Another week here at Bionix. We're now on twitter, so you can follow us there--it'll get busier during the fall tradeshow season-- or on my blog.

The folks in sales and marketing just got back from Primed West. We had an amazing turnout at the show, and some great response to our products. One device that generated lots of interest was our OtoClear Safe Irrigation System. The OtoClear was developed in response to those of you who have the need to irrigate patient's ears in your practice, but were tired of the need to tie up a room and a nurse for forever, and the pain and mess associated with the old style metal ear syringes. Many of you have tried alternative devices and techniques-- a syringe and angiocath, the Waterpik, etc. Sometimes they work, more often they don't, and they still can cause pain and create a mess.

So we created the OtoClear tip. This thing works great! I use it in my office, and I can clear impacted wax in just a few minutes. I use body temperature tap water (I don't use peroxide, but you could), and drape the patient with a towel to prevent drips. The patient holds the catch basin, and I hold and manipulate the OtoClear. Whichever water delivery system you like best is what you should use.

The portable Waterpik is great for impactions, and has the fastest and greatest volume of water delivery. This unit is perfect for larger volume facilities. A drawback is that the noise it creates can bother some patients. The Spray Wash bottle is quieter, has a large reservoir volume, and is very convenient and easy to use. It’s a cost-effective option for those offices that perform only a few irrigation procedures each week

Each tip is single patient use, and this prevents cross-contamination. Contraindications are standard-- known perforation or tubes, active infection, etc. Complications are rare, and the safety of the system is unparalleled. We did an early study with Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and you can view it at http://www.bionix.com/Images/OtoClearStudy.pdf .

There's more on irrigation on our web site at https://www.bionix.com, and on our "Curettage and Irrigation" video (under the "New Web Videos" heading). Check it out.

More soon.

--James Huttner MD