Plastic Surgery events in the UK in 2023

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If you are involved in plastic or reconstructive surgery, then this Autumn/Winter offers several excellent opportunities to learn and network with fellow consultant plastic surgeons.

From facial surgery and body contouring to oral surgery, hand surgery and much more, you are sure to find some benefit from attending the following events:

 

BAAPS Congress 2023 – 28th to 29th September

Taking place on 28th and 29th September in London, The British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons’ 2023 Congress will focus on Body Contouring & Facial Surgery.

BAAPS is a charity that aims to advance innovation, excellence, education and safety in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. You can find out more about the Congress by clicking here: https://baaps.org.uk/about/events/1636/baaps_2023

 

BSFPS – British Society of Facial Plastic Surgery Annual Conference 2023 – 12th to 13th October

Organised by the BSFPS, which was created to support training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery for NHS and private sector surgeons, the Annual Conference will comprise of Juniors Day on the Thursday and the Annual Meeting on the Friday.

The main programme will cover all aspects of facial surgery, including optimising wound healing and scars, rhinoplasty, and Mohs surgery.

For more information about the BSFPS Annual Meeting or to register to attend just click here.

 

BAPRAS Congress 2023 – 29th November – 1st December

Taking place in Gateshead, this year’s BAPRAS Congress is subtitled ‘Interface’ to reflect the extensive working relationships that plastic surgery has with other surgical specialties.

In line with this, a number of different Associations and Societies are included on this year’s guest programme, including the British Orthopaedic Association, British Society for Surgery of the Hand, British Orthopaedic Oncology Society, British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and many more.

There will be several social events, including a networking evening for potential fellows, and the Association Dinner. Find out more here: http://www.bapras.org.uk/professionals/training-and-education/bapras-events/bapras-congress-2023

 

More Diary Dates for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Events

Don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels, where we will be regularly posting about upcoming plastic surgery events in the UK. Plus, if you have an event that you would like us to mention, just email info@cairntechnology.com and we will be happy to share the news!

You can also browse our exceptional range of Stille handcrafted surgical instruments for plastic surgery here.

 

Surgical Sutures and Stitch Types: A Guide

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Surgical sutures and stitches are used to close wounds to the skin and other tissues.

This is an essential introduction to the different types of surgical sutures and stitches. We’ll briefly discuss what each type is used for and explore the sort of specialist surgical instruments doctors use to apply sutures.

What’s the Difference Between Sutures and Stitches?

The terms “sutures” and “stitches” are often used interchangeably. The key difference is that a suture is a medical device surgeons use to repair a wound and stitching is a technique surgeons use to repair wounds with sutures.

Even the most experienced surgeon might sometimes refer to “sutures” as “stitches”, and vice-versa. Most people will understand what you mean if you use either term. But it’s important to understand the difference, nonetheless.

The Different Types of Sutures

There are three key ways to classify sutures:

  • Absorbable or nonabsorbable. Absorbable sutures will be naturally digested by the enzymes in your body, over time. Nonabsorbable sutures will either be left in permanently, or else they’ll be removed by a doctor at a later date.
  • Some sutures are monofilament, meaning they consist of a single thread, for quicker and easier stitching. Other sutures are braided, making for a more secure stitching.
  • Sutures will either be made from a natural or a synthetic material.

Suture Grades

To help surgeons select the appropriate type of suture for each application, sutures are graded by the diameter of the strand. The suture grading system involved an O followed by a number. This number indicates the diameter of the suture. The higher the number, the lower the diameter.

Types of Suture

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. We just want to provide a few examples of the different types of sutures, along with their applications.

  • A natural, absorbable, monofilament suture, largely used to close internal soft tissue wounds.
  • Polydioxanone (PDS). A synthetic, absorbable, monofilament suture that’s suitable for paediatric cardiac procedures, as well as in many types of soft tissue surgery.
  • Polyglactin (Vicryl). A synthetic, absorbable, braided suture that’s durable enough for use in repairing external lacerations, such as on the hand and face. Though as certain braided sutures can make wounds more vulnerable to infection, sutures of this type should not be used in cardiovascular procedures.
  • Nylon and silk. Nylon sutures are monofilament, whereas silk sutures are braided. Both types are nonabsorbable, and suitable for general use for most types of soft tissue repair.

Types of Suture Techniques

As well as selecting from different types of sutures, surgeons can also choose from a variety of suture techniques depending on the procedure.

