and a heel support for wrapping the rest of the leg. The removable leg wrapping support is made from aluminum that is light-weight yet very strong support and is non-porous coated for ease in cleaning and disinfecting. The support can easily be moved to either the patient’s left or right hand side of the foot section for ease of wrapping either leg or heel.

Features

MTI found that they could increase the value of doctors’ practice by giving their patients the comfort and security they required while retaining the flexibility and features the doctors needed. The MTI 527 Seriesfacilitates entry/exit with a low ADA compliant height of 19 inches, and the addition of their new Floating Arms™, which slide back for easy entry and rotate downward with the chair back, making the arm patient-usable even when the chair is flat. Another great feature is the easy-to-use footrest extension adjustment with dual locks located on both side at the end of the footrest.

Strength

Known for making sturdy, reliable products, MTI made the 527 Series very strong. Even the largest patients can have comfort with the chair’s maximum lifting capacity of 650 lbs. (800 lbs. for the bariatric model 527W), and with two user programmable positions with auto return function (527P) or a rapid position switch (527S).

Commitment

MTI is committed to continually produce high-quality and competitively priced products for the markets they serve while being dedicated to their customers, associates, and community. MTI seeks to be the best in their industry and will always strive to do so by employing qualified and trained associates, listening to their customers’ needs and desires, and never losing their thirst for success.

For more information or inquiries about the MTI 527 Series Podiatry Chairs or the new patent pending Leg Wrapping Support, please call MTI’s Sales Department at (800) 924-4655 or (801) 875-4999 or visit our web site at www.mti.net.

An award-winning medical equipment manufacturer is presenting spring savings on their stock of MTI dermatology equipment and MTI plastic surgery equipment. Any practitioner who is looking to make an investment in a quality procedure table would do well to take advantage of the savings offered by MTI on their long-lasting 430 Series Quad-power procedure table. This product is ideal for plastic surgeons and dermatologists as well as other specialists.

The spring savings being offered come in the form of additional features and product at no extra cost. Purchasers of an MTI 430 Series Table plus a Centurion Standard Surgery Light (between the dates February 1, 2011 and June 30, 2011—with delivery by July 31, 2011) will receive programmability of the chair for free and a five-caster Aire Ride Stool. These two bonuses total a value of up to $4,240. Interested practitioners can call MTI’s sales department for further details.

MTI has been manufacturing exceptional, high-quality equipment for healthcare providers for the past twelve years, ever since the owner, Jeff Baker, has been applying his 27 years of experience in the industry and his thorough knowledge of patient seating. Part of this company’s success can be attributed to the use of European motor technology almost since the beginning. Low 24-volt DC motors have been used so as to provide ultra-quiet, reliable, and smooth operating minus the use of hydraulic fluids, switches, or positioning sensors.

MTI’s developments over the years have been so outstanding as to earn the company the Gold Medal design, innovation, and unique production techniques award from the American Society of Plastic Engineers in 2007. This came about partially as a result of lowering chair entry heights, making smoother and softer designs, and increasing chair lifting capacities.

MTI’s focus has been on developing exceptional, extremely strong, functional, and durable products; standing behind these products with terrific warrantee coverage and warrantee service; and providing great customer service, sales, and installation teams. This spring is a great time for any practitioners who need to upgrade or add to their patient seating to take advantage of sales offerings on the MTI dermatology equipment and MTI plastic surgery equipment.

MTI, Inc., (Salt Lake City, UT) announced the launch of their Spring 2011 Podiatry Promotion, entitled, "Plan for the Future." The promotion runs from March 1 through July 31, 2011, and offers customers rebates and product incentives with the purchase of eligible MTI 527 or MTI 526 Podiatry Power Procedure chairs. The time period for orders is March 1 through July 31, 2011, and delivery must be taken by August 31, 2011, with a copy of the dealer invoice submitted to MTI with the appropriate claim form by September 15, 2011. For full information, contact MTI's sales department at (800) 924-4655 or visit www.mti.net.

Jeff Baker started his own company, MTI, or Medical Technology Industries, Inc. in 1999 after having worked in the healthcare field for twenty-seven years. (He was the Vice President of The HealthChair Group’s DMI® medical division for two years after having worked for their podiatry division for twenty-five years.) Jeff knew patient seating in and out and up and down. He also thoroughly knew patient needs and desires.

All of this knowledge contributed to MTI’s first product released in 1999-a podiatry patient exam chair. Shortly afterwards came a complete line of medical cabinetry and then specialty Otolaryngology exam and surgery chairs that used low 24-volt DC motors from Europe. MTI was a standard-setting leader in American manufacturing for the patient-seating industry in using this low-voltage European motor technology. The advantages of it were ultra-quiet, smooth, and reliable operation without using hydraulic fluids, positioning sensors, or switches.

The next MTI developments came in the form of a complete line of Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, and Oral Surgery chairs and tables, stools, and related accessories, all designed with the same low-voltage motors. Following these innovations, in 2001 MTI converted its original Podiatry chair line to the 24-volt motors, as well. In early 2005, as MTI was experiencing rapid growth, it began construction on its 50,000 square foot manufacturing facility. This building is technology rich, boasting computer-controlled high-efficiency cooling and heating, low-e glass windows, extra wall and ceiling insulation, and central plenum ceilings.

