Air purifiers and Coronavirus (Covid-19)

/in , /by

High quality air purifiers can trap and remove a variety of airborne disease and viruses. In fact, the Blueair air purifiers we have in stock have been third-party tested and proven to have a clearance rate of 99.99% of the most common viruses and bacteria, including H1N1 influenza, Staphylococcus aureus, E-coli and Aspergillus.

Not only do these air purifiers trap harmful airborne viruses and bacteria, but their proprietary HEPASilent™ technology actually kills the germs. Carrying out internal tests of the Blueair Classic 200 Series on maximum fan speed under normal temperature and humidity conditions, Blueair found that 99% of germs were killed, leaving the bacteria and viruses unviable and unable to reproduce.

Can air purifiers filter out Covid particles?

As the new Coronavirus (Covid-19) was not discovered until 2019, Blueair air purifiers have yet to be tested to see how effective they are at capturing and removing this virus. What we can say is that Blueair’s HEPASilent™ filtration technology captures at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns in size. This includes any viruses with a particle size of at least 0.1 micron. Corona viruses measure about 0.12 micron.

How do air purifiers work?

After the ultra-quiet fan draws air from the room into the air purifier, airborne particles receive an electrical charge that causes them to stick more quickly and easily to the polypropylene filters. The combination of electrical charging and high air draft inactivates viruses and bacteria.

What’s more, because the charged particles adhere to the fibres in the filter more easily, the filter can be less dense, meaning the fan pushes through more air with less pressure, noise and energy consumption. This lower density also reduces clogging, optimising the purifier’s ongoing effectiveness.

Air purifiers for hospitals, clinics and laboratories

If you are considering using air purifiers in specific rooms in your hospital, clinic or laboratory to remove a range of airborne diseases, please take a look at our Blueair range.

If you have any questions, please send us a message or call us on 0845 226 0185.

Micro Surgery Instruments: Micro Scissors, Forceps & Needle Holder Technology

/in , /by

When it comes to selecting micro instruments for your next instrument set, you can rest assured that there are some exceptional products on the market.

In this article, we look at a number of materials and design features that are enabling cutting-edge instrument performance in the field of micro surgery.

Micro Scissors Innovations Making the Cut

German Surgical instrument manufacturer, Lawton, has developed a wide range of micro-scissors with flat spring or round spring type handles that incorporate a number of innovative design features.

In addition to stainless steel, they can be made from titanium. This non-magnetic material allows for use during MRI and minimises the inconvenience of magnetised needles during procedures.

Fracture-proof and corrosion resistant, titanium is stronger and more durable that stainless steel, whilst its lightness facilitates precise working without fatigue.

Lawton has also developed a number of stainless steel and Titanium models with a ceramic coating to provide a much harder instrument surface and higher sliding capability.

In addition, some of Lawton’s micro scissors with flat spring handles offer increased sliding capability due to a streamlined design at the joint.

Whilst some of Lawton’s round spring handled models come with a lightweight handle with special cavities to enable fatigue-proof working.

Swedish instrument manufacturer, Stille, has also been expanding its line of micro instruments to include new titanium patterns. Its micro scissors are the only ones on the market with Supercut scissor blades: one knife blade and one scissor blade providing precise cutting to the very tip.

The innovative joint screw design also allows for easy removal for instrument servicing.

If you would like a demonstration of any of these micro scissors contact our surgical instrument team now on 0333 015 4345 or email info@cairntechnology.com.

Get a Grip of these Advances in Micro Forceps

If you are looking for micro forceps with greater durability than stainless steel and improved gripping of fine sutures, then Stille’s titanium Diamond Jaws models are definitely worth trying out.

Lawton has also enhanced the performance of micro forceps with its PERFECT-GRIP jaws, which are specially coated to ensure a gentle, non-slip grasping of vessels, tissues, needles and sutures.

Some of their round spring typed handled forceps also incorporate a lightweight handle with special cavities to enable fatigue-proof working.

If you are interested in comparing the look and feel of these micro forceps, call our surgical instrument team now on 0333 015 4345 or email info@cairntechnology.com.