Here are some examples of the types of suture techniques. But once again, please note that this is not an exhaustive list:

  • Continuous sutures. In which surgeons will make a series of stitches with a single strand of suture. A skilled surgeon can apply continuous sutures quickly, and as the tension’s distributed evenly across the wound, the stitch tends to be quite strong.
  • Interrupted sutures. Rather than making a series of stitches with a single suture, surgeons may instead make a stitch, cut and tie it off, and then make another – repeating the process until the wound’s closed. This technique takes longer, but the stitch can be more secure, as even if one suture breaks, the rest will stay in place.
  • Purse-string sutures. A type of continuous suture which involves stitching a suture around an area, before tightening it like you would the strings on a purse. One possible application of this type of suture is to secure a stapling device to the intestines.
  • Buried sutures. With this type of suture, surgeons tie the knot within the area they’re closing off. It’s a method for making secure stitches deep within the body, and typically, the sutures are not intended to be removed.

Types of Suture Needles

To apply a suture to a wound, surgeons will first attach the suture to a needle. There are a few different types of suture needles:

  • For easy manoeuvrability in small spaces. The curved shape of the needle allows the surgeon to stitch a wound by simply turning their wrist.
  • For making very precise and neat stitches. These are good for fixing external lacerations, but they’re unsuitable for deeper wounds, as surgeons need a lot of space to use them.
  • For when surgeons need to puncture tissue so they can pass through it. Most suture needles have sharp tips for this very purpose.
  • The rounded tip means that blunt suture needles can still separate tissue, but there’s less risk that they’ll inadvertently prick organs and other bits of tissue.

Surgeons will also use forceps and other types of surgical equipment to give them a tight grip and reliable control of their suture needles as they stitch wounds. Read our full guide to the different types of surgical forceps.

Taking Care of Your Surgical Instruments

Effectively sterilising and cleaning surgical instruments is an essential part of infection prevention and control in medical settings, particularly when the procedure involves working so close to soft tissues and open wounds. Taking care of your surgical instruments will also prolong their lifespan, keeping them as reliable as possible for as long as possible.

We have a few guides that will help you take better care of your surgical instruments:

At Cairn Technology, we have one of the most comprehensive offerings of high-quality surgical instruments on the UK market. Take a look at our range of surgical instruments.

For a free quote, or to discuss your surgical needs with one of our friendly experts, get in touch today.

Operating Theatre Must-Have Equipment Checklist

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Three things are vital to delivering an efficient operating theatre:

In this post, we’ll discuss the must-have equipment for any operating theatre.

Why Does Equipment Make a Difference in Operating Theatres?

Obviously, all operating theatre procedures depend upon specialist surgical equipment. You need surgical equipment you can depend on. But it’s just as important to carefully consider the rest of the equipment you use in the operating theatre.

Between each procedure, you’ll have to clean, decontaminate, or sterilise the operating theatre environment, your surgical instruments, and your medical equipment.

Any equipment you use will either be reusable or disposable. With single-use equipment, so long as it’s adequately stored and handled, you can use it during the procedure safe in the knowledge that it’s clean and sterile, and simply dispose of it in the appropriate waste channel following the procedure. But with reusable equipment, you’ll have to take appropriate steps to ensure everything’s adequately processed before and after each procedure.

In this way, the specific equipment you choose for your operating theatre can make a huge difference to your patient outcomes, and to your turnaround time.

Your choice of equipment can also influence your operational efficiency (through reducing clutter while providing ease of access, for example), and the comfort and safety of your theatre team.

Operating Theatre Must-Have Equipment Checklist

Surgical Lights

For illuminating the surgical site while eliminating shadows. Surgical lights can either be LED or halogen. Of the two, LED is more energy efficient. It also provides a brighter, whiter light, and it generates less heat, which can make things more comfortable for surgical teams.

Operating Table

The table upon which the patient lies for the duration of the procedure. Operating tables are often adjustable and with moving parts, to help the surgical team position the patient as necessary for the procedure.

Equipment Management Systems

These provide storage and ease of access for all the necessary surgical equipment, alongside housing for wires and cables.

This can improve operational efficiency through allowing the surgical team to easily access the equipment they need as soon as they need it. These systems can also reduce clutter, helping to remove tripping and slipping hazards.

Operating theatres may also contain warming cabinets, which can be used to keep fluids, linens, and blankets warm, to help reduce the risk of hypothermia during certain procedures.

