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ShortCut All-in-One Retraction Cord Delivery

Kerr Corporation www.kerrdental.com

Consultants’ Comments

  • “Innovative dispensing and cutting! I wonder why somebody didn’t think of this before!”
  • “The cord never gets tangled!”
  • “I would like to see a reloadable dispenser that I can load with my own cord.”
  • “Easy to disinfect – eliminates cross-contamination.”
  • “Fill the dispenser with more cord to make it a better value.”
  • “Make the cutter sharper.”

Description

Short Cut is a disposable retraction cord dispenser and cutter. When the dial on the front of the device is turned in the direction of the arrow, a click is heard, and approximately 10 mm (0.4 inches) of cord is dispensed. Once the desired amount of cord is dispensed, a squeeze on the dispenser activates the cutting blade.Short Cut is available pre-loaded with 6 feet of GingiBRAID+ cord in sizes 0, 1 and 2. Clinicians may choose non-impregnated cord, cord with epinephrine or cord with aluminum potassium sulfate. Short Cut was evaluated by 13 consultants in 271 uses. It received a 93% rating.

Clinical Observations

Packaging and Manufacturer’s Instructions

Consultants rated packaging as excellent and manufacturer’s instructions as very good. The packaging is compact. Some consultants would like to see the dispenser reloadable.

Ease of Dispensing Cord/Ease of Dialing Wheel

Consultants rated the ease of dispensing as excellent and the ease of dialing wheel as very good. Consultants reported no issues with the cord getting tangled; however, if one does not pay attention to the arrows on the wheel, it is possible to accidentally turn it the wrong direction, losing the end of the cord inside the device.

Amount of Cord Dispensed

Any amount of cord can be dispensed. Although the wheel dial clicks for a set amount, it is not necessary to make the cut at that point. Users have the option to pull the cord out to any desired length and bypass the dial.

Ease of Cutting Cord

Consultants who evaluated Short Cut loaded with a very thin retraction cord rated the ease of cutting cord as good. Those who chose a heavier cord (#2) found the cutter to be slightly more difficult to squeeze.

Convenience/Durability of Dispenser

Consultants rated convenience of the dispenser as very good and durability as acceptable for a disposable product. The cutter becomes dull and less effective with repeated use.

Ease of Disinfection

Consultants generally wiped the device with a disinfectant wipe after use. Since the cord remains inside of the dispenser, the potential for cross contamination of the cord is minimized.

 

Summary

While consultants thought the Short Cut dispenser was innovative, they would prefer different cord options. Sixty-nine percent of consultants reported that Short Cut dispenser was better than their current cord dispenser and 15% reported it was equivalent. Fifty-four percent would switch to Short Cut and 92% would recommend it to a colleague.

Clinical Tips

  • When using cord #2 or thicker, hold cord taut for easier cutting.

Editors’ Note:

The cutter was observed to develop rust on the surface after a few uses. According to the manufacturer, the blade is now stainless steel making it resistant to rust and corrosion.