Micro Needle Holders to Keep an Eye On

Again incorporating Diamond Jaws for greater durability and enhanced gripping capability, Stille’s micro needle holders are designed to hold the finest sutures in a tight and secure grip. For heavier models, the use of tungsten carbide inserts allows for an even stronger grip.

Lawton’s range of micro needle holders also incorporates a number of features to optimise performance during surgery. From titanium and ceramic coated instruments giving enhanced durability and improved sliding capability, through to PERFECT-GRIP jaws and a lightweight handle design, Lawton’s range is packed with features to accommodate every micro surgeon’s preferences and needs.

If you would like a demonstration of any Stille or Lawton micro needle holders, please contact our surgical instrument team now on 0333 015 4345 or email info@cairntechnology.com.

More Information on Micro Instruments

If you would like more information on our titanium micro instruments. You can also contact us to arrange an appointment to see or trial our micro instruments. Just call us on 0333 015 4345.

Are Stille SuperCut Scissors Really a Cut Above the Rest?

/in , , /by

If you are a surgeon with an eye for excellent surgical instruments, you may have noticed that SuperCut-type scissors are no longer made exclusively by Stille, except when it comes to micro scissors.

This is despite the fact that the Swedish instrument company actually invented and launched the original SuperCut scissors in 1982.

However, despite there now being other makes of SuperCuts on the market, several independent studies have shown that Stille SuperCuts are continuing to outperform other brands. In fact, the findings might surprise you.

So what’s so good about Stille’s SuperCuts?

There are four key areas that set Stille SuperCut scissors above other brands:

1. Unique design for cutting

Designed for cutting all types of soft tissue, Stille’s SuperCut scissors have two cutting surfaces that are sharp to the very tip and work together in a unique way.

That is because one cutting surface is a scissor blade and one is a knife blade. This means that the surgeon can use the scissors to cut with extreme precision, relying on an instrument that combines maximum cutting power with minimal force to produce the perfect cut.

All other brands of so-called ‘SuperCut’ scissors are made differently from Stille, usually with serrations on one blade that are allegedly designed to grip tissue. However, due to the way that Stille handcrafts its SuperCut scissors, they are actually much sharper than other brands of ‘SuperCut’ scissors.

2. Ergonomic, ambidextrous design

Stille has also put a lot of thought into the design and ergonomics of their SuperCut scissors to create a light but balanced instrument that minimises fatigue and maximises efficiency.

With smooth finger rings, shanks designed for feeling and balance and a strong screw joint for maintaining the correct tension between blades, the scissors provide the surgeon with a smooth fingertip feeling.

The scissors are also flexible for the needs of different surgeons. For example, due to the way in which the scissors are sharpened, they can be used by both left and right-handed surgeons.

What’s more, the scissors have larger finger rings than some other brands, which is useful for surgeons with larger hands or those that use a double glove technique.

3. A removable screw for effective servicing

Another unique feature of Stille’s SuperCut Scissors compared to other brands is that its joint screw can be removed by Stille’s technicians during servicing to inspect for corrosion.

Other SuperCut brands do not have this capability, meaning that both the cleanliness and longevity of these instruments can be compromised.

This was supported by a study(1)that compared two German brands of scissors with Stille scissors. The study found that only Stille’s scissors had a screw that could be removed during servicing; it was also the only scissor with no signs of corrosion under the joint.

What’s more, the removable screw design ensures that the SuperCut scissors can be sharpened back to their original condition by Stille’s expert craftsmen during servicing. This is because large amounts of blade material do not need to be ground away, something that would inevitably change the shape and size of the blades until they are no longer close enough for a good cut.

In addition, by removing the screw during servicing, the surface of the blades can be fully resurfaced, removing any crevices where pockets of dirt may hide.

4. An outstanding 30-year warranty

Unlike other brands, Stille guarantees that their SuperCut scissors will last for 30 years, providing that they are handled and sterilised correctly and that Stille’s own expert craftsmen carry out any servicing.

In fact, Stille offer the first service for free, which is typically required after three years of use, although the surgeon decides when his or her instruments are ready for servicing.

