Acclarent, Inc., a business unit of Ethicon, Inc., is a medical device
company located in Menlo Park, CA. Its singular focus is improving patient
care in all...
Catheter-Related Blood Stream Infections (CRBSI) are the 10th leading
cause of death in the United States
BIOPATCH® Disk is the only dressing clinically proven for use
in reducing CRBSI...
Precision engineered to deliver SURGIFLO® Hemostatic Matrix
Lightweight design for optimal control and ease of use
Single expression can deliver nearly 5 times more SURGIFLO® than
the competitors¹
Disposable,...
Designed Specifically for Vascular Reconstruction Procedures
ETHICON™ OMNEX™ is a 100% synthetic sealant which forms a
strong, flexible, physical seal preventing leakage of blood along suture
lines in...
Complex Problem. Simple Solution.
EVICEL® Fibrin Sealant (Human), once thawed, is ready on-demand to
meet your critical bleeding challenges by working independently of your
patient’s clotting factors.
The first...
Experience the Human Alternative
EVITHROM® Thrombin, Topical (Human) the only ready to use1
all human thrombin
Time to hemostasis equivalent to bovine thrombin at 3, 6,
and 10 minutes,...
INSTAT® MCH
Microfibrillar Collagen Hemostat
Utilizing Collagen to Achieve Superior Hemostasis
Microfibrillar structure allows convenient control of the amount of
product and better coherence of collagen fibers
Applicable for irregularly...
Introducing SURGICEL® SNoW™ Absorbable Hemostat
43% FASTERTime to Hemostasis than SURGICEL® Original Hemostat¹
FOUR Proven Performers
The first and only absorbable hemostats proven bactericidal against a
broad range of...
ADAPTABILITY
Speed Handling Performance...SURGICEL® SNoW™ Absorbable Hemostat
43% Faster time to hemostasis than SURGICEL® Original Hemostat1
Enhanced conformability and adherence to the bleeding site compared to
SURGICEL® Original Hemostat2
Structured...
Stop your bleeding.Not your procedure.
SURGIFLO® Hemostatic Matrix Family provides a variety of hemostatic
flowable options to manage bleeding challenges.
Stops bleeding in 2 minutes or less when...
The #1 Gelatin Family of Products in the US
SURGIFOAM® Absorbable Gelatin Powder
Complete coverage, rapid hemostasis on rough or uneven
surfaces
Add thrombin or saline to achieve desired...
Ethicon synthetic absorbable sutures exhibit a range of different
characteristics and capabilities. From VICRYL RAPIDE* (polyglactin 910)
Suture for effective short-term wound support, to PDS* II (polydioxanone)
Suture...
BLAKE® Silicone Drains
The BLAKE® Drains are white, radiopaque silicone drains with 4
channels along the sides with a solid core center. The other components
consist of a...
DERMABOND ADVANCED™ Topical Skin Adhesive
Wound Strength and Protection
DERMABOND ADVANCED™ provides a secure wound closure and a protective
microbial barrier over the wound.1
DERMABOND ADVANCED™ enhances wound closure...
DERMABOND™ PRINEO™ Skin Closure System
Supports wound with strength equivalent to 3-0 sutures1
Demonstrates equivalent wound healing and cosmesis compared to
original DERMABOND® Topical Skin Adhesive at 30...
Physiologically designed to complement your patient's every Twist and
Turn.1-5
Handling Characteristics
The handling characteristics of ETHICON PHYSIOMESH™ deliver
outstanding ease of use.5
Anatomy of abdominal wall can be viewed...
Unique, absorbable "strap" design uses 2 points of fixation to
straddle mesh pores and fibers, including large-pore constructions.4
Straddling a mesh pore.
Straddling a mesh fiber.
Delivers secure mesh...
FlexHD® Acellular Hydrated Dermis, a matrix derived from human skin, is
available through a strategic alliance between Ethicon and the
Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF). FlexHD® Acellular Hydrated
Dermis...
Ethicon Hernia Solutions is pleased to offer a complete line of mesh
products for hernia repair. Further details are provided on the individual
hernia repair product pages...
