How to properly clean and sterilize surgical instruments to ensure surgical safety?

How to properly clean and sterilize surgical instruments to ensure surgical safety?

Cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments is an important step to ensure surgical safety. The specific process is as follows:

• Preliminary cleaning:

• After surgery, perform an initial cleaning of the instruments as soon as possible to prevent blood, tissue, and other biological material from drying on the instrument surface. Rinse the instruments with saline or water to remove visible dirt.

• Soaking:

• Soak the instruments in an appropriate cleaning solution (e.g. enzymatic cleaner) to break down organic matter. Soak for the required time according to the cleaning agent’s instructions.

• Mechanical cleaning:

• Use an ultrasonic cleaner or mechanical cleaning equipment to clean the instruments. Ultrasonic cleaning can effectively remove fine dirt and blood stains, ensuring that the instruments are thoroughly clean.

• Manual cleaning:

• For instruments with complex shapes, manual cleaning may be necessary. Use a soft-bristled brush and appropriate cleaning agent to ensure that every part is cleaned.

• Rinse and Dry:

• After cleaning, rinse the instruments thoroughly with clean water to remove any cleaning agent residues. Then place the instruments in a dryer or wipe them dry with a lint-free cloth.

• disinfect:

• Choose the appropriate sterilization method based on the type of instrument. Common sterilization methods include:

• Autoclaving: Suitable for metal instruments that are resistant to high temperatures.

• Chemical sterilization: Applicable to instruments that are not resistant to high temperatures, such as some plastic instruments, soaked in chemical disinfectants (such as glutaraldehyde).

• Packaging and Storage:

• Sterilized instruments should be stored in sterile packaging to ensure sterility until use.

How to effectively manage and organize surgical instruments during surgery?

Effective management and organization of surgical instruments is critical to the smooth running of the surgery. Here are some strategies for management and organization:

• Preoperative preparation:

• Before surgery, the surgical team should prepare a list of instruments required based on the type of surgery and ensure that all instruments are available.

• Device Classification:

• Classify instruments by function (such as cutting, clamping, suturing, etc.) and arrange them rationally on the operating table for quick access.

• Using a Pallet or Cart:

• Use dedicated instrument trays or instrument carts to keep instruments neatly organized and easy to access during surgery.

• Logo and Label:

• Label and tag instruments, especially complex surgical instruments, to help team members quickly identify and access them.

• Team Communication:

• During the operation, good communication should be maintained between the surgeon and assistant to ensure timely delivery and use of instruments.

• Post-operative finishing:

• After the operation, the used instruments should be sorted and counted in time to ensure that all instruments have been recovered to avoid omissions.

How does the design of surgical instruments affect the efficiency and safety of surgery?

The design of surgical instruments has a significant impact on the efficiency and safety of surgery, mainly in the following aspects:

• ERGONOMIC:

• Ergonomically designed instruments can improve surgeons’ operating comfort, reduce fatigue, and thus improve surgical efficiency.

• Functional Design:

• The functional design of the instrument (such as the sharpness of the blade, the grip of the clamp) directly affects the accuracy and safety of the operation. High-quality instruments can reduce damage to tissues and reduce the risk of complications.

• Visual Design:

• Transparent or translucent instrument design can improve the doctor’s visualization of the surgical area and help the doctor perform better.

• Material Selection:

• The material selection of the instrument (such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, etc.) affects its durability and biocompatibility. High-quality materials can reduce wear and corrosion of the instrument and ensure long-term safety.

• Easy to clean and disinfect:

• The design of the instrument should take into account the convenience of cleaning and disinfection, and avoid complex structures that make cleaning difficult and thus affect the safety of the operation.

What are the common instrument failures in surgical operations? How to prevent and deal with these failures?

Common instrument failures during surgery include:

• Loosening of the device:

• Grippers or other moving parts may loosen due to wear or misuse. Preventive measures include regularly checking the integrity of the instrument and ensuring that it is functionally tested before use.

• Blade blunting:

• Knives may become blunt during use, affecting cutting effectiveness. Preventive measures include checking the sharpness of knives before surgery and replacing them if necessary.

• Damage of equipment:

• The device may break due to overuse or improper operation. Precautions include following the manufacturer’s instructions for use and avoiding overload.

• Incomplete disinfection:

• If instruments are not thoroughly sterilized, infection may occur. Preventive measures include strict adherence to cleaning and sterilization procedures and regular training of staff.

• Functional Disability:

• Some instruments, such as powered surgical instruments, may fail due to power failure or mechanical failure. Preventive measures include performing a pre-procedure equipment check to ensure all functions are functioning properly.

Steps to troubleshoot these failures include:

• Timely identification:

• During surgery, the surgical team should promptly identify instrument failure and take prompt action.

• Backup Equipment:

• Prepare spare instruments during surgery so that they can be quickly replaced in case of failure to ensure continuity of surgery.

• Records and Feedback:

• Record failures and provide feedback to the equipment management department for improvement and preventive measures.