Will Workplaces Change Forever Post-Covid-19 Pandemic?

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As businesses begin to reopen and people return to work, the question is, will workplaces in the UK ever be the same again?

Office Design

Office design has been big business for years, with firms trying to make the maximise capacity in increasingly clever and cool ways. Breakout areas for staff to collaborate away from their desks have been popular, along with communal lunch areas and recreational facilities to provide a break from intensive and intricate tasks.

Social distancing rules now mean that offices simply cannot be so densely populated, and that staff should be mixing as little as possible, with hot desking a complete no no.

Start and Finish Times

There are other perils of the workplace, the first being the entrance and exit. Large number of workers starting and finishing at the same time and accessing the workplace through the same entrance is a social distancing headache.

The immediate answer as suggested in a recent article in The Economist¹ is introducing office shifts, staggered start and finish times, some staff working from home but is this realistic in the long term?

The press widely reported the viewpoint of Jes Staley, Chief Executive of Barclays when he said that big, expensive city offices, “…may be a thing of the past.” He added that the bank was evaluating how much office space it needed.²

Cleaning and making a safe place to work

Big or small, there will always be a need for offices as workplaces. Once inside, office based staff must have confidence that it is a safe place to work. Cleaning must be more often, more thorough and using appropriate products. All high traffic touch points must be cleaned with virucidal disinfectant, and staff must take responsibility for their own personal hygiene with regular hand washing and sanitising becoming the norm.

Employers must take all possible steps to reduce the risk of infection. A recent article by Comparative Immunologist and Professor of Biology, Erin Bromage³, shows how breathing the same air in an enclosed space increased the chance of exposure and infection. Air purification can remove up to 99.99% of viruses from the air, along with bacteria, allergens, and outdoor pollutant as such as diesel particular which become trapped indoors. This is a simple but effective step that all businesses could take to safeguard their workforce. An air purifier, such as the Blue Air Classic can simply be plugged in and within an hour, the air in the room is clean.

The short answer to the question will workplaces in the UK ever be the same is no, it is unlikely. However, we will have leaned valuable lessons not just in the fight against COVID-19, but in the responsibility of businesses to provide a safe working environment.

1. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52467965

2. https://www.economist.com/business/2020/05/09/dont-stand-so-close-to-me

3. https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them?fbclid=IwAR3-Xd9U7-62VWsy0hFq6XgUWpCwK_Z5jr1zPMSfrMtukAkZLlJ_oFZ5t7w

Face Masks & Beards: Will Corona Kill The Beard?

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Facial hair has become a fashion staple in recent years. From uber manicured stubble, to the full on hipster beard, it’s a trend that has shown no signs of slowing. Until now.

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has seen life change immeasurably for millions of people around the world an everyone taking the necessary steps to keep both themselves and their loved ones safe.

The use of face masks to protect against Coronavirus continues to be a hot topic and until such time as a vaccine is found it is likely that we will see their widespread use.

However, to be effective, masks must be used correctly. And this is where the beard could meet its demise. It stands to reason that the closer a mask can fit, the more effective it is. It has long been a rule that healthcare workers with facial hair cannot have a mask fitted. The Journal of Hospital Infection has today published a study which backs up the theory that keeping the beard could put men at greater risk from airborne particles. For more information, read the study.

Hospitals will lead from the front and advise staff accordingly, as their frontline teams will must be face fit tested with masks creating an adequate seal. However it is important that this message filters down to key workers and care staff, so that no matter what grade of mask they are using they can get the best out of it and keep themselves safe.

Finally, it is likely that we will see the general public using masks for some time to come and it is key that everyone knows how to get the most out of their facemask.

So it could be bye bye beards…

Return To Work After Covid: Duty of Care & Sanitation

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Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s been a range of different rules and recommendations for the workplace. It was often difficult to make concrete plans until the government released their own plans and recommendations at different stages. But many business owners and managers are already thinking about how it might work and what procedures they’ll want to keep for the long term.

