Will any part of the device interfere with fluoroscope imaging?
No. The base unit is radiolucent. The metal cleats are not radiolucent but they will not
interfere even at the extreme angles that are sometimes required by imaging because
the cleats are positioned below the lateral view of the patient.
Is the KanguruWeb® comfortable for the patient?
The KanguruWeb® has been tested on many patients suffering from various degrees of
obesity with excellent feedback on comfort. Placing the base unit under the mattress
pad eliminates any patient discomfort. Some patients even express a higher degree of
comfort when the disposable web is secured and the pannus is held firmly in place.
Can I still use my arm rests with the KanguruWeb® system?
Yes. Deploy the KanguruWeb® first and once the disposable web is in place, slide the
arm rests between the bottom of the base unit and the Cath table. Or you might prefer
to try the KanguruWeb® lockable arm rests, item #LA8600, which fit into the handles
on each side of the base unit and can be secured with a quick turn of the knob.
Will using the KanguruWeb® system impact the patient's anatomy?
Using the KanguruWeb® renders the patient's anatomy more appropriate. When the
pannus is firmly retracted, it is easier to visualize, and stick, the common femoral artery.
Often, without using the device the instinct is too stick too low, resulting in cannulating
the superficial femoral which is less "forgiving" than the common femoral artery. Some
physicians report that they can use a shorter sheath when using the KanguruWeb®.
Is the KanguruWeb® sterile?
No. Since the reusable base unit and the disposable web are actually outside the sterile
field, sterility is not necessary. Should you want a sterile option, the KanguruWeb®
convenience kit, item #KANG100, includes a sterile disposable web along with a longer
arterial access needle and a longer anesthesia needle.
How do I clean the base unit?
The base unit can be cleaned the same way you clean your procedure table. Wipe it
down after each use with a hospital approved disinfectant. Any remaining stains can
be removed by submerging the base unit in soapy water. Do not autoclave.
Why should I use the KanguruWeb®?
In some cases, taping can be quick and work adequately. But it can also take as long as
10 minutes, requiring lots of tape and the pannus is still not stabilized and can still interfere
with site visualization. The KanguruWeb® works reliably- in under 1 minute every time-
regardless of the size of the pannus. Because there is no adhesion to the skin necessary,
complications due to tape and razor burn are eliminated. The KanguruWeb® will not release
or become displaced when you sterilize the wound area. And although patients may not
complain when having to undergo taping, experience shows that most obese patients are
conscious and embarrassed of their overweight condition. Anything that can be done to help
the patient feel more secure, confident and dignified about the procedure will be beneficial.
Will the KanguruWeb® work on all body types?
Yes. While some patients will have more loose skin, others will have tighter, tauter skin.
When the KanguruWeb® is properly positioned it will retract the abdominal pannus and
make the femoral entry site more accessible.
Does it take two people to deploy the device?
No. Two people are preferred and will make the deployment more expeditious; however,
you can deploy on the chosen access site first, then move to the other side of the table and
deploy the other side.
Where should the board be positioned?
The lower end of the board where the single cleat is located should align with the patient’s
iliac crest. The iliac crest is the top of the pelvic bone that you can feel when you place your
hand on your side at the waist area.
We pull sheaths outside the lab. Will the system still work?
The KanguruWeb® base unit is available in 2 sizes. The Operating Table Base is 28"
inch width and has been specifically designed for use in Cath/IR/EP labs as well as some
other operating environments. The Universal Base Unit can be used on any exam table,
hospital bed, stretcher, or gurney. This base unit measures 31" in width. We recommend
the Universal Base Unit for sheath pulling outside the lab
How can I purchase the KanguruWeb® system?
Merit Medical Systems Inc. is the exclusive distributor of the KanguruWeb® system in
vascular labs. For more information contact your local Merit representative, or call Merit
Customer Service at 800-356-3748.