Surgical Displays

Display systems can either provide up-to-date information about the patient’s status, or they can provide an intricate, magnified view of the patient’s inner anatomy during certain invasive procedures.

Surgical displays may be wall-mounted, or they may be attached to arms or columns.

Surgical Instruments

A surgeon’s tools of the trade. Surgical instruments are used exclusively in sterile spaces, and they’re specifically designed to penetrate a patient’s skin or mucous membrane. Different procedures will require different instruments.

We specialise in supplying high quality instruments for use across a broad range of surgical disciplines. If you’d like to discuss your surgical instrument requirements, get in touch to talk to an expert today.

Scrub Sinks

Operating theatre teams use scrub sinks to wash their hands and forearms before performing surgical procedures. Good hand hygiene is an essential part of effective infection prevention and control in operating theatres.

This is one area where the specific choice of equipment can make a huge difference to your theatre’s operational efficiency. An absorbent floor mat in the theatre or scrub room can help reduce slippery floors and can also reduce turnaround times between procedures.

The most superabsorbent mat, the T-Mat, can absorb up to 8.5 litres of liquid during a procedure, and afterwards your team can quickly and easily dispose of it in the clinical waste. This will dramatically cut down on your cleaning time, with no need for any noisy, time-consuming suction devices and tubing.

We Can Help You Deliver Exceptional Care Quality Standards in the Operating Theatre

Cairn Technology are approved suppliers to both NHS and private healthcare providers. We specialise in helping operating theatre teams improve efficiency and care quality standards.

As well as stocking a range of surgical instruments and specialist infection control products, we can provide expert advice on improving operational effectiveness in the theatre. Get in touch to discuss our products and services with  one of our friendly experts today.

Future Surgery Show, November 2023 – What To Expect

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The 2023 Future Surgery Show takes place 14 – 15 November 2023 at ExCeL, London. Expect two dedicated days of CPD accredited professional development, along with dozens of exhibitors demonstrating the latest in surgical innovations.

Cairn Technology will once again be exhibiting at Future Surgery. Visit us on Stand N80 to view our diverse range of advanced products and services for the medical sector.

Future Surgery Show 2023 – What to Expect

The event aims to bring together the whole perioperative team to explore future developments in surgery.

In particular, it will explore how innovation and new technology will change patient care and shape the future workforce. It will also provide insights into the latest and upcoming techniques.

You can view the full Future Surgery Conference Programme here.

The Theme for 2023’s Future Surgery Show

The 2023 event is focused on “Entering a New Era of Surgical Innovation”. Topics for this year may include disruptive technology, connectivity, human factors, training, and research to support change and improve care and safety standards.

Future Surgery 2023 Exhibitors

In addition to the packed conference programme, more than 100 suppliers will be exhibiting at Future Surgery 2023.

You can view the full list of 2023 exhibitors here

Cairn Technology will be exhibiting on Stand N80.

Cairn Technology at Future Surgery 2023

Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll be showcasing at Future Surgery 2023:

  • Stille Surgical Instruments – We’re the UK distributor of Stille surgical instruments, supplying specialist equipment for a wide range of surgical disciplines including cardiac, orthopaedic, and reconstructive surgery.
  • Workplace Air Quality Monitoring – We can help you ensure you comply with vital inspection maintenance requirements, including COSHH and (HTM) 03-01. Our workplace monitoring solutions are specially tailored to operating theatres, anaesthetic rooms, endoscopic departments, and more.
  • Fluid Management Products – Among other cutting-edge fluid management products, we stock the market-leading T-mat, a superabsorbent non-drip floor mat for operating theatres that can soak up and lock-in up to 8.5 litres of water or 3.5 litres of saline. This can promote a cleaner surgical environment, reducing the risk of cross-infections along with slips, trips, and falls.
  • Air Purification Solutions – We’ve partnered with air purification specialist Blueair to supply their specialist range of hospital-grade HealthProtect range of air purifiers. These can completely filter the air in a large room in as little as 12.5 minutes, removing up to 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns while killing up to 99% of viruses and bacteria.

Come And Talk to Us at Future Surgery 2023

To find out how our range of products can help you deliver surgical excellence in your healthcare setting, visit us on stand N80 at Future Surgery 2023.

But if you can’t wait until then, or if you have any questions before the event, get in touch. Our team of friendly experts will be happy to discuss your requirements and offer any help and support you need.