Ethicon Nonabsorbable Sutures
Nonabsorbable materials are used to suture tissues requiring long-term or
permanent support in which the product strength is critical. They are
classified as monofilament or...
GYNECARE GYNEMESH® PS
for Vaginal Wall Prolapse Surgical Treatment
GYNECARE GYNEMESH® PS is indicated for tissue reinforcement and
long-lasting stabilization of fascial structures of the pelvic floor in
vaginal...
GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier
Safely and effectively reduces the formation of adhesions in a range
of open gynecologic pelvic procedures1
Reduces adhesion formation by forming a continuous...
To order GYNECARE MORCELLEX™ Tissue Morcellator:
Contact your local Ethicon Women's Health & Urology Sales
Representative or call 1-800-255-2500. GYNECARE MORCELLEX™ Tissue
Morcellator delivers an optimal combination of...
GYNECARE PROLIFT+M™complements your surgical abilities and helps you
meet the demands of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.¹
Coverage
GYNECARE PROLIFT+M™ offers proven apical and
mid-vagina support²
GYNECARE PROLIFT+M™ also provides lateral...
GYNECARE PROLIFT®
Total, Anterior and Posterior Pelvic Floor Repair Systems
The GYNECARE PROLIFT® Total, Anterior and Posterior Pelvic Floor
Repair Systems are indicated for tissue reinforcement and...
To order GYNECARE PROSIMA™ Contact your local Ethicon Women's Health
& Urology Sales Representative or call 1-800-255-2500. Only GYNECARE
PROSIMA™ delivers a truly tension-free repair of pelvic...
GYNECARE THERMACHOICE® III Uterine Balloon Therapy System
GYNECARE THERMACHOICE® III Uterine Balloon Therapy System is a thermal
balloon ablation device intended to ablate the endometrial lining of...
Introducing the next evolution in treatment for stress urinary
incontinence
The retropubic sling with tactilefeedback for
enhanced control
Confidence that you can achieveconsistent results with
less mesh
Prescribing Information
Prescribing Information
From...
GYNECARE VERSAPOINT™ Bipolar Electrosurgery System
GYNECARE VERSAPOINT™ Bipolar Electrosurgery System is an innovative
instrument with the potential to transform the way operative hysteroscopy
is performed. This advanced technology...
GYNECARE PROLIFT® Pelvic Floor Repair System
combines a unique delivery system with a specifically designed mesh implant
to allow surgeons to treat symptomatic prolapse patients.
GYNECARE PROLIFT+M™ Pelvic...
Safely and effectively reduces the formation of adhesions in a range of open gynecologic pelvic procedures1
Reduces adhesion formation by forming a continuous protective coating over raw tissue surfaces
Maintains its integrity as a barrier during the period of peritoneal healing and is absorbed from the tissue site within 4 weeks
Use of GYNECARE INTERCEED® Adhesion Barrier
in C-section
Multiple studies have shown that a majority of adhesions post-cesarean form between the anterior uterine wall and the abdominal wall. 2,3,4 Based on the locations where adhesions are most likely to occur, the suggested application of GYNECARE INTERCEED® Adhesion Barrier is an inverted T placement.
GYNECARE INTERCEED® Adhesion Barrier is cut into two pieces. One layer is placed over the uterine incision and the other is placed perpendicular to the uterine incision, over the anterior uterine serosa.
Franklin RR, Trout JR, Marks MG, Wiseman D. Interceed Barrier in the prevention of post-operative adhesions following laparotomy: meta-analysis of its efficacy and safety. Poster presented at: 51st Annual Meeting of The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM); October 7-12, 1995.
2.
Morales KJ, Gordon MC, Bates Jr GW. Postcesarean delivery adhesions associated with delayed delivery of infant. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;196:461.e1-461.e6.
3.
Tulandi T, Agdi M, Zarei A, Miner L, Sikirica V. Adhesion development and morbidity after repeat cesarean delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009;201(1):56.e1-56.e6.
4.
Lyell DJ, Caughey AB, Hu E et al. Peritoneal closure at primary cesarean deliver and adhesions. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106:275-80.
