Sterile packaging with intraoperative guards can help spine and orthopedic device-makers avoid bacterial cross-contamination, according to Aakash Agarwal, PhD, director of research and clinical affairs for Spinal Balance. Guardian Medical is a joint venture between Plastic Technologies and Spinal Balance, providing sterile packaging technology and services for medical implants.
Dr. Agarwal spoke to Becker's Spine Review about how the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, is affecting his industry.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for style and clarity.
Question: Is Guardian Medical experiencing or anticipating any shortages related to the outbreak of COVID-19?
Dr. Aakash Agarwal: We are concerned about a shortage of face masks used in the clean room; we are on a waitlist to order more. The other item [of concern] in the near future would be isopropyl alcohol. In addition, if Cintas shuts down, we might temporarily lose our source of clean room frocks and other supplies.
Q: What steps is your company taking to minimize disruptions to normal operations and product distribution?
AA: We are currently operating as normal but with more enhanced hand-cleaning practices. Our hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, we are proactively working toward solutions to avoid any disruption due to supplies mentioned above. Sterile packaging with intraoperative guard is even more important for the orthopedic and spine industry, given the kinds of risk we face today. Keeping that in mind, we continue to operate with scrupulous attention to detail and safety.
Q: How is your company monitoring workers' health to ensure the safety of products?
AA: Fortunately, our core team is made of seven key members (to be physically present for production at full capacity). So, [we're] asking them how they feel and to stay home if they don't feel well. It is easier to be vigilant about seven team members; I believe this approach would not have worked with a large number of people.
Q: Was the medical device industry overall prepared for an outbreak of this magnitude? Why or why not?
AA: Yes, because the medical device industry itself can undertake a lot of everyday tasks via virtual desk/servers. No, because it would be hard to accurately gauge supply inventory due to the slowdowns faced by hospitals, such as reduction in elective surgeries. If there are not much elective surgeries for the time being, who do you serve? And sooner or later there will be a surge of pending surgeries, putting excessive demand on inventory. Perhaps this slowdown is an opportunity to identify areas of waste and increase operational efficiency in both the medical device industry and healthcare in general.
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