safer. When fluid lev-
els in the joint are bet-
ter controlled, the risk
of extravasation is
reduced.
Extravasation, which
occurs when excess
fluid within the joint
seeps into surround-
ing tissue, is a major
concern of arthro-
scopic surgery. During
hip procedures, for
example, excess fluid
that leaks into the
abdomen can lead to
serious complications,
including abdominal
compartment syn-
drome, cardiopulmonary arrest and hypothermia.
Irrigation systems that automatically regulate fluid flow into and out
of the joint could improve patient safety and could lead to more effi-
cient procedures. The technology can also let surgeons operate longer
if necessary. When working with older irrigation pumps, fluid would
often collect in the surrounding tissues and cause them to swell,
which made it difficult for surgeons to insert cannulas or instruments
into the joint space. They'd have to hurry to complete the case, even
when doing so wasn't as safe or effective. Surgeons who work with
automated irrigation systems are afforded some extra time to get the
job done right.
O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 7 5
Surgeons who work with automated
irrigation systems are afforded some
extra time to get the job done right.
