Question 1

Why Medigel®  (Viscoelastic Gel with Covid Coat+) technology should be used in spite of so many available choices for OT positioning devices?

Accepted Answer

The technology available for pressure relieve works on the principle of pressure redistribution however, every technology creates its own pressure as its nature of counter reaction to any surface based on Newton’s third law. However, if the cushioning is supreme the pressure will immerse into the surface like Memory foam and will be release slowly back when the limb is removed. In such cases, due to lack of elastomeric distribution is gentle and might not be effective for positioning devices. On the other hand, only elastomerism will equalise the pressure without cushioning might cause damage to other nearby sites. An optimum of both such cushioning and elastomerism is essential for right pressure distribution with comfort to the site under stress.  There are numerous grades of gel technology i.e. Medigel (generic name: Viscoelastic Gel), upgraded with anti-microbial coating Covid Coat+ in 2020 by DRDO referred as Viscoelastic Gel with Covid Coat+ (or Medigel coated with anti-microbial coating). Thus, the following table describes how this present technology is different from other technologies making it useful for OT Positioning Devices:

Question 2

Why Green OT Positioning Devices are cost effective as compared Blue OT Positioners, is there any difference in their technology?

Accepted Answer

No, both types of Operation Theatre Positioning Devices are developed using Medigel (aka Viscoelastic Gel), however, in 2020, during COVID-19 spread, under DRDO's initiative of Ultraswachh Technology, the technology is upgraded with anti-microbial coating referred as Covid Coat+. The solution is tested against numerous hospital pathogens as well as COVID-19. Such technological upgradation is specific and mandatory for all government supplies as being approved by Quality Control of India for its acceptance of availability of Government e-Marketing (GeM) portal of Government of India. Thus, the blue color variants are provided with such coating as well as 50 ml of Anti-microbial coating solution in each pack. As per norms laid down by QCI, India, the packaging standards require labeling of brand name, product name stickers on the wooden box. Each item is packed with Enshield (ensuring microbe free internal environment) and Air clean pouch. Bi-lingual User manual describing its maintenance or instructions of usage as well as their digital copy related QR code is provided on each box. To ensure quality tracing, batch certification is released for every such sale and loaded on our website. The digital QR code is also provided on each item box containing blue variant. All these aspects are optional for Green variants thus cost-effective, yet both technologies are equivalent though latter (green ones) are not compatible with Hot OTs unless coated with Anti-microbial solution.

Please visit the following link to understand packaging standards: https://www.otcare.co.in/services-9

Question 3

How Viscoelastic Gel with Covid Coat+ is evolved from C3I Gel Technology?

Accepted Answer

Gel Craft Healthcare (P) Limited, a technology partner of DRDO in Ultraswachh technology, is an original manufacturer of Viscoelastic Gel technology. Viscoelastic Gel is material brand with high elastomeric potential with softness/ shore OO value limits to zero, an extreme cushioning & comforting gel. This possesses ideal properties for utilizing it in Operation Theatre Positioning Devices for preventing any pressure or illicit physiological response.

In 2020, DRDO has taken initiative in development of Ultraswachh technologies using ozone as primary sterilant and to ensure prevention of its leakage in cabinet or portable unit design assembly, viscoelastic gel was found to be effective being inert with enhanced elastomerism. DRDO has integrated another technology referred as Covid Coat by evolving it to Covid Coat+ by upgrading its formulation using an adhesive binder such that it can be coated into Viscoelastic Gel aka C3I Gel (Medigel) so that no biofouling is feasible as expected in high infectious zones in hospitals or Isolated Wards. The resultant technology is referred as Viscoelastic Gel with Covid Coat+ (VeGCC+). The same provides an exclusive and unique series of Operation Theatre Positioning Devices that can be used in standard OTs as well as during management of contaminated or infected patients. It is available with and without film in Sapphire Blue color.

Features of VeGCC+ Technology 
Elastomeric cushioning works on      principle of counter reaction to pressure on bony prominences of body such      that it is distributed equally in all directions
Unlike memory foam, it releases      back faster thus effective for positioning devices preventing      neuromuscular injuries 
Unlike rubber, latex, foam,      silicone and any other product, it induces no pressure on any aligned or      relieved body parts
Ideally designed and contoured      for multiple positions including Prone Positions 
Product’s design and comforting      positioning complies with SOPs laid down by Association of Surgical      Technologists (AST-SOPs)
OT Gel Sheet can be cut into      desired shapes and no gel product leaks 
Product’s touch perception is      natural skin like yet completely inert
Tested for contamination      removal being extremely hydrophobic layers 
Covid Coat+ coating ensures no      microbial growth for 90 days or 365 days based on variant used 
Products are cured using      Ultraswachh technology during production and can be disinfected using      same, if need be.

VeCC+ = C3I Gel + CC+
Now Both VeCC+ and C3I Gel are referred commonly as Medigel (brand name) with one difference that former has anti-microbial coating while latter don't have. To bring clarity for our customers, in general practice former is sold as supreme category in Sapphire Blue color while latter sold in Green color in Indian Market. Based on requirement of clients, specific shades of natural colors can even be derived.

Frequently asked questions

Why Medigel® (Viscoelastic Gel with Covid Coat+) technology should be used in spite of so many available choices for OT positioning devices?

Why Green OT Positioning Devices are cost effective as compared Blue OT Positioners, is there any difference in their technology?

How Viscoelastic Gel with Covid Coat+ is evolved from C3I Gel Technology?