Risk Information
GYNECARE INTERCEED®
ABSORBABLE ADHESION BARRIER IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INDICATIONS: GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier is indicated as an adjuvant in open (laparotomy) gynecologic pelvic surgery for reducing the incidence of postoperative pelvic adhesions after meticulous hemostasis is achieved consistent with microsurgical principles.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: The use of GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier is contraindicated in the presence of frank infection. GYNECARE INTERCEED® is not indicated as a hemostatic agent. Appropriate means of achieving hemostasis must be employed.
WARNINGS: The safety and effectiveness of GYNECARE INTERCEED® in laparoscopic surgery or any procedures other than open (laparotomy) gynecologic microsurgical procedures have not been established.
Postoperative adhesions may be induced by GYNECARE INTERCEED® application if adjacent tissues (eg, ovary and tube) and structures are coapted or conjoined by the device, or if GYNECARE INTERCEED® is folded, wadded or layered. Postoperative adhesions may occur in the presence of GYNECARE INTERCEED® if meticulous hemostasis is not achieved prior to application. As with all foreign substances, GYNECARE INTERCEED® should not be placed in a contaminated surgical site.
PRECAUTIONS: Use only a single layer of GYNECARE INTERCEED®, since multiple layers of packing or folding will not enhance the adhesion barrier characteristics and may interfere with the absorption rate of GYNECARE INTERCEED®. Care should be exercised in applying GYNECARE INTERCEED® to a pelvic organ not to constrict or restrict it. If the product comes in contact with blood prior to completing the procedure, it should be discarded, as fibrin deposition cannot be removed by irrigation and may promote adhesions formation. Ectopic pregnancies have been associated with fertility surgery of the female reproductive tract. No data exist to establish the effect, if any, of GYNECARE INTERCEED® on the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies. No adequate studies have been conducted in women who have become pregnant within the first month after exposure to GYNECARE INTERCEED®. No teratogenic studies have been performed. Therefore, avoidance of conception should be considered during the first complete menstrual cycle after use of GYNECARE INTERCEED®. The safety and effectiveness of using GYNECARE INTERCEED® in combination with other adhesion prevention treatments have not been clinically established. GYNECARE INTERCEED® is supplied sterile. As the material is not compatible with autoclaving or ethylene oxide sterilization, GYNECARE INTERCEED® must not be resterilized. Foreign body reactions may occur in some patients. Interactions may occur between GYNECARE INTERCEED® and some drugs used at the surgical site. Pathologists examining sites of GYNECARE INTERCEED® placement should be made aware of its usage and of the normal cellular response to GYNECARE INTERCEED® ‘to facilitate proper evaluation of specimens'.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: The type and frequency of adverse events reported are consistent with events typically seen following surgery. Postsurgical adhesions may occur in the presence of GYNECARE INTERCEED®.
For more information, please consult your doctor or call 1-888-GYNECARE to speak with a nurse.
C-section protection starts deep with an absorbable adhesion barrier
Multiple studies have shown that a majority of adhesions post-cesarean form between the anterior uterine wall and the abdominal wall (see chart below).
Based on the locations where adhesions are most likely to occur, the suggested application of GYNECARE INTERCEED® Adhesion Barrier is an inverted T placement. GYNECARE INTERCEED® Adhesion Barrier is cut into two pieces. One layer is placed over the uterine incision and the other is placed perpendicular to the uterine incision, over the anterior uterine serosa.
Inverted T Placement
Author
Anterior Uterine/Abdominal wall
(fascia)
Bladder flap/Anterior Uterine
Morales, et al1
77%
N/A
Tulandi, et al2
48-53%
26-35%
Lyell, et al3
27%*
12%*
*Non peritoneal closure group
References
1.
Morales KJ, Gordon MC, Bates Jr GW. Postcesarean delivery adhesions associated with delayed delivery of infant. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;196:461.e1-461.e6.
2.
Tulandi T, Agdi M, Zarei A, Miner L, Sikirica V. Adhesion development and morbidity after repeat cesarean delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009;201(1):56.e1-56.e6.