Call us on 0333 015 4345 or email info@cairntechnology.com.

Different Types of Surgical Forceps

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We recently put together a guide to the different types of surgical instruments, and their common applications. In this post we’ll take a closer look at the different types of surgical forceps, which are mainly used to grab and manipulate tissue during procedures.

Please note that different hospitals and surgical teams might use slightly different names for these different types of forceps. This is just a general guide, to provide a general introduction to the varied role forceps can play in surgical procedures.

At Cairn Technology, we supply high quality instruments for use across a broad range of surgical applications. Take a look at our range of surgical instruments.

The Different Types of Surgical Forceps

Dissecting Forceps

Surgical teams may also refer to dissecting forceps as grabbers, or thumb forceps. They’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes, all resembling tweezers.

Used for: Surgeons basically use these as more precise extensions of their fingers and thumbs, to hold and manipulate tissue and equipment.

Dissecting forceps can either be traumatic or atraumatic – which means their tips are either toothed or non-toothed. Traumatic forceps are used to hold and grip dense tissue. Atraumatic forceps are for gently grasping tissue without damaging it during delicate procedures such as dissection.

Hinged Forceps

Also known as locking forceps, or Haemostats, hinged forceps resemble a pair of scissors. Due to their flat edges, they can securely carry and lift tissue without damaging it.

Used for: Hinged forceps are used to hold tissue in place during certain operations, and to compress blood vessels that are to be tied off. Obstructing vessels and arteries in this way can also prevent blood flow during operations on organs.

Reverse Forceps

These are essentially the opposite of dissecting forceps. You squeeze dissecting forceps to close them. Yet with reverse forceps, you squeeze to open them.

Used for: This design provides uniform tension, which gives surgeons a greater level of precision and control for procedures such as tying sutures and applying or removing dressing.

Obstetric Forceps

Some forceps are specifically designed for certain procedures.

Used for: Maternity teams will make use of a variety of obstetric-specific forceps during labour and delivery, to safely extract babies during the crowning process.

Taking Care of Your Surgical Forceps

Effectively sterilising and cleaning surgical instruments is an essential part of infection prevention and control in medical settings. Taking care of your surgical instruments will also prolong their lifespan, keeping them as reliable as possible for as long as possible.

We have a few guides that will help you take better care of your surgical instruments:

. Cairn Technology supplies a range of handcrafted Stille surgical instruments that are warrantied for 30 years of service. Take a look at our range of surgical instruments.

For a free quote, or to discuss your surgical needs with one of our friendly experts, get in touch today.

 

2023 Vet Shortage in the UK: Why and What Now?

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All healthcare services in the UK are currently facing a number of serious, ongoing issues. Staff shortages and industrial action have resulted in long ambulance waiting times, and there have also been reports of scores of dentists leaving the NHS.

The veterinary sector has faced similar challenges. In this post we’ll discuss the 2023 vet shortage in the UK, examining why it’s happening and exploring what might happen next.

Is There a Vet Shortage in the UK?

The UK’s veterinary workforce relies on overseas registrants to meet required levels, but the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) figures suggest that the annual number of registrants coming to work as vets in the UK fell by 68%, from 1,132 in 2019 to 365 in 2021.

This is a significant proportion of vets in the UK as in 2019, up to 48% of new registrants had graduated outside the UK. The British Veterinary Association, the UK’s largest membership body for vets, has warned of “wide-ranging direct and knock-on impacts across the sector” as a result of severe vet shortages.

Why Is There a Shortage of Vets?

There are three underlying reasons for the UK’s current vet shortage:

  • Brexit – A major reason why the sector saw such a significant drop in overseas registrants is due to the end of free movement that followed Brexit. The process for new vets to apply for work in the UK is a lot more complicated than it was a few years ago, and as a result fewer vets overall are migrating to work in the UK.
  • The Pandemic – New laws throughout the COVID-19 pandemic required vets, nurses, and other staff members to self-isolate whenever they tested positive for the virus. This will have created a significant backlog of care, similar to the crisis the NHS is currently facing. As a result, there are more cases than staff can handle, so many practices across the country have had to close their doors to new pet registrations.
  • A Rise in Pet Ownership – New pet registrations soared during the government’s enforced COVID-19 lockdowns. This will have added even further to vets’ workload, which will have already been stretched to breaking point by the effects of the pandemic.