Duty of Care in the Workplace

What is apparent is that employers will have a duty to provide a safe working environment in which their team feels confident. This will be done through a combination of staggered work times, distancing in the workplace, strict sanitation rules and enhanced cleaning programmes.

Infection Control and Sanitation at Work

As infection control specialists, we have supported the medical and care sectors for decades, with advice, cleaning schedules and high level cleaners and disinfectants. We are a tried and tested partner in the prevention and containment of infection.

More recently this has extended to businesses, and we’ve been using our expertise to keep things moving pre-lockdown and now getting them back to work.

Cleaning Products for Viruses in the Workplace

You’ll want to ensure the cleaning products you use in the workplace are adequate and able to disinfect surfaces effectively and with long-lasting protection. Our virusidal, microbial and sporicidal Virusolve+ products are independently lab tested and proven to be effective against a wide range of common viruses, bacteria and even superbugs. This includes COVID-19, ‘Flu, Norovirus, MRSA, C.Diff, Hepatitis, E.Coli, Salmonella, and many, many more.

Not only that, in its ready to use form Virusolve+ is non hazardous. It is Defra approved for use in food preparation areas, and CQC approved. It also has a residual effect which can continue to work for up to seven days. It is the ideal product to use in a workplace to keep staff safe and comes as a liquid, spray or in a wipe format.

Installing Hand Sanitiser in the Workplace

Now workers are back in the office, hand sanitiser will be a crucial way to help stop the spread of viruses and bacteria in the office. The Virusan hand sanitiser we recommend comes as a liquid or gel and these products will be vital in workplaces to ensure good personal hygiene practices. Again, businesses can rest assured that these are hospital grade products, and of the correct standards to safeguard staff.

As government plans unfold and change, new requirements will become apparent, but for businesses planning now, please contact us for infection control advice and guidance.

Email: info@cairntechnology.com Tel: 0845 226 0185

 

Why PPE Must Really Protect

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In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic there is much being reported about PPE, and in particular, the distinct lack of it.

Cairn Technology has been a health and safety expert in the medical sector for over 20 years and has worked extensively with UK hospitals in providing top quality PPE for chemical spills, and training staff in the correct usage of the equipment. This puts us in a ideal position to enter the current debate on the situation in the UK.

The first thing to be aware of is that there are different grades of PPE. Frontline workers need equipment which meets certain standards, using lesser quality items puts them at risk of infection. And whilst there is an argument that says something is better than nothing, these people have a right to do their job with the correct equipment and protection.

Many organisations have responded to the shortage by manufacturing PPE, however, unless it can be verified to these standards it cannot be commissioned for frontline staff. By the same token, there are news reports that, for example, millions of facemasks have been offered to the government by UK companies. What isn’t properly reported is that these masks are either not of the standard required, or the prices are prohibitive.

Cairn has been working extensively with front line staff on face fit testing – to ensure that the FFP3 masks worn by those providing primary care fit with an effective seal around the face. This provides 96% protection for the wearer, and is why you may have seen pictures of doctors and nurses with bruised faces from long days wearing these items. To dispel another myth, surgical masks which simply cover the nose and mouth without creating an effective seal are not adequate for frontline staff.

The cost of one of the recommended FFP3 masks was previously in the £5-£6 bracket. The asking price for the few which are available is now around £40 per mask. This kind of unethical profiteering is preventing equipment from reaching the frontline. Whilst the government’s response to the COVID-19 crisis has been unprecedented it is important that the public understand that all spending must be paid back somehow, at some future point.

It seems that some supplies of PPE are now reaching the frontline, but the need will continue long into the future. One of the best ways for us to keep frontline staff safe is to ensure that what equipment they are provided with is up to standard and provides adequate protection. The public getting caught up in the media storm and buying into unreliable reporting is not helpful and detracts from the task in hand.

As a long term supplier of PPE, Cairn Technology is working hard to try to source the correct equipment at a fair price, to enable us to continue long term relationships within the medical and care industries. Our customer relationships are built on trust and that is something that we will not be exploiting.

Watch this space for updates.

Air purifiers and Coronavirus (Covid-19)

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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.