Whilst a 30-year warranty might sound very long, date codes on Stille instruments returned for servicing often show that they have been in regular hospital use for more than 40 years.

This was also shown to be the case in an independent study to test whether Stille hand-crafted surgical scissors really did deliver on the manufacturer warranty of 30 years. In fact, the study found that 74% of the Stille scissors used in a busy surgical centre were actually over 50 years old.(2)

Want to see Stille SuperCut scissors in action?

If you would like to find out more about our Stille SuperCut scissors just click here (Link to new SuperCut Scissors section on website).

You can also contact our Cairn instrument team on 0845 226 0185 to arrange for a demonstration of our Stille SuperCut scissors or to evaluate an instrument on loan.

REFERENCES:

(1) Anette Karppinen, ORN, Access to crevices critical for surgical instrument safety. Presented SEORNA, Swedish Operating Nurse Association, Conference Meeting, 29-30 November 2012. http://www.stille.se/files/studies/whitepaper_instrument_safety.pdf

(2) Dahl G, Ölveback T, Wiklung L. Quality surgical instruments best investment. Presented: SEORNA, Swedish Operating Nurse Association Conference Meeting, 29-30 November 2012

5 UK Medical Museums Packed with History

/in /by

If you are a medical professional with a fascination for medical history, then a trip to one of the following museums should not disappoint.

From insights into the history of surgery, anaesthesia and nursing over the past 500 years, they promise a plethora of medical tales and treasures to fascinate both young and old.

1. The Old Operating Theatre Museum

If you are interested in visiting an operating theatre from the 1800’s, then The Old Operating Theatre Museum in South East London is just the ticket. In fact, the museum is Europe’s oldest surviving operating theatre, having been created for the women’s ward of St. Thomas’s Hospital in 1822.

As well as hosting a lot of fun and fascinating events, the museum promises plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in the realities of early surgery.

Just sign up for the museum’s Victorian Surgery Talk to observe, from the same position as a medical student of the time, a mock demonstration of surgery before anaesthetics. Alternatively, why not sign up for The Gore Tour, which will take you through some of the most grizzly surgical instruments ever designed and describe how they were used?

For more information on The Old Operating Theatre Museum.

2. Royal College of Physicians Museum

If you want to explore medical history in the UK even further back in time, then the Royal College of Physicians Museum will not disappoint.

Based in Regent’s Park, its collections have been amassed for over 500 years, having been founded by Royal Charter of Henry VIII in 1518.

Amongst its collections are a rare set of six anatomical tables which display human veins, nerves and arteries dissected at Padua’s famous anatomy theatre in the 17th century.

Another fascinating exhibit at the RCP Museum is a chest of surgical instruments that had once belonged either to eminent 17th Century physician, Sir Francis Prujean or his son Thomas. Having survived the Great Fire of London and the Blitz, the chest includes instruments for obstetrics, trepanation, bullet extraction, amputation and much more.

To find out more about the Royal College of Physicians Museum.

3. Thackray Medical Museum

Based in Leeds, Yorkshire, the Thackray Medical Museum contains over 47,000 items of medical equipment and promises an immersive, interactive experience to entertain both young and old.

Offering visitors the chance to take a journey of discovery into the incredible story of medicine, there are loads of events and experiences to enjoy, such as a trip to the Victorian quack doctor or insights into the frightening world of surgery before the discovery of pain relief.

For more information on the Thackray Medical Museum.

4. Anaesthesia Heritage Centre Museum

If you are interested in the history of anaesthesia, resuscitation and pain relief, then you will really enjoy a visit to London’s Anaesthesia Heritage Centre Museum.

Telling the remarkable story of anaesthesia, from its first public demonstration in 1846 to the work of modern day anaesthetists during wars and terrorist attacks, the museum is full of fascinating objects dating back to a resuscitation set of 1774.

For more information on the Anaesthesia Heritage Centre Museum.

5. Royal College of Nursing Library & Heritage Centre

If you are interested in the history of nursing then a visit to the Royal College of Nursing Library & Heritage Centre will definitely be worth your while.