On top of these three issues, some vets are reporting “relentless calls and constant abuse”. Large numbers of exhausted and burnt-out vets have quit their practices. And given the ongoing problems with the labour market, many practices have struggled to replace them.

How is the Sector Managing the Vet Shortages?

We have seen some initiatives to address the vet shortages across the country.

The RCVS has released an action plan to tackle the vet shortages. Just like other healthcare workers, vets are often required to work long hours at a time multiple days in a row, often up to 60 hours a week. So among the RCVS’s proposals are a move towards more flexible working patterns for vets, nurses, and other staff.

They have also proposed to widen the role that veterinary nurses play. Throughout the pandemic years, veterinary nurses were often forced to step up to take the strain off vets. The RCVS has suggested formalising this expanded role for veterinary nurses, with corresponding pay rises and other compensations.

This action plan may make a difference in the long-term, yet given the current extent of the problem, it may be some time before the industry can properly recover.

Small Things Can Make a Big Difference

In times of crisis, it becomes vitally important that you can make full use of all of your available resources. In short, you need to be able to do more with less. We offer certain specialist solutions that will help you improve your operational efficiency with your current workforce.

For example, our DryMax absorbent mats may not look like much, but when used in your treatment rooms, each mat can absorb up to two litres of all liquids. And even when saturated, an anti-skid barrier layer will keep the mat in place and prevent the fluid from leaking any further.

These specialist absorbent mats reduce the fall risk from wet and slippery floors, and you can quickly and easily dispose of them afterwards. This will significantly reduce the time you spend cleaning between procedures. So you’ll have less down-time, and a considerably faster turnaround time, which may mean you can see more pets each day than before.

At Cairn Technology we can also supply you with the surgical instruments you need to undertake a multitude of surgical procedures on animals. This includes Bergstrom-Stille muscle biopsy cannulas, SuperCut scissors, forceps and retractors.

Get in touch to discuss how our specialist solutions and services can help you improve the operational efficiency in your veterinary practice.

 

How Do You Sterilise and Clean Surgical Instruments?

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Surgical instruments are used exclusively in sterile spaces, and they’re specifically designed to penetrate a patient’s skin or mucous membrane.

In this post we’ll discuss some best practice techniques for cleaning and sterilising surgical instruments.

Benefits of Effective Cleaning and Sterilisation of Surgical Instruments

Infection Prevention and Control
As such, cleaning and sterilising surgical instruments before use is an essential part of infection prevention and control in hospitals.

Prolong Surgical Instrument Lifespan
Effective cleaning and sterilisation can also prolong the lifespan of surgical instruments, keeping them as sharp and effective as possible for as long as possible.

Decrease Turnaround Time
And an efficient cleaning and sterilisation process can help streamline your entire department, helping to reduce the turnaround time between procedures.

The Difference Between Cleaning and Sterilisation

There is a difference between cleaning a surgical instrument, and sterilising a surgical instrument:

  • Cleaning – Using water and disinfectant to remove organic matter.
  • Sterilising – Using chemicals or specialist equipment to remove all microbes from an object.

A surgical instrument must be sterilised before use. But it must be visibly clean before it’s ready for sterilising.

How to Clean and Sterilise Surgical Instruments

Different instruments may go through different cleaning and sterilisation processes depending on their material, and their frequency of use. But this is the general process that the majority of instruments will go through between uses.

Step 1 – Preprocessing

Following a surgical procedure, surgical instruments are treated with transport gels at the point of use. These gels prevent the drying of bioburden, which can make later cleaning and sterilisation processes faster and more effective.

Step 2 – Manual Cleaning

Once treated with transport gel, the sterile instruments are taken to a dedicated decontamination area. All instruments will then go through a manual cleaning process. Some instruments may have to be disassembled first, to ensure that all of their surfaces can be cleaned.

Ideally, the manual cleaning team will have access to a three bay sink:

  • Bay 1 – Pre-rinsing instruments with cold water to remove transport gel, and organic matter such as blood and bone.
  • Bay 2 – Immersing instruments in a solution, which will be either neutral detergent or enzymatic depending on the instrument. Following immersion, the instruments are brushed by hand.
  • Bay 3 – Final rinsing. Depending on the instrument, manufacturers may recommend different treatments for the rinse water. If the water’s too hard, it can lead to spotting. Chloride levels can also damage instruments, and microorganism levels can lead to cross-contamination.