More improvements came early in 2007 as MTI redesigned its successful line of Podiatry chairs. Entry heights were lowered, lifting capabilities were increased, and designs were made smoother and softer. These improved qualities led to a Gold Medal award from the American Society of Plastic Engineers in the categories of innovation, design, and unique production techniques.

MTI’s success can be attributed to a number of standards it has maintained: commitment to producing high-quality, functional, durable, strong, reliable, feature-rich, high-tech, ergonomic, state-of-the-art, aesthetically pleasing, quiet and smoothly functioning, elegant, comfortable, versatile, adjustable, competitively priced, CSA-approved, customizable, and affordable products; being a reliable, stable company with a solid track record; seeking to be the best in the industry with the best designed products; giving reliable, customer-friendly service start to finish-from the knowledgeable, honest, and professional sales reps, to the thoroughly trained installation teams who meticulously install the new products for customers, and the ongoing follow-up support, backup, and warrantee coverage. MTI markets its own products-and only its own products-evidence that it believes in its own success.

Accessible Medical Equipment

Due to barriers, individuals with disabilities are less likely to get routine preventative medical care than people without disabilities. Accessibility is not only legally required, it is important medically so that minor problems can be detected and treated before turning into major and possibly life-threatening problems. This article provides an explanation of some of the requirements by the ADA.

The right solution or solutions for providing accessible medical care depends on existing equipment, the space available both within the examination room and for storage of equipment, the size of the practice and staff, and the patient population. What is important is that a person with a disability receives medical services equal to those received by a person without a disability. For example, if a patient must be lying down to be thoroughly examined, then a person with a disability must also be examined lying down.

Exam Tables and Chairs

Traditional fixed-height exam tables and chairs (also called treatment tables or procedure tables) are too high for many people with a mobility disability to use. Individuals with mobility disabilities often need to use an adjustable-height table which, when positioned at a low height, allows them to transfer from a wheelchair, such as MTI's chairs and tables. A handle or support rail is often needed along one side of the table for stability during a transfer and during the examination. Individuals transfer to and from adjustable-height exam tables and chairs differently. Some will be able to transfer on their own by standing up from a mobility device, pivoting, and sitting down on the exam table. Those using walkers may simply walk to the exam table and sit down, while others with limited mobility may walk more slowly and need a steadying arm or hand to help with balance and sitting down. Some people using wheelchairs may be able to independently transfer to the table or chair, while others will need assistance from a staff member. Transfers may also require use of equipment, such as a transfer board or patient lift.

An accessible exam table or chair should have at least have the following:

• ability to lower to the height of the wheelchair seat, 17-19 inches from the floor; and
• elements to stabilize and support a person during transfer and while on the table, such as rails, straps, stabilization cushions, wedges, or rolled up towels.

Once a patient has transferred, staff should ask if assistance is needed -- some patients may need staff to stay and help undress or stabilize them on the table. Never leave the patient unattended unless the patient says they do not need assistance.

Different types of exam tables are used for different purposes. Some exam tables fold into a chair-like position; others remain flat. Either type can be used by people with disabilities with the right accessible features and table accessories. Pillows, rolled up towels, or foam wedges may be needed to stabilize and position the patient on the table. Tilt, adjustability, and headrests, footrests, and armrests may make the examination more accessible for the patient and also easier for the doctor.

Features of Accessible Exam Tables

1. Removable/adjustable support rails with continuous gripping surfaces
2. Exam surface lowers to 17" to 19" above the floor
3. Exam surface may articulate to provide support during patient transfers and positioning
4. Rails/armrests can be moved for transfers
5. Rails can be added beside the table surface to assist transfers, provide support, or prevent falls
6. Positioning and support aids, such as wedges and rolled up blankets, should be available
7. Exam surface extensions, such as head and foot rests, provide additional support and positioning options

ADA Compliant Exam Chairs From MTI

527 Series

 With the MTI 527P/S Tri-Power Podiatry Chair, your patients can get comfortable with a full 24" width and a low 19" ADA compliant entry height making patient entry easy for anyone. Two user programmable positions assure rapid movement to often used positions. Positions from upright to contour, flat, and trendelenburg are easily attained with the power lift, back, and tilt functions of the MTI 527P/S Podiatry Chair.

For more information on all ADA-compliant exam chairs from MTI, please visit our website at www.mti.net.

In order to create the best possible procedure table, podiatry chair, exam chair, and surgery chair, companies that design and manufacture such important medical equipment need to not only understand the best possible manufacturing processes, but they also need to thoroughly understand the interaction between the "Three Ps." That is, medical equipment producers need to fully understand the range of interactions between (1) the Physician or Professional, (2) the Patient, and (3) the Procedures involved. They need to know what's involved in practitioners treating patients within the different specialties. Medical equipment manufacturers that have such a thorough basis of knowledge on which to inform their design and construction process have an advantage over other manufacturers. This advantage is evident in the superiority of the exam and procedure products that better meet the needs of the Physician or Professional.

