Schuco Stories

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so we thought it would be a good time to look at some statistics and see how we at Schuco can contribute in making a difference.

As we know, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and rates continue to rise. At least 100,000 new cases are now diagnosed each year with the disease killing over 2,500 people every year in the UK alone – that’s 7 people every day. Rates of malignant melanoma are rising faster than any other type of common cancer. (British Skin Foundation)

The Hyfrecator dates back to 1962 when the founder of Schuco brought it over from the USA. It was considered one of Schuco’s first major success stories, quickly becoming the market leading device for skin surgery within dermatology and general practice. With nearly 20,000 Hyfrecators supplied in the UK and Ireland to date, it really is the practitioners’ choice for minor skin surgery.

The Hyfrecator® 2000 is the latest and best model in the long line of Hyfrecators. Famed for its immense versatility, this multi-functional electrosurgical generator offers both monopolar and bipolar modes and is often used in both outpatient and general practice. Dr Richard Motley writes in ‘A Simple Guide to the Hyfrecator’, ‘The Hyfrecator is more versatile and can be used to treat more conditions than any other type of electrocautery or cryotherapy equipment on the market’.

It works by producing a controlled electrical discharge of high frequency and high voltage, which selectively destroys tissue through the passage of electric current. This makes it suitable for the treatment of indications such as warts, spider veins, skin tags and moles.

So what makes it so special?

Its first superior feature is apparent as soon as the device is switched on. The Hyfrecator instantly recalls stored power settings and carries out self-diagnostic testing, which displays a range of visual and auditory warnings for the user to assess. This gives the physician confidence in the Hyfrecator and peace of mind before carrying out minor operations. Further control is achieved by way of its variable power levels across three settings – low, high and bipolar.

What adds to the Hyfrecator’s versatility is its range of accessories, which include:

A Switching Handle – giving users the ability to remotely select the power setting whilst operating.

Ball and Needle Electrodes in a variety of sizes for different uses.

Disposable Sterile Sheaths.

A height adjustable Mobile Pedestal Stand.

A Universal Wall Mounting Kit.

For flexibility, the unit can be purchased with or without a Foot Switch, which can be added subsequently if required and is usually preferable to use for very fine procedures.

NHS Practitioner Dr Laurel Spooner uses the Hyfrecator to carry out non-scalpel vasectomy in her Colchester based clinic. She says, ‘I have no hesitation in recommending the Hyfrecator especially as it’s so useful for so many other minor surgical procedures in general practice, its versatility making it now an indispensable item in our treatment room.’

For the last half a century, the Hyfrecator has undoubtedly been one of the most popular, value for money and essential devices to have within any medical practice. Upon installation physicians experience simple use, precise tissue therapy, and years of safe, reliable operation.

World leading dermatoscopes – Innovating the future of dermoscopy

DermLite® is owned by 3Gen LLC, a privately-held company situated in beautiful Orange County, California. In 1999, three medical innovators came together and combined their years of experience in designing, engineering and marketing of medical products with their knowledge of imaging technology.

60 years ago on 18th October, 1957, a radio and television electronics engineer called Felix Huttrer founded Schuco. He took his technical expertise acquired from radio and television engineering and applied them to medical technology.

From the beginning, he instilled in his team core values of providing a personal and prompt service and a high level of technical knowledge – 60 years later, we still maintain the same core values!