Innovative design is ideally sized for high-volume minimally invasive implant procedures and provides continuous, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity

3M announced today at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress the national introduction of the 3M Ioban 2 antimicrobial incise drape 6661EZ, a unique antimicrobial surgical drape designed with a “picture frame” delivery system. The 10.5-inch by 8-inch drape is ideally suited for high-volume minimally invasive implant procedures. The new 6661EZ Ioban 2 drape is made with a strong, conformable and breathable polyester incise film coated with medical grade acrylate adhesive containing molecular iodine (Iz) as the active antimicrobial agent. The 6661EZ Ioban 2 drape provides a sterile surface and helps to decrease bacterial contamination from skin to gloves, gowns, instruments and implants.

A drape’s barrier and antimicrobial properties are fully effective only when the drape is securely adhered to the patient’s skin. Clinical studies show that Ioban 2 incise drapes adhere better to skin than other drapes, especially after several hours(i). The 6661EZ Ioban 2 drape is identical in clinical performance and efficacy to 3M’s other Ioban 2 antimicrobial incise drapes and offers the advantage of quick, easy and precise drape placement every time. Additionally, the drape is made with a superior-quality adhesive that provides consistently reliable adhesion to the skin and wound edge.

“We are excited to celebrate over 25 years of antimicrobial incise drape expertise by introducing the new 6661EZ Ioban 2 drape,” said Carol Watson, marketing manager, 3M Health Care. “This new drape delivers on our customers’ need for a simplified one-person application, through its unique design and quick, easy application.”

The 6661EZ Ioban 2 drape helps prevent surgical site infections by reducing bacterial migration from the patient’s skin to the surgical wound. The skin is a significant source of potentially infectious microorganisms such as staphylococci aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci, which are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics and account for more than a third of all surgical wound infections(ii).

In addition, surgical site infections contribute to or directly cause more than 10,000 deaths each year in the United States(iii). The 6661EZ Ioban 2 drape provides documented continuous antimicrobial activity and is clinically proven to reduce the risks of wound contamination and bacterial migration. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity lasts for hours under the drape where it can’t be washed away.

For more information about the 6661EZ Ioban 2 drape, visit www.3M.com/infectionprevention or call (800) 228-3957.

(i) 3M Study No. LIMS 6904 (1997) – study data on file at 3M.

(ii) Federal Register, Programs to Prevent the Emergency and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance, May 8, 1998. Vol 63 No. 89.

(iii) Lee, James T. 1999. “Guidelines for Prevention of Surgical Site Infections, 1999” AMJ. Inf. Control. 27(2): 97-132.

About 3M Health Care

Since inventing Ioban incise antimicrobial surgical drapes more than 25 years ago, 3M has been a worldwide leader in developing health care products and services that address infection control. 3M Health Care is dedicated to improving the practice, delivery and outcome of patient care and is a leading provider of solutions for medical, dental, pharmaceutical and health information systems markets.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company’s customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

Ioban, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

3M, St. PaulStephanie Sanderson, 651-733-8588http://www.3m.com/PressContactorWeissComm PartnersBarri Winiarski, 212-301-7209bwiniarski@weisscommpartners.com