We’re always delighted to report advancements, especially those with the potential to save lives/prevent substantial injury. A joint Dutch university project (Delft University of Technology, University Medical Center Groningen, and the University of Groningen) focusses on producing batteries that prevent major injury when they are ingested.  These “future” batteries will automatically cut the electrical current that otherwise results in burns wherever the battery lands as it passes through, or gets lodged in, the body.

Currently batteries are a grave danger for society’s most vulnerable: young children and those with cognitive impairment. And don’t forget pets, who may gobble up (or inhale) anything within reach. The small ‘button’ ones are particularly appealing: conveniently the size of candy.

Until safer batteries become commercially available:

• Be aware of the batteries in your surroundings and ensure that any caregivers are alert to the dangers. Small batteries are everywhere.  In remote controls, car keys and hearing aids, but also in toys, electric tea lights, musical greeting cards, scales, flashing balloons and children’s shoes. Be particularly careful with vintage items that were produced before safety regulations mandated locking devices. Question whether ‘novelty’ items are worth the risk (and environmental impact) of the batteries.
• All batteries should be kept carefully, preferably in locked boxes and well out of reach of curious fingers. Even depleted batteries are a health hazard when ingested, so store them safely and recycle them as soon as possible.

And, just in case:

• Familiarize yourself with the signs of battery ingestion. They include, but are not limited to, vomiting blood, a sudden-onset cough, gagging or drooling, reduced appetite.
• Anyone suspected of swallowing a battery should get immediate medical care: this is always an emergency.
• Any patient suspected of having swallowed a battery should be given 10 ml of honey every 10 minutes while awaiting medical care (Except for babies ≤ 1 year and those with compromised immune systems). This may help reduce the damage, but endoscopic intervention is still required.

Medical Training Tools looks forward to having endoscopic retrieval of batteries be a less urgent item in our foreign-body removal training.

UG/ UMCG and TU Delft join forces for child-friendly button cell battery | News | University of Groningen (rug.nl)

TU Delft focuses on battery of the future

Button batteries – The dangers of button batteries and how to stay safe – Home Safety - RoSPA

On April 16^th Medical Training Tools was delighted to have our TD Box take center stage at an Endoscopy Center stand at the Erasmus MC’s “Rondje Erasmus” Job Fair in Rotterdam. It was a stimulating event where potential candidate nurses could, among other things, book appointments to experience a typical day at the hospital and have “speed dates” where they could grill medical staff about working at Erasmus. Our thanks to Joan Oudenaarden and Tannè Korteland, Endoscopy nurses at Erasmus, for the invitation!

In addition to drawing attention to the stand, the TD Box and our transparent upper-GI model were used to show stent placement in the esophagus, demonstrating from the outside, as well as the inside. The stomach was used for anatomy discussions.

We’re delighted to have this new application for the TD-Box. Are you planning a jobs fair to attract personnel to your endoscopy department? Let us know and perhaps a TD Box could play a role in your job-fair event!

Recently our colleagues at Stöpler Medical facilitated a veterinary training for gastroenterology organized by Vetami. Training in endoscopy was a key element in the training and Medical Training Tools’ TD-Box and silicone models expedited the hygienic and no-hassle explanation- and practice sessions.

We’re proud of the role our products played in expanding knowledge in this fascinating field. If we can assist in your future training sessions, please get in touch!

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Recently Medical Training Tools participated in a hands-on training course of EMR techniques in the Maastricht University Hospital, providing prepared veterinary models within a hygienic environment (TD Boxes) for the procedure sessions.

The training:

• Had experienced instructors managing five stations with ex-vivo models, providing direct transfer of knowledge to enthusiastic participants!
• was attended by 30+ participant gastroenterologists
• was a component of the STAR-LNPCP study, undertaken by T1 CRC, a Dutch multidisciplinary group focused on the research and optimal treatment of T1 colorectal cancer

Medical Training Tools provided ‘all-in’ service for this training, from model preparation to the final cleanup.  Also interested in a ‘no mess, no stress’ gastroenterological training? Let us know, we’re happy to brainstorm with you about the opportunities!

Recently Medical Training Tools took part in an endoscopy masterclass with a focus on bariatric surgery at the Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy. It was attended by 50 doctors from Europe, and beyond! Our silicone models proved ideal for demonstrating suturing techniques. Some advantages:

• 2-minute setup/2-minute cleanup
• Train using familiar, in-house endoscopes, other equipment without fear of contamination

Our thanks to Dr. Ivo Boškoski, chairman of the masterclass, for his help with the organization and to the teams from Gemelli Hospital and the Ab congress for their pleasant collaboration.

Need assistance in optimizing your upcoming endoscopic training session?  Medical Training Tools is happy to assist!  Get in touch!