Step 3 – Automated Washing

Following the manual cleaning, surgical instruments will go through a specialist automated washing process. This is the sterilisation stage, where any microorganisms will be removed and killed.

Different instruments will require different equipment and processes, including:

  • Disinfectors – The instruments are sprayed with pressurised water at a predefined temperature, flow, and chemical concentration. Manufacturers will recommend the optimum parameters for each instrument.
  • Ultrasonic Cleaning – Some surgical instruments have delicate, hard-to-reach features including hinges and crevices. Automatic disinfector machines may not effectively clean these areas, so ultrasonic cleaning processes are used instead. This involves using high-frequency sonic waves to clean the entire surface of an instrument, often alongside low-foaming enzymatic cleaning agents. Instruments must be thoroughly washed with soft water following ultrasonic cleaning.

Step 4 – Storage

Following the cleaning process, surgical instruments are labelled to indicate the date they were cleaned. They are then carefully transported to, and stored within, a sterile environment until they’re ready for use again.

Essential Tips For Caring For Your Surgical Instruments

You’ll find many guides on our site to help you keep your surgical instruments sterile and in good working order for as long as possible:

We also specialise in supplying high quality instruments for use across a broad range of surgical disciplines. If you’d like to discuss your surgical instrument requirements, get in touch to talk to an expert today.

Operating Theatre Staff Roles and Responsibilities

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It takes a lot of people to run a successful operating theatre. The most efficient operating theatre is one in which everyone knows their own role and responsibilities, as this means that everyone can depend on everything being done that needs to be done.

In this post we’ll explore the various operating theatre staff roles, and the key responsibilities for each member of the team.

Outline of Operating Theatre Staff Rolls

Please note that this is a general list of operating theatre staff roles. Specific theatres might have specific roles, and many members of the team will share responsibilities as the situation demands. So please don’t treat this list as a definite hierarchy so much as an example of the sort of roles that could exist in your average operating theatre.

Operating Theatre Manager

The operating theatre manager oversees the theatre’s day-to-day operational issues. They will often manage multiple sites. Their responsibilities involve managing budgets and resources, as well as implementing risk management and health and safety policies.

As well as providing professional leadership to all theatre staff, they might lead on research projects and assess, develop, and implement new evidence-based programmes of care.

You can read our full guide to an operating theatre manager’s roles and responsibilities.

Operating Theatre Team Leader

Supporting the theatre manager, the team leader will directly lead the multidisciplinary theatre team, both professionally and clinically.

Their responsibilities will involve planning and organising workload and supervising the nursing staff. They may also provide clinical advice, and ongoing training and development in the use of specialist instruments and equipment.

The team leader will also oversee the maintenance of operating theatre equipment, which will include keeping on top of stock levels.

Theatre Practitioners

Nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists and other specialists. Responsible for undertaking or assisting in the highly skilled invasive medical procedures that take place in the controlled theatre environment.

As they carry out such delicate, high-pressure procedures, many would argue that the theatre practitioners are the most important of all the operating theatre staff.

However, as we’ll see, the practitioners depend on a huge team of support staff to ensure they can deliver the highest possible quality of care.

In an operating theatre, communication is key, and each member of the team must feel like they can depend on every other member of the team at all times.

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs)

ODPs have a diverse range of skills across three main areas of the theatre:

  • Anaesthetics – While the anaesthetist works, the ODP will usually interact with the patient – talking to them and giving them whatever support they need to stay calm.
  • Scrub – While the theatre team is operating, the ODPs will ensure that all surgical equipment is readily available and adequately sterilised.
  • Recovery – ODPs will provide a lot of recovery support, including airway management, pain relief, and supervising patients as anaesthesia wears off.

Surgical Care Practitioners

Registered non-medical healthcare professionals who work with the surgical team to ensure the best outcome for the patient.

Before the operation, they will gather the patient’s medical history and perform an assessment. Throughout this process, they will liaise with the surgical team so as to inform them of any of the patient’s special requirements.

During procedures, they may be responsible for certain surgical interventions. These may include prepping the patient, assisting in haemostasis, and carrying out wound closure procedures.

Following the operation, they’ll assist in the patient assessments, and contribute to any meetings to discuss the patient’s ongoing care.

Recovery Practitioner

As the name suggests, recovery practitioners are there to oversee the patient’s recovery. Though their responsibilities begin before the procedure, as they usually assist the anaesthetist and ODP in supervising the patient.

