"With a battery-powered tool, you're less encumbered in terms of
what position you're in," says Dr. Farber. "If you're near the end of the
length of the cord, it can pull the instrument while you're using it and
it can change the direction of your hand."
On the other hand, batteries don't hold their charge very long and
they're not immune to problems. What if there's no indicator on the
battery to know if it's good and still holding its charge? What if a bat-
tery you left on the charger last night is still dead in the morning?
"Sometimes you end up opening a lot of batteries to find one that's
good," says Dr. Farber, adding that a battery should hold its charge for
a whole case, long enough to saw and place 8 to 10 screws.
There is also a pneumatic power option, which requires hose con-
nections to a tank of compressed nitrogen or is integrated into the OR
gas system. The downside of pneumatic power is your surgeon is
reliant on the proper gas settings and pressurization. "It offers a little
more power than electric," says Dr. Farber. "It's better than battery,
but maybe not quite as smooth as electric."
• Cost. Cost is a major factor in purchasing power tools, and the
smaller sets can be around $25,000, not including disposable bits and
blades (which can run $150 to $200 each), backup batteries and other
accessories. But cost isn't the only factor. When weighing choices and
presenting options to surgeons, be sure to consider the details beyond
the expense.
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