Located in Marylebone in London, its programme of fascinating events gives insight into aspects of nursing as diverse as hospital hygiene in 1901 through to nursing during the 2014/15 ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.

Its exhibitions are also very interesting and not only explore nursing history, but also celebrate nursing and diversity in the profession.

In addition, the RCN library contains 54,000 books, 1,100 eJournals and 30,000 online eBooks, making it a great resource for both academic research and general interest.

To find out more about the Royal College of Nursing Library & Heritage Centre

A Day in the Life of… an Area Account Manager

/in /by

Ever wondered what a typical workday is like for a Cairn Technology Area Account Manager? In this article, Aniqa Chowdhury spends a day helping two surgeons, an operating theatre manager and a birthing suite sister source the right products for their needs.

8.15am: I arrive at an NHS hospital in South Yorkshire to see a surgeon in the Cardiology department about our Stille and Lawton micro instruments.

The surgeon has used Stille micro instruments in the past so already knows about their precision and durability, but he hasn’t yet seen Stille’s new titanium models which are lighter than stainless steel and cause less fatigue during lengthy procedures. Being non-magnetic, they also minimise any frustration caused by magnetized needles.

He is also interested in seeing Lawton’s cardiac micro instruments. I explain that they are engineered with performance in mind and point out their many useful features from easy grip handles to specially coated non-slip jaws for gentle grasping.

Being a previous Stille user, the surgeon decides to order a set of Stille micro instruments but opts for the titanium versions this time.

10.45am: I call in to see the theatre manager at a private hospital near Nottingham. She wants to discuss our highly absorbent floor mat, the T-Mat, to see how it compares with the inco sheets they currently use in theatre.

Her team is surprised to hear that, although more expensive than the inco sheets, the T-Mats actually prove more cost-effective in the long term as they are 15 times more absorbent. In fact, they absorb up to 8.5 litres of water or 3.5 litres of saline, binding liquids hygienically for easy non-drip disposal in clinical waste. She asks me to send her more samples so that she can do a proper trial of the mats compared to the inco sheets.

1.30pm: I arrive at a private cosmetic surgery clinic in Leicester to see a surgeon who also works at a private clinic in Harley Street, London. As he is interested in facelift instruments, I show him the Stille SuperCut scissors. He is really impressed by the fact they have one knife edge and one scissor edge for precise cutting to the very tip and by the fact that they are warrantied for 30 years.

He is also very impressed by Lawton’s Bi-polar scissors that are designed for tissue cutting, dissection and coagulation. I arrange to get him a pair on loan so that he can see how they handle.

3.15pm: I head over to a maternity ward at an NHS hospital in Birmingham. The delivery suite needs mats on the floor around the birthing pools, so I show the Lead Sister our DryMax XL absorbent floor mat.

She loves the fact that it has an anti-skid barrier layer to keep the mat in place and stop fluid from going through, as this will reduce the risk of slips on their wet floors. I explain she can cut the mats to size without effecting the mat’s performance and that she can buy individual mats or DryMax on a roll. I leave her with several samples to try.

4pm: Having finished all of my visits for the day, I take the opportunity to organise delivery of the loan instrument and mat samples. I update our CRM system with details of the day’s meetings and add alerts for follow-up calls to see how my contacts are finding our products.

With time to spare, I manage to arrange an appointment for next week to see a prospect interested in our Chemical Spill Kits. I also contact a customer to let him know that we will be exhibiting at the CCR Expo in October and arrange a time to meet with him there. It’s great to speak to someone who is so passionate about our surgical instruments. A nice way to end a very busy but fulfilling day.

The Best Metals and Materials for Surgical Instruments

/in , /by

Today’s high quality surgical instruments employ a wide range of metals and materials to ensure the very highest levels of performance.

In fact, there are now so many materials in use to provide you with state-of-the-art instrumentation that it can be confusing as to which ones to opt for.

Here’s a quick look at how some of these can benefit you:

1. Surgical grade stainless steel

Stainless steel has been the metal of choice for surgical instruments for decades, not only due to its strength and corrosion-resistance, but also because it is easy to clean, making it ideal for environments where hygiene is a priority.

