IN FOCUS: Northgate Technologies – Pharmaceutical Technologies

Illinois-based medical device and technology manufacturer ranked in three categories in 2022 Excellence Rankings.

The verdict

Northgate Technologies Inc. (NTI) is an Illinois-based manufacturer of medical devices and technologies for the healthcare industry, with a special focus on the surgical environment. The company is ranked in Excellence Rankings 2022 in INNOVATION, PRODUCT LAUNCH and SAFETY categories.

The company has been ranked behind its commitment to addressing the widespread problem of surgical smoke, the inhalation of which can lead to a range of physical ailments for medical staff from symptoms ranging from headaches, coughing, nausea and drowsiness to potentially serious problems such as pregnancy complications with female staff.

Such problems are not surprising given that theater smoke – caused by the thermal destruction of tissues – can contain pollutants such as benzene, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde and bioaerosols. In addition, smoke also creates practical problems in theater by obscuring the view of medical professionals.

The issue is also often not given adequate attention when medical facilities consider the well-being and training of their staff, with a recent academic study showing that 49% of laser surgery specialists and 44% of electrosurgery specialists had never been trained in the dangers of surgical smoke.

NTI has addressed this problem by introducing its own NEBULAE® SRS System, which filters and recycles the air in surgical theaters, removing potentially harmful pollutants. The system consists of the main Nebulae unit, disposable tubing with an associated filter, and a separate gas heater used to reintroduce purified and filtered air back into the system.

“The company is ranked on the back of its commitment to solving the widespread problem of surgical smoke, the inhalation of which can lead to a range of physical ailments for medical staff”