it easier for sterile processing technicians to internally inspect
lumened instrumentation, shavers and flexible endoscopes with ease.
Even smaller diameter (0.5 mm and 1.6 mm) borescopes let techni-
cians inspect the lumens of the smallest 20- and 22-gauge ear suctions
and robotic arms with ease, says Mr. Huelsman. All images are in high-
definition and let the team capture photos, says Mr. Huelsman, so that
they can share the images for educational purposes and show to lead-
ership.
In addition to these innovations are the new visualization capabilities
for take-apart arthroscopy shavers. Mr. Huelsman explains that most
arthroscopy shaver companies state in their instructions for use that
they must be visualized with borescopes. However, a shaver's challeng-
ing design make it hard to get a borescope all the way into the motor
head of the handle. The question remaining for sterile processing
departments was what to do if you find something in the motor head
that cannot be removed.
Mr. Huelsman's department was able to locate an innovative take-
apart shaver system that allowed easy access to the motor head and
enabled complete visualization of all parts of the shaver. The suction
part of the device is totally independent from the motor head to
ensure cleanliness and is one hollow cannulation about 2 mm in diam-
eter, which also makes brushing easy to ensure all contaminates are
removed, says Mr. Huelsman. The shaver also works with large- and
small-diameter shaver blades, so instead of having 2 shavers (1 for
small joints and 1 for large) you only need 1 operating system for both
purposes.
As a department tasked with ensuring the ability to adequately clean
and sterilize all types of surgical instrumentation used in the OR, Mr.
Huelsman believes visualization technologies such as these are the
kind of game-changing innovations necessary to equip SPD techni-
4 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U N E 2 0 1 8