All stainless steel is an alloy of Iron with Carbon, Silicon, Manganese and Chromium. The Chromium produces a thin layer of oxide on the surface of the steel, which provides corrosion-resistance on the surface.

Surgical grade stainless steel has a content of at least 13% Chromium. It can also contain other chemical elements, such as Nickel and Molybdenum, which give each instrument its unique properties.

For example, Molybdenum can be added to enhance corrosion resistance, whilst Nickel is often added to reduce brittleness.

In some instances however, stainless steel surgical instruments will be made without Nickel, as it can trigger a patient’s immune system or cause an allergic reaction.

2. Ceramic

Some manufacturers of surgical instruments also offer stainless steel ranges that are ceramic-coated to provide a longer working life.

This is because ceramic coating provides four to five times higher surface hardness than stainless steel, as well as offering greater resistance to rust and corrosion.

It also gives higher sliding capability than stainless steel, minimising abrasion. In addition, a dark colour ceramic coating can minimise reflections on the surface of the instrument, which can be important in certain procedures.

3. Tungsten carbide

Surgical instruments made of Tungsten Carbide are stronger than stainless steel and can last up to five times longer.

Not only do Tungsten Carbide blades stay sharper for longer, any surgical instrument which has Tungsten Carbide in the tip, such as forceps, will be able to deliver a stronger grip.

4. Titanium

Titanium surgical instruments are the ideal choice for surgeons using magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, as they a 100% anti-magnetic.

As Titanium is also very light, it is perfect for surgeons looking to do precise, complex work without fatigue.

In addition, Titanium is fracture-proof, non-rusting and completely resistant to organic and industrial chemicals, allowing for greater durability and longevity.

5. PEEK

Polyetheretherketone, or PEEK, was originally developed in the late 1970s by the US aerospace industry.

As it is radiolucent (transparent to x-rays), 3D-navigable and does not produce any image artefacts, it can have clear advantages when used for certain instruments, such as retractors and valves made for cervical access to the spinal column.

Being a lightweight material, PEEK can be used to create instruments that provide better handling, whilst its biocompatible properties reduces the risk of allergic reactions in high risk patients.

6. Nitinol

Instruments made of Nitinol are very useful when you need an instrument with shape memory, high elasticity, high biocompatibility and MRI compatibility.

This is because Nitinol is a metal alloy of Nickel and Titanium, which exhibits exceptional elasticity under stress.

Examples of Nitinol instruments with original shape memory include suction cannulas, vascular dilators, spatulas and clip applying forceps. These can be bent to the required shape by applying gentle pressure. They will then return to their original shape when exposed to higher temperatures, for example when autoclaving.

Instruments with super-elastic features, such as fat retractors, also adapt to the external pressure. However, as soon as this pressure is released, the instruments return to their original condition.

Not sure which surgical instruments are best for your needs?

For more information of which instruments could be right for your own needs, call our surgical instruments team on 0845 226 0185.

Surgical Instrument Discolouration Guide

/in , /by

What is Causing your Instrument Discolouration?

Light/Dark

Typical causes:
Lime deposits in water
Slow/bad drying process
Substances in chemicals

Rusty

Typical causes:
Blood debris
Mixing stainless and plated steel
Water with high iron content
Materials in new systems

Brown

Typical causes:
Exposure to too high a temperature (>200 C)
Being sharpened or polished incorrectly

Purple/Red/Black

Typical causes:
Ammonia
Amines after de-calcification

N20 exposure risks to liver & kidneys

/in , /by

Hospital employees working in areas where nitrous oxide is used to help relieve patient pain could be at risk of developing renal or liver disease, according to some studies.

An odourless and colourless gas, Nitrous oxide is a powerful analgesic in sub-anaesthetic concentrations.

Most commonly used as a 50:50 mix with oxygen, it is commonly known as Entonox.

Although the patient inhales the N20 through a demand valve, when they breathe out some of the nitrous oxide is released back into the room. This can put care staff at risk of prolonged exposure, especially in poorly ventilated rooms.

