Improved function of prototype 4.3-mm Medtronic Quadcut microdebrider blade over standard 4.0-mm Medtronic Tricut microdebrider blade.

Objective: Test performance of a new prototype microdebrider blade. The commercially-available, standard 4.0-mm Medtronic straight Tricut blade was tested against the new, prototype 4.3-mm Medtronic straight Quadcut blade in experimental surgical conditions utilizing both a nasal polyp (NP) analog (raw oysters) and an allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) analog (minced beef cat food).

Methods: Both sides of 5 thawed, fresh-frozen cadaver heads were utilized for NP analog removal. AFS analog was removed out of specimen containers. A total of 10 paired data points were collected for time of surgical removal and number of clogs comparing the 2 blades.

Results: For simulated AFS debris, the prototype clogged less than the standard blade (0 vs 4.5, p < 0.0001). There were no clogs noted for either blade with the NP analog. Time for debris eradication was significantly improved for both AFS analog (147.4 vs 262.0 seconds, p < 0.0001) and NP analog (43.7 vs 112.1 seconds, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The prototype blade offers faster debris and polyp removal and clogs less in the setting of allergic fungal debris. As the new blade is faster and more aggressive, introduction into a surgical setting should be guarded with an appropriate degree of caution.