Following the procedure, they’ll oversee advanced pain and airway management, and the ongoing monitoring of the patient for post-operative complications.

Support Workers

Finally, a team of support workers will carry out all the essential housekeeping duties and assist in any other activities essential to the smooth running of the operating theatre.

This might include maintaining the cleanliness of the theatre itself, as well as all ante rooms, changing rooms, kitchens, and sterilisation suites. They will also assist in stock management, keeping tabs on stock levels and ensuring that the team will always have everything they need, exactly when they need it.

Indeed, a good operating theatre support worker will be able to anticipate the requirements of the operating team, so they can give them the support they need before they even realise they need it.

Running an Efficient Operating Theatre

As we’ve seen, it takes a huge team of people to run a successful operating theatre.

Each member of the team needs to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. They should have fast access to exactly the equipment they need, and they should be able to depend on this equipment being in a safe and reliable condition.

Good communication is vital if such a large, multidisciplinary team is to function. Effective leadership can help create a culture in which each member of the team is perfectly aware of their role and responsibilities. But this is just one aspect of an efficient operating theatre.

Read our full guide to improving quality and efficiency in operating theatres.

Get Expert Advice Today

Whether you want a consultation on effective infection control, or some advice on improving operational effectiveness in the theatre, our experts are here to help.

Get in touch to talk to one of our expert consultants today.

What is Surgical Steel & What’s The Difference From Stainless Steel?

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You have to be able to rely on your surgical instruments. The size and the function are important, but just as important is the quality of the steel.

This is your essential guide to surgical steel. We’ll explore how it differs from standard stainless steel, before addressing some of the most commonly asked questions people have about surgical steel. Finally, we’ll let you know how you should choose the right steel quality for your surgical purposes.

What Is Surgical Steel?

Surgical steel is a low-carbon steel containing high concentrations of chromium. This chromium reacts with oxygen in the air to form a stable oxide bond that helps prevent rust. Surgical steel is also nonporous, making it more hygienic for use in clinical environments. And as it’s chemically inert, you can safely sterilise surgical steel with no risk of corrosion or degradation.

What Are The Differences Between Surgical Steel and Stainless Steel?

This is where it can get confusing. For while almost all surgical instruments are made from stainless steel, not all stainless steel is suitable for medical use.

Stainless steel comes in a variety of grades. Medical grade stainless steel – that is, surgical steel – tends to have a higher concentration of chromium. Surgical steel will contain at least 13% chromium, compared to standard stainless steel’s 10.5%.

Surgical steel can also contain a higher concentration of Molybendum, to further reduce corrosion, and nickel, which reduces its brittleness. However, surgical devices designed for use as implants will usually have a lower nickel content, to prevent infection in the patient’s body.

Does Surgical Steel Rust?

No – the oxide bond produced by the chromium coats the surgical steel like a film. This means that even if you damage the steel’s exterior, the film will heal itself, making it impossible for rust to take hold.

Is Surgical Steel Self-Healing?

This self-healing quality is crucial for healthcare applications. Small fissures in the surface of steel can work as a breeding ground for bacteria. With surgical steel, any fissures will close themselves before bacteria can take hold. This, combined with ongoing sterilisation, helps keep surgical steel suitably hygienic for medical use.

Does Surgical Steel Stain?

Surgical steel is a form of stainless steel. But the name “stainless steel” can be misleading. It’s not “stainproof steel”. It’s “stainless steel”. It’s less likely to stain, but stains are still possible.

In time, all types of stainless steel corrodes and stains. Surgical steel is no exception – though the higher chromium content can make it a lot more durable than standard stainless steel.

The correct cleaning procedures can greatly prolong the lives of surgical steel instruments. For example, using deionised water with high-quality cleaning chemicals can reduce water spotting while helping avoid mineral deposits forming in the wash cycle.

But unfortunately, no surgical instrument can be used indefinitely. Your surgical instrument supplier will be able to advise you on how long you can expect to use your instruments before they need replacing.

Is Surgical Steel Magnetic?

Many grades of surgical steel are magnetic. The steel’s chemical composition determines whether or not it’s magnetic. A large quantity of ferrite will make surgical steel magnetic. Also, surgical steel that’s been heat-treated for extra durability is usually magnetic owing to an abundance of iron.