3.
Lyell DJ, Caughey AB, Hu E et al. Peritoneal closure at primary cesarean deliver and adhesions. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106:275-80.
INDICATIONS: GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier is indicated as an adjuvant in open (laparotomy) gynecologic pelvic surgery for reducing the incidence of postoperative pelvic adhesions after meticulous hemostasis is achieved consistent with microsurgical principles.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: The use of GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier is contraindicated in the presence of frank infection. GYNECARE INTERCEED® is not indicated as a hemostatic agent. Appropriate means of achieving hemostasis must be employed.
WARNINGS: The safety and effectiveness of GYNECARE INTERCEED® in laparoscopic surgery or any procedures other than open (laparotomy) gynecologic microsurgical procedures have not been established.
Postoperative adhesions may be induced by GYNECARE INTERCEED® application if adjacent tissues (eg, ovary and tube) and structures are coapted or conjoined by the device, or if GYNECARE INTERCEED® is folded, wadded or layered. Postoperative adhesions may occur in the presence of GYNECARE INTERCEED® if meticulous hemostasis is not achieved prior to application. As with all foreign substances, GYNECARE INTERCEED® should not be placed in a contaminated surgical site.
PRECAUTIONS: Use only a single layer of GYNECARE INTERCEED®, since multiple layers of packing or folding will not enhance the adhesion barrier characteristics and may interfere with the absorption rate of GYNECARE INTERCEED®. Care should be exercised in applying GYNECARE INTERCEED® to a pelvic organ not to constrict or restrict it. If the product comes in contact with blood prior to completing the procedure, it should be discarded, as fibrin deposition cannot be removed by irrigation and may promote adhesions formation. Ectopic pregnancies have been associated with fertility surgery of the female reproductive tract. No data exist to establish the effect, if any, of GYNECARE INTERCEED® on the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies. No adequate studies have been conducted in women who have become pregnant within the first month after exposure to GYNECARE INTERCEED®. No teratogenic studies have been performed. Therefore, avoidance of conception should be considered during the first complete menstrual cycle after use of GYNECARE INTERCEED®. The safety and effectiveness of using GYNECARE INTERCEED® in combination with other adhesion prevention treatments have not been clinically established. GYNECARE INTERCEED® is supplied sterile. As the material is not compatible with autoclaving or ethylene oxide sterilization, GYNECARE INTERCEED® must not be resterilized. Foreign body reactions may occur in some patients. Interactions may occur between GYNECARE INTERCEED® and some drugs used at the surgical site. Pathologists examining sites of GYNECARE INTERCEED® placement should be made aware of its usage and of the normal cellular response to GYNECARE INTERCEED® ‘to facilitate proper evaluation of specimens'.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: The type and frequency of adverse events reported are consistent with events typically seen following surgery. Postsurgical adhesions may occur in the presence of GYNECARE INTERCEED®.
For more information, please consult your doctor or call 1-888-GYNECARE to speak with a nurse.
The current GYNECARE INTERCEED® reimbursement information is available via the link below:
INDICATIONS: GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier is indicated as an adjuvant in open (laparotomy) gynecologic pelvic surgery for reducing the incidence of postoperative pelvic adhesions after meticulous hemostasis is achieved consistent with microsurgical principles.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: The use of GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier is contraindicated in the presence of frank infection. GYNECARE INTERCEED® is not indicated as a hemostatic agent. Appropriate means of achieving hemostasis must be employed.
WARNINGS: The safety and effectiveness of GYNECARE INTERCEED® in laparoscopic surgery or any procedures other than open (laparotomy) gynecologic microsurgical procedures have not been established.
Postoperative adhesions may be induced by GYNECARE INTERCEED® application if adjacent tissues (eg, ovary and tube) and structures are coapted or conjoined by the device, or if GYNECARE INTERCEED® is folded, wadded or layered. Postoperative adhesions may occur in the presence of GYNECARE INTERCEED® if meticulous hemostasis is not achieved prior to application. As with all foreign substances, GYNECARE INTERCEED® should not be placed in a contaminated surgical site.
