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ment will be able to meet its reprocessing requirements.
3
Surgeon feedback
Surgeons have a tactile sense for how their saws, drills and burrs
should be working. Ideally, the tools are an extension of their hands
and their operation shouldn't require much in the way of deliberate thought.
Surgeons also have an innate feel for when these power tools are not working
properly.
Many surgeons will admit loyalties to particular manufacturers, but a power
tool trial can still help them, and you, make the most intelligent purchase. If it's
possible, arrange for several manufacturers to bring comparable products to
your facility at the same time, and hold a product fair, so your surgeons can get
their hands on each option. Make sure that the reps bring sawbones or cadaver
bones to demonstrate the tools on, since your surgeons might not feel confident
bringing them into the OR to use on a live patient without first getting a tactile
feel for their abilities.
You should be concerned with the bottom line when it comes to selecting
equipment and supplies, but factoring a surgeon's hands-on opinion about a
power tool into the purchasing decision is essential. While the devices may
seem the same in their outward appearances, the less expensive option may end
up putting the quality of patient care at risk.
4
Responsive service
Surgical power tools tend to deliver several years of use, but it's never
too early to start thinking about the possibility of repair. You might even
factor it into your purchasing decision.
Modular construction is a useful and economical quality in power tools. Just
as a disposable saw blade ensures sharpness for every case, the ability to
change out an individual component of a tool can provide improved perform-