The range of features for patients that these conscientious manufacturers incorporate into their products include: multiple widths (including for bariatric patients); various entry heights, including low entry for wheelchair, less-mobile, or less-flexible patients; multi-positioning capability; maximum accessibility, including removable and adjustable handles, support rails, armrests, straps, and cushions for stability and fall prevention for patients with disabilities; unmatched comfort; multiple arm, head, and footrest configurations; and chairs that have a maximum lift capacity of 650 pounds or better (bariatric patients).

Some of the features these manufacturers incorporate into their products for the benefit of the physicians and other professional users include: multi-positioning capabilities for ease of examination; two to four user-programmable positioning for rapid power lift and tilt functions to frequently used positions, including contour, upright, flat, and trendelenburg; choice of hand or foot control; choice of upholsteries; ultra-quiet DC motors; strong steel frame construction; multiple accessories; and ergonomic chair backs.

Another overall benefit of superior manufacturing know-how is savings. Practitioners save by buying quality equipment that works reliably over many years. Those savings are passed on to the patients in the long run. Some quality manufacturers offer year-end discounts and promotions, making reliability even more affordable. For instance, one company gives product savings valued at $4600 along with a purchase of a dermatology or plastic surgery procedure table; the choice of an instant $400 rebate or a five-caster air-ride stool and an upholstery upgrade with a podiatry chair purchase; product savings of $4600 with the purchase of a dual-power ENT exam chair and treatment cabinet; and $3700 worth of product savings along with the purchase of a tri-power oral surgery chair.

In searching for quality medical exam chairs, surgery chairs, podiatry chairs, and procedure tables for your practice, it's very important to find a manufacturer who thoroughly understands your needs, your patients' needs, and the procedures you do so that they can design and build their products to satisfy.

DETAILS

1. Purchase a Ceiling-Mounted Centurion EXCEL Dual-Head Surgery Light and receive FREE a Ceiling- or Wall-Mounted Centry Exam/Diagnostic Light







2. Purchase a Ceiling-Mounted System Two S2 Halogen Solo Surgery Light and receive FREE a Ceiling- or Wall-mounted Centry Exam/Diagnostic Light OR a Ceiling- or Wall-Mounted Centurion Standard Surgery Light








3. Purchase a Ceiling-Mounted System Two S2 Halogen Duo Surgery Light and receive FREE a Ceiling- or Wall-Mounted Centurion Excel Surgery Light

TIME

For purchases beginning November 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, human medical sales only.

QUESTIONS

For more information on this promotion or inquiries about other products, please call MTI’s Sales Department at (800) 924-4655. For a downloadable promotion sheet, click here.

It’s important for practitioners to provide patients with medical equipment, podiatry equipment, dental equipment, dermatology equipment, plastic surgery equipment, and such with ADA compliance. Individuals with disabilities have more difficulty in their everyday activities—including getting access to routine preventative or other medical care—than do people without disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA), a federal law, prohibits any discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This means that medical practitioners are legally required to provide accessibility to all individuals, including those who have disabilities. Besides this civil rights aspect of accessibility, though, it’s also important medically for people with disabilities to have full access to services so that their minor health issues can be diagnosed and treated before they become major, possibly life-threatening problems.

The ADA lists specific criteria for medical equipment, which are intended to ensure the equality of access to medical services between people with disabilities and people without. Traditional fixed-height exam, treatment, or procedure chairs and tables are often too high for people with mobility disabilities. These patients typically need adjustable-height tables and chairs. These can be positioned low for transfers from wheelchairs or even for normal floor entries by less mobile or flexible individuals. ADA-compliant exam tables and chairs must lower to the level of wheelchair seats—that is between 17 and 19 inches from the floor.

Armrests, handles and support rails are sometimes needed at one side of tables for stability, fall prevention, and support during use of the table and during transfers of patients with disabilities. These armrests, handles and support rails, as well as straps, foam wedges, stabilization cushions, or rolled-up towels must be available with a table for it to be ADA compliant. Support rails and armrests also need to be removable and adjustable and they must have continuous gripping surfaces.

Exam tables of different types are available for different uses. Some exam tables articulate, folding like a chair, or tilt, in order to provide patient support during positioning and transfers. Other tables simply remain flat. Whatever the style, the exam chair or table must provide equal accessibility to all users. This includes adjustability of any exam surface extensions such as headrests, footrests, and armrests for additional positioning and support options and ease of examination. Some power chairs have user programmable positioning for rapid power lift and tilt functions to frequently used positions, including upright, contour, flat, and trendelenburg.

Numerous medical professionals meet the criteria to access the ADA Section 44 Tax Credit for their purchase of equipment with ADA compliance. This U.S. government tax credit provides funding for half the purchase price (up to $5000) of relevant medical equipment, dental equipment, podiatry equipment, plastic surgery equipment, and such. This tax credit applies to many different types of ADA improvements for individuals with disabilities, including “access to medical care for individuals with mobility disabilities.” This tax credit is potentially available to medical practices that purchase power tables and chairs for facilitating access to their disabled medical, dental, podiatry, or plastic surgery patients.