PRECAUTIONS: Use only a single layer of GYNECARE INTERCEED®, since multiple layers of packing or folding will not enhance the adhesion barrier characteristics and may interfere with the absorption rate of GYNECARE INTERCEED®. Care should be exercised in applying GYNECARE INTERCEED® to a pelvic organ not to constrict or restrict it. If the product comes in contact with blood prior to completing the procedure, it should be discarded, as fibrin deposition cannot be removed by irrigation and may promote adhesions formation. Ectopic pregnancies have been associated with fertility surgery of the female reproductive tract. No data exist to establish the effect, if any, of GYNECARE INTERCEED® on the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies. No adequate studies have been conducted in women who have become pregnant within the first month after exposure to GYNECARE INTERCEED®. No teratogenic studies have been performed. Therefore, avoidance of conception should be considered during the first complete menstrual cycle after use of GYNECARE INTERCEED®. The safety and effectiveness of using GYNECARE INTERCEED® in combination with other adhesion prevention treatments have not been clinically established. GYNECARE INTERCEED® is supplied sterile. As the material is not compatible with autoclaving or ethylene oxide sterilization, GYNECARE INTERCEED® must not be resterilized. Foreign body reactions may occur in some patients. Interactions may occur between GYNECARE INTERCEED® and some drugs used at the surgical site. Pathologists examining sites of GYNECARE INTERCEED® placement should be made aware of its usage and of the normal cellular response to GYNECARE INTERCEED® ‘to facilitate proper evaluation of specimens'.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: The type and frequency of adverse events reported are consistent with events typically seen following surgery. Postsurgical adhesions may occur in the presence of GYNECARE INTERCEED®.
For more information, please consult your doctor or call 1-888-GYNECARE to speak with a nurse.
The following brochures provide information for patients about adhesion reduction
for C-sections:
GYNECARE INTERCEED®
ABSORBABLE ADHESION BARRIER IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INDICATIONS: GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier is indicated as an adjuvant in open (laparotomy) gynecologic pelvic surgery for reducing the incidence of postoperative pelvic adhesions after meticulous hemostasis is achieved consistent with microsurgical principles.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: The use of GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier is contraindicated in the presence of frank infection. GYNECARE INTERCEED® is not indicated as a hemostatic agent. Appropriate means of achieving hemostasis must be employed.
WARNINGS: The safety and effectiveness of GYNECARE INTERCEED® in laparoscopic surgery or any procedures other than open (laparotomy) gynecologic microsurgical procedures have not been established.
Postoperative adhesions may be induced by GYNECARE INTERCEED® application if adjacent tissues (eg, ovary and tube) and structures are coapted or conjoined by the device, or if GYNECARE INTERCEED® is folded, wadded or layered. Postoperative adhesions may occur in the presence of GYNECARE INTERCEED® if meticulous hemostasis is not achieved prior to application. As with all foreign substances, GYNECARE INTERCEED® should not be placed in a contaminated surgical site.
PRECAUTIONS: Use only a single layer of GYNECARE INTERCEED®, since multiple layers of packing or folding will not enhance the adhesion barrier characteristics and may interfere with the absorption rate of GYNECARE INTERCEED®. Care should be exercised in applying GYNECARE INTERCEED® to a pelvic organ not to constrict or restrict it. If the product comes in contact with blood prior to completing the procedure, it should be discarded, as fibrin deposition cannot be removed by irrigation and may promote adhesions formation. Ectopic pregnancies have been associated with fertility surgery of the female reproductive tract. No data exist to establish the effect, if any, of GYNECARE INTERCEED® on the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies. No adequate studies have been conducted in women who have become pregnant within the first month after exposure to GYNECARE INTERCEED®. No teratogenic studies have been performed. Therefore, avoidance of conception should be considered during the first complete menstrual cycle after use of GYNECARE INTERCEED®. The safety and effectiveness of using GYNECARE INTERCEED® in combination with other adhesion prevention treatments have not been clinically established. GYNECARE INTERCEED® is supplied sterile. As the material is not compatible with autoclaving or ethylene oxide sterilization, GYNECARE INTERCEED® must not be resterilized. Foreign body reactions may occur in some patients. Interactions may occur between GYNECARE INTERCEED® and some drugs used at the surgical site. Pathologists examining sites of GYNECARE INTERCEED® placement should be made aware of its usage and of the normal cellular response to GYNECARE INTERCEED® 'to facilitate proper evaluation of specimens'.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: The type and frequency of adverse events reported are consistent with events typically seen following surgery. Postsurgical adhesions may occur in the presence of GYNECARE INTERCEED®.