However, surgical steel containing particularly high chromium content – at about 30% – along with nickel is more likely to be non-magnetic.

If you need more information on whether the surgical steel you need should be magnetic or non-magnetic, get in touch to talk to one of our experts today.

How To Choose The Right Steel Quality for Surgical Purposes

There are many different grades of surgical steel, and each is suitable for a different range of applications.

Some grades offer increased sharpness, flexibility or durability. Others are more resistant to corrosion, and some are designed to be used as implants, either permanently or temporarily.

We offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of surgical instruments on the UK market, and our experts are always on-hand to discuss your needs. So if you’d like some guidance on the right steel quality to choose for your application, get in touch to talk to an expert today.

Types of Surgical Instruments – Names and Instrument Selection

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If we classify them according to their function, there are three main types of surgical instruments:

  • Cutting surgical instruments – Such as blades, knives, scissors and scalpels.
  • Grasping surgical instruments – Anything you use to hold something in place, such as forceps.
  • Retracting surgical instruments – For holding incisions open, or for holding organs and tissues out of the way while you operate.

Types of Surgical Instruments For Cutting

These are some of the most common surgical instruments for cutting:

Blades, Knives and Scalpels

We categorise scalpels by their size and shape, and each type is good for a different sort of application. For example, surgeons usually choose a number 10 blade for making smaller incisions in skin and tissue. Whereas a number 15 blade, with its small curve, is better for making short and precise incisions, such as when removing a skin lesion or opening a coronary artery.

Surgical Scissors

Surgical scissors come in a huge range of sizes. At the top end of the scale are heavy-duty surgical scissors, which can cut through thick tissue, muscle, and even bone. Mid-size surgical scissors use a combination of sharp and serrated blades to give precise cuts with minimal tissue damage. Surgical scissors with curved blades help you to make clean cuts without hitting any underlying tissue.

Smaller scissors include Vannas scissors and Castroviejo scissors, both of which are good for delicate applications such as ophthalmic and neurosurgical procedures. Finally, small sapphire blades can create precise cuts while applying a minimum of pressure, making them perfect for microsurgery.

Types of Surgical Instruments For Grasping

Like scissors and scalpels, surgical forceps come in a range of styles and sizes, each one suitable for different applications. Forceps can either have straight tips or curved tips. Straight tips provide more grip and precision, while curved tips provide more visibility.

Thumb Forceps

Some forceps you squeeze to open. These are thumb forceps, and they’re good for dressing wounds, removing dressings, and tying sutures.

Reverse Forceps

Other forceps you squeeze to close. These are reverse-forceps, and their design provides uniform tension for added precision, especially when you’re wearing gloves.

Locking Forceps (Haemostats)

Some forceps resemble scissors. These are called haemostats or locking forceps, and surgeons use them to securely hold tissues during delicate operations, and to compress blood vessels to obstruct the blood flow when operating on organs.

Types of Surgical Instruments For Retracting

In surgery, retractors can either hold a wound or incision open, or hold an organ or tissue out of the way so you can work underneath.

Hand Retractors

Hand retractors require someone – or something – to hold them in place for the duration of a procedure. Surgical assistants usually undertake this role.

Self-Retaining Retractors

As the name suggests, self-retaining retractors do not require anyone to hold them throughout procedures. They can use screws, ratchets or clamps to hold tissue in place. Alternatively, wire retractors use a spring system to keep things secure.

Choosing The Right Surgical Instrument For Your Application

Some surgical instruments are versatile. You can use them in a range of applications. But certain applications will demand more specific surgical tools – smaller, sharper, or more precise, for example.

Your surgical instrument supplier should help you choose the right instrument for your specific application. But here are some things you should consider to help narrow down your choice:

  • What procedure are you performing? Almost every procedure you could conceivably perform over the course of your surgical career will have been performed before. This means that there’ll be published research papers about almost every procedure. These papers will often list the surgical equipment used during the procedure. They may even make clear recommendations for which equipment to use for best results.
  • How often will you use the surgical equipment? Of course you’ll keep your surgical instruments clean between use. But it’s also important to remember that surgical equipment doesn’t stay sharp forever. If you intend to make heavy use of your surgical equipment, look for those made with more durable materials, as they’ll stay sharp for longer.

Need more advice in choosing the right surgical equipment for your application? We offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of surgical instruments in the UK, and our experts are always on hand to help you choose the equipment you need. Find out more about our surgical instruments.