to be very
sharp. So it
makes infi-
nite sense
to get a
fresh scis-
sor tip and
a new insu-
lated shaft
for every
patient. But
using dis-
posable graspers every time you do a case seems a little silly to me. It
requires spending a lot of money, and I'm not sure what you're really
getting for that money.
How many uses will you get out of a reposable instrument? That
depends on the instrument and how you use it. Generally, manufactur-
ers will give you a number, but I think that's done more to protect
them. Often it comes down to how you're using the device. With lower-
fidelity instruments, you don't necessarily have to keep track. You'll
know when the tip doesn't work right and you need to get rid of it and
get a new one. Higher-fidelity instruments often have mechanized lock-
outs that kick in after a certain number of uses. Robotic instruments,
for example, may have a 25-use limit, and they'll give you a countdown
as you go. In general, you'd use new scissor tips after every case, but
you'd be able to reuse graspers and dissector tips numerous times.
Might there come a time when you're using a reposable instrument
and you find that it's not functioning the way want it to? Of course.
But that happens with disposable instruments, and it happens with
reusable instruments, too. Anyone who hasn't had that experience
9 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6
• CUTTING COSTS It makes sense to use a fresh scissor tip and insulated shaft every time you operate, but you don't
need to replace the handpiece for each patient.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
