G-Flex Captiva Retrieval Net vs Steris RothNet

What are the main differences between the G-Flex Captiva Retrieval Net and the Steris RothNet? You may be wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are of each, so we have put together a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you. This will include the pros, cons, key features and pricing.

The key features of a Retrieval Net include:

  • Rotation
  • Handle design/ease of use
  • Net sizes
  • Net material
  • Pricing
  • Packaging

Rotation:

The Captiva net has a unique smooth rotatable feature for precise positioning and orientation. This enhances maneuverability so the surgeon can easily access the foreign body without shifting the patient or the scope. This is used in situations involving an excised polyp, tissue specimen, and challenging foreign bodies. All four sizes of the G-Flex Captiva nets have this feature, which is a significant advantage for both the surgeon and the patient because of its ease of use.

The Roth Net is available in seven different styles, and one of the nets has a 360-degree controlled rotation, which is their Roth Net retriever – 360. This is a 3.0 x 5.0cm net, which addresses most foreign body, food bolus, and tissue retrieval procedures. This feature is excellent in retroflex or tortuous positions. However, if a larger net or mini net needs to be used, which is not available with 360-degree rotation, the surgeon may be required to move the patient or the scope for better access. This, therefore, limits RothNet’s usability for clinicians.

Therefore, having this rotation feature is excellent for standard or trickier procedures, and G-Flex’s range offers this as standard.

Handle design/ease of use:

The G-Flex Captiva Retrieval Net handle design is excellent and easy to use. The Captiva has an ergonomic sliding handle with a thumb ring design for one-handed operation, allowing the device to open and close smoothly. When the handle has been fully opened, it sits securely, allowing the net to stay in place. Its unique smooth rotatable feature is also very simple to use, as you place one hand on the thumb ring and turn the handle with your other hand. This makes it easy for both surgeons and nurses to use.

The RothNet has a similar design to the Captiva. Having a lightweight and ergonomic handle makes it easy for the surgeon or nurse to open and close the device with one hand. When testing the RothNet, one difference was noticed: when opened out, the strength of the outer wire ring is reduced compared to Captiva, meaning the net doesn’t stay locked in place. Often, the net retracts slightly into the sheath, reducing the aperture and requiring the user to retain pressure on the handle.

Net Sizes:

The Captiva retrieval net is available in four sizes for flexibility for different procedures and endoscope types:

  • 160cm length, 20 x 50mm loop: Oval shape
  • 230cm length, 30 x 60mm loop: Oval shape
  • 120cm length, 20 x 50mm loop: Oval shape
  • 230cm length, 30mm loop: Hexagonal shape

All net sizes are rotatable and available in adult and pediatric.

The RothNet is available in seven sizes, from small polyp retrieval to larger foreign body removal:

  • 360: Net size: 3.0cm x 5.0cm Length: 230cm
  • Maxi: Net size: 4.0cm x 8.0cm Length: 160cm
  • Platinum retriever universal: Net size: 4.0cm x 5.5cm Length: 230cm
  • Select: Net size: 3.0cm x 6.0cm. Length: 230cm
  • Standard: Net size: 3.0cm x 6.0cm Length: 230cm
  • Mini: Net size: 2.0cm x 4.5cm. Length: 160cm
  • Enteroscope: Net size: 3.0cm x 6.0cm. Length: 350cm

Therefore, you can see that RothNet offers a wider range of net sizes than Captiva. However, only one net is rotatable.

Net material:

The Captiva Retrieval net material is soft and delivered with a highly resistant network for compression into small diameters and expansion to full size when deployed. The net is coiled around the outside, preventing any tears from spreading around the outside of the net when pressure is applied to retrieve foreign bodies. Hallmark Surgical has had lots of positive feedback on the net material compared to what is commonly used in New Zealand. The quality is excellent to ensure that polyps are preserved and not damaged compared to standard suction methods.

The RothNet is a retrieval net with strong, durable nets that can be used in challenging esophageal food impactions, foreign body retrieval, tissue collection and polyp removal. The RothNet material is slightly rougher around the edges than the Captiva. Common feedback covers that this results in the net pulling away from the wire circumference, causing the holes in the net to expand.

Customers have often told us that they prefer the net material of the Captiva compared to the RothNet due to its smoother and softer texture, making it easier to grab the specimen.

Pricing:

Although specific pricing is unknown with the RothNet range, this could vary from customer to customer. Feedback received from users suggests the RothNet range sits around $80.00 per unit in New Zealand. We see very few users utilising the RothNet 360 model, so this cost comparison relates to the most commonly used model in New Zealand, the Roth retriever select. It is likely the rotatable version is more expensive.

The Captiva retrieval net range is between $85.00 and $100.00, and all models are rotatable.

Packaging:

The Captiva Retrieval Net is sterile packed and comes in boxes of 10 units. It packed into a steripeel pouch, has clear labelling with size, expiry date, and details for use. It is a mix of paper and plastic packaging, therefore being particularly sustainable.

The RothNet comes in a plastic non-sterile pack and comes in boxes of five units. It is opened on the side of the packet by tearing the plastic along the perforated line. It has information similar to Captiva’s, such as size, expiration date, and details for use.

Both packets are easy to open and store in your department. However, the Captiva is partly paper, which can be recycled, and being fully sterile makes it suitable for all requirements.

Conclusion:

Overall, both the G-Flex Captiva and Steris RothNet have many unique advantages for endoscopic retrieval procedures. The Captiva stands out with its 360-degree rotation in all net sizes, excellent quality net material, ergonomic thumb ring design, and sterile/sustainable packaging. This ensures ease of use for the surgeon, even when it comes to challenging retrievals. The Steris RothNet has a durable net, a wide variety of sizes and easy-to-open packaging, making it an excellent choice for polyp and foreign body removal.

Choosing between the Captiva and RothNet will likely come down to personal preference and considering factors such as rotation, handle design, available sizes and packaging. Therefore, experimenting and trialling different nets may be right for you, but we hope this detailed explanation between the two makes your decision easier.

For more information on the G-Flex Captiva Retrieval Net, please contact the team today or watch the video below showing the product.