internal borescopes
that are long and flexi-
ble enough to inspect
the length of many
large diameter endo-
scopes let you docu-
ment cleanliness with
time/dated photos and
videos, says Mr. Balch.
For some instru-
ments, however, the
real consideration should be transitioning from reusable versions to
sterile, single-use models that eliminate the possibility of cross-cont-
amination, says Mr. Balch, citing as an example historically difficult-
to-clean Frazier and Andrews suctions that are now available as sin-
gle-use devices. If you're still using first-generation Kerrison
rongeurs, you know that you can't remove the blades for cleaning
and inspection, says Mr. Balch, adding that new, single-use Kerrison
inserts allow for interchangeable sizes and angles that you can safe-
ly dispose of after the case.
"Although the science of sterilization is making tremendous strides,"
says Mr. Balch, "the risks and costs associated with reprocessing com-
plex instruments that have affordable single-use alternatives make
conversion to disposables the safer, smarter decision for our
patients."
OSM
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 3 5
• BE AWARE Anesthesia injections pose a significant risk of contamination.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