Effects of N2O on liver and kidneys

Whilst some studies have found an increased risk of liver and kidney disease in medical personnel, these findings have not been consistent across all studies.

For example, whilst retrospective cohort studies ASA 1974, Cohen et al. 1975, 1980, Spence and Knill-Jones 1978 found an increased risk of liver disease and another study, ASA 1974, Cohen et al. 1980, found an increased risk of kidney disease in women only, other studies by Lauwerys et al. 1981 and Lew 1979 found no increased risk.

So whilst there is no need to panic about these risks to staff when working with N20, it is important that you put in place measures to minimise the risk of them suffering these diseases due to their working environment.

Protecting staff from N2O exposure

The best way to ensure that you do not run the risk of your staff being exposed to hazardous levels of Nitrous Oxide is to carry out workplace exposure monitoring.

This will enable you to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations which require you to monitor and record staff exposure to Nitrous Oxide against Workplace Exposure Limits set out by the Health & Safety Commission.

Workplace exposure monitoring can be implemented easily by attaching a personal sampling tube attached to employee clothing close to their breathing zone for the duration of a shift. This tube can then be analysed and a report produced from the findings.

If dangerous levels of exposure are detected, you can then tackle this problem and bring exposure levels down to permissible levels.

Of course, as well as investing in personal sampling, you should also carry out good housekeeping on an ongoing basis. Make sure Entonox equipment is well-maintained to help prevent the risk of leaks and ensure that any ventilation or scavenging systems are functioning properly.

For information on Cairn Technology’s personal sampling service for Nitrous Oxide just click here or call 0845 226 0185 and ask for our workplace monitoring team or email them at info@cairntechnology.com

Why Buying the Best Surgical Instruments Can Save You Money

/in , , /by

It might sound counterintuitive: How can an instrument that costs you several hundred pounds save you money compared to lower quality instruments that you can buy for a fraction of the price?

Below are four clear reasons why:

1.       Longevity

High quality surgical instruments are always manufactured with longevity in mind. Crafted by experts in instrument design and metallurgy, they understand how to create surgical tools that optimise performance and durability.

For example, top manufacturers will always choose the highest quality stainless steel rather than lower grade metal, as this will significantly enhance instrument longevity.

They are also likely to produce ceramic-coated instruments, which provide four to five times higher surface hardness than stainless steel, reduced abrasiveness and greater resistance to rust and corrosion.

They might also make instruments in Titanium, which is another high-performance metal that is recognised for its superior durability, being both fracture-proof and non-rusting.

What’s more, instruments that are hand-crafted, rather than made by machine, can have incredibly long life expectancy.

For example, in a study to test whether Stille hand-crafted surgical scissors really did deliver on the manufacturer warranty of 30 years, it was found that 74% of the Stille scissors used in a busy surgical centre were actually older than 50 years.(1)

2.       Cost-in-Use

Of course, whilst top surgeons and the sterilization services team might well value long-lasting surgical instruments, procurement teams charged with reducing operating room costs might find it hard to justify larger upfront costs for buying these products.

This is where a lifetime warranty comparison can really shine a light on the value of investing in higher quality instruments. By simply comparing the length of instrument warranties and dividing those time periods either by instrument cost or instrument use, it can be easily seen that the highest quality instruments will always be the star performers when it comes to value for money.

Obviously, high quality instruments with the longest warranties will prove the most cost-effective, so whichever instrument you are looking to purchase, make sure to research the various manufacturer warranties before buying anything. Whilst some will offer a 30-year warranty, others may only offer 1-5 years.

Alternatively, if your procurement team is considering single-use disposable instruments, a cost-in-use comparison with a high quality reusable instrument will invariably show the latter to be the most cost-effective investment.

For example, one study of laparoscopic instruments showed that “the total cost for single-use instruments would have been more than seven times that for reusable instruments.”(2)

3.       Minimal servicing costs

Another cost advantage to purchasing high quality surgical instruments is that they will often only need servicing every couple of years and some brands even offer the first service free within the initial purchase price.

