FAQs
What is the experience with FloShield?
Over 5,000 cases have been performed with the 5mm and 10mm version of FloShield. The Gen II vortex technology introduced in 2011 significantly improved the ability of FloShield to push away debris and prevent the lens from becoming dirty during surgery. The introduction of Flo-X at the beginning of 2012 has eliminated the need to remove the laparoscope entirely. Surgeon can now operate with a consistently clean image and have control over the end of the lens.
Is any capital equipment required?
No capital is required and FloShield is fully disposable. FloShield utilizes air pressure from the insufflator to create the vortex. The Flo-X biocompatible surfactant is packaged in a syringe and comes with FloShield and its tube set.
Is there any clinical data available on FloShield?
Yes. One paper demonstrated a significant time savings in Roux-En-Y bariatric surgery. The other study demonstrated a very significant difference in the number of times surgery was interrupted for cleaning during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A recent hysterectomy study, also demonstrated at least a 90% reduction in the need to remove the laparoscope for cleaning. All of these studies were performed before the introduction of Flo-X, and reflect only the efficacy of the air vortex. Since its commercial launch, and as of this writing, over 400 consecutive FloShield with Flo-X cases have been performed without a lens removal.
Is FloShield expensive?
FloShield costs only slightly more than a trocar, and a fraction of the cost of surgical staplers or energy instruments. If FloShield saves 15-20 minutes in a two-hour case, it pays for itself many times over. There are also the additional benefits of maintaining concentration during a case, and utilizing the full benefits of modern video optics and displays