For more information, please consult your doctor or call 1-888-GYNECARE to speak with a nurse.
For additional information about this product and related female pelvic health conditions and solutions, click on the links below:
A source of online training, resources and information focused exclusively on the indications and application of our medical devices for surgical repair. Specifically designed for physicians, surgeons and other medical professionals, our self-paced curricula provide you the background you need for advanced or hands-on training as well as information about our innovative medical devices, techniques and services that can transform your practice.
Comprehensive resource for patients to learn about common pelvic health conditions. This site features information about conditions, treatment options, a symptom assessment tool and find-a-physician locator.
INDICATIONS: GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier is indicated as an adjuvant in open (laparotomy) gynecologic pelvic surgery for reducing the incidence of postoperative pelvic adhesions after meticulous hemostasis is achieved consistent with microsurgical principles.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: The use of GYNECARE INTERCEED® Absorbable Adhesion Barrier is contraindicated in the presence of frank infection. GYNECARE INTERCEED® is not indicated as a hemostatic agent. Appropriate means of achieving hemostasis must be employed.
WARNINGS: The safety and effectiveness of GYNECARE INTERCEED® in laparoscopic surgery or any procedures other than open (laparotomy) gynecologic microsurgical procedures have not been established.
Postoperative adhesions may be induced by GYNECARE INTERCEED® application if adjacent tissues (eg, ovary and tube) and structures are coapted or conjoined by the device, or if GYNECARE INTERCEED® is folded, wadded or layered. Postoperative adhesions may occur in the presence of GYNECARE INTERCEED® if meticulous hemostasis is not achieved prior to application. As with all foreign substances, GYNECARE INTERCEED® should not be placed in a contaminated surgical site.
PRECAUTIONS: Use only a single layer of GYNECARE INTERCEED®, since multiple layers of packing or folding will not enhance the adhesion barrier characteristics and may interfere with the absorption rate of GYNECARE INTERCEED®. Care should be exercised in applying GYNECARE INTERCEED® to a pelvic organ not to constrict or restrict it. If the product comes in contact with blood prior to completing the procedure, it should be discarded, as fibrin deposition cannot be removed by irrigation and may promote adhesions formation. Ectopic pregnancies have been associated with fertility surgery of the female reproductive tract. No data exist to establish the effect, if any, of GYNECARE INTERCEED® on the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies. No adequate studies have been conducted in women who have become pregnant within the first month after exposure to GYNECARE INTERCEED®. No teratogenic studies have been performed. Therefore, avoidance of conception should be considered during the first complete menstrual cycle after use of GYNECARE INTERCEED®. The safety and effectiveness of using GYNECARE INTERCEED® in combination with other adhesion prevention treatments have not been clinically established. GYNECARE INTERCEED® is supplied sterile. As the material is not compatible with autoclaving or ethylene oxide sterilization, GYNECARE INTERCEED® must not be resterilized. Foreign body reactions may occur in some patients. Interactions may occur between GYNECARE INTERCEED® and some drugs used at the surgical site. Pathologists examining sites of GYNECARE INTERCEED® placement should be made aware of its usage and of the normal cellular response to GYNECARE INTERCEED® ‘to facilitate proper evaluation of specimens'.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: The type and frequency of adverse events reported are consistent with events typically seen following surgery. Postsurgical adhesions may occur in the presence of GYNECARE INTERCEED®.
For more information, please consult your doctor or call 1-888-GYNECARE to speak with a nurse.