Reprocessed arthroscopic shavers: evaluation of sharpness and function in a cadaver model.

This study was designed to test limited arthroscopic shaver reuse following reprocessing and to compare the functional performance between new and reprocessed arthroscopic shavers in arthroscopic procedures using fresh cadaveric knees. A trial using arthroscopic procedures (menisectomy, synovectomy, and debridements) was conducted by experienced surgeons using cadaveric knees to determine whether the surgeons could correctly identify reprocessed shavers. Thirty-nine shavers were tested; the surgeons were given both new and reprocessed shavers.

Comparison of in vivo clinical performance and shaft temperature and in vitro tissue temperature and transection times between new and reprocessed harmonic scalpels.

The ultrasonic harmonic scalpel (HS) uses ultrasound energy to achieve surgical dissection. To test the feasibility of limited HS reuse and to insure that reprocessed HS function in a substantially equivalent manner to their new counterparts, this study compared in vivo mesenteric vessel and liver cutting characteristics, scalpel shaft temperatures during in vivo usage and in vitro tissue temperature dissipation characteristics between new and reprocessed ACE™36 series HS. The study found that new and reprocessed ACE™-36 HS exhibit identical performance with respect to in vivo dissection characteristics and postcut shaft temperatures.