What’s more, some high-quality instruments will be designed to allow for the instrument parts to be dismantled during servicing by the manufacturer, allowing for thorough inspection of corrosion at the joints to help maximise instrument longevity.

Low-quality instruments will not only require servicing more regularly, causing greater cost and disruption to instrument availability, they are also more likely to develop hairline fractures and corroded surfaces that mean effective servicing is no longer possible.

4.       Less environmental cost

There is also an environmental cost benefit for choosing long-lasting quality instruments over cheaper reusables in many cases.

For example, a study that compared mainly German brand reusable scissors to both German and Pakistani disposable scissors revealed that the reusable scissors were better for the environment. (3)

This is because whilst they take more energy to come to market, the reusable scissors are used thousands of times more than the disposable ones.

In addition, there is less ongoing environmental impact from servicing high-quality reusable surgical instruments than low-quality ones, which will require much more documentation, packaging, labelling and transportation for servicing.

Hold out for high quality

As can be seen from the above, it is easy to justify the greater outlay for purchasing high-quality reusable surgical instruments, even in the face of significant budgetary pressures.

In fact, the rapidity with which poor quality instruments degrade means that, even if you have missed the boat for submitting instrument requests for this financial year, it is worth waiting until you have the budget to buy the best in twelve months’ time.

To view our range of high-quality surgical instruments.

You can also contact our Cairn instrument team on 0845 226 0185 to arrange for a demonstration of our surgical instruments or to evaluate instruments on loan.

REFERENCES:

(1) Dahl G, Ölveback T, Wiklung L. Quality surgical instruments best investment. Presented: SEORNA, Swedish Operating Nurse Association Conference Meeting, 29-30 November 2012

(2) Gabriel N Schaer, MD, Ossi R Koechli, MD and Urs Haller, MD. Single-use versus reusable laparoscopic surgical instruments: A comparative cost analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Volume 173, Issue 6, Pages 1812-1815, December 1995

(3) http://www.sustainable-manufacturing.com/files/ 982_JGARG-Review_1-2012_Scissors_Aug2012_7g0i26.pdf

Titanium micro instruments benefits

/in , , /by

Titanium micro instruments offer several clear benefits for the surgeon over standard stainless steel models.

For this reason, Swedish surgical instrument manufacturer, Stille, has introduced a range of titanium micro forceps and needle holders.

Designed for surgeons specialising in plastic, ENT, reconstructive or replantation surgery, they offer the following benefits:

·         They are lighter than stainless steel micro instruments, helping to reduce fatigue during lengthy procedures

·         They are made from the finest U.S. origin alloy, giving you better durability and fracture toughness than lower grade titanium instruments

·         As titanium is a non-magnetic metal, the instruments minimise frustration caused by magnetized needles

·         With the exception of the DeBakey models, the forceps and needle holders have Diamond Jaws for improved durability and proper gripping of fine sutures

·         They are very resistant to corrosion, meaning they can maintain their performance and integrity for longer

With a range of 17 titanium micro forceps and 21 titanium micro needle holders, the surgeon has a wide selection of straight and curved models to choose from.

These include micro forceps with a variety of features including tying platform, counter-balanced design, fine ring tips and 1.2mm fine atraumatic DeBakey tips.

The micro needle holder range includes models with fine 0.8mm Diamond Jaws, a regular box lock for sutures 7-0 and smaller, and optional ratchet. There is also a range with 1.2mm Diamond Jaws, a streamlined box lock for sutures 5-0 and smaller, and optional ratchet.

WANT TO HANDLE OUR TITANIUM MICRO INSTRUMENTS?

The above features offer clear benefits for helping surgeons during delicate and complex procedures.

What’s more, they also provide an excellent long-term investment, where the procurement department needs to be reassured that any upfront cost can be justified by instrument longevity.

If you would like to handle our Stille titanium micro instruments to see how they feel, please contact our surgical instrument sales team on 0845 226 0185. They will be happy to visit you and show you our range.

If you prefer, they can also show you our range of Stainless stainless steel micro instruments.