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4. Smarter Irrigation pumps
Fluid irrigation is necessary to keep the joint space open to insert scopes to
visualize the anatomy and instruments to treat injuries, says Dr. Nho. A consis-
tent flow of fluid ensures that the saline solution remains clean enough to see
through and the pressure is high enough to keep the joint open.
Most surgeons expect to work with an automatic pump that controls both
the inflow and outflow of the solution, providing a more consistent pressure,
says Dr. Nho.
Specialized pumps have gone a step further, and help to automatically sense
the pressure in the joint and adjust the inflow or outflow to maintain an equi-
librium, says Dr. Pill. If the surgeon begins using the shaver, the pump recog-
nizes the change in pressure and adjusts the fluid accordingly. These pumps
often also feature alarms that alert the surgical team when there are low water
levels. A good pump can also help avoid excessive pressure and swelling in
surrounding tissue, potentially reducing post-op pain. It also may boost your
overall efficiency. "If you have a lot of fluid coming in and out, and it isn't con-
sistent, it can cause a dry joint, which disrupts the surgery and adds time to
the case," says Dr. Nho.
OSM
