HEALTHMARKET DIGEST

Shaving Down Risks: Key Findings from a Shaver Handpiece Study

ISSUE NO. 826

As always, we appreciate the critical work you do to ensure the safety of your patients and the success of surgical procedures. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s essential for maintaining the quality and reliability of one of the most commonly used surgical instruments—arthroscopic shaver handpieces.


Arthroscopic shavers are vital in minimally invasive surgeries, allowing surgeons to remove damaged tissue and debris. However, these devices are notoriously difficult to clean due to their intricate design, narrow passages, and complex components. When not properly cleaned, shaver handpieces can become a potential source of infection, which can have serious consequences for patients.


Proper cleaning, inspection, and verification are critical in ensuring these devices function correctly and remain safe for use. While the process may be time-consuming, the health and safety of patients depend on diligence and expertise.

We’re excited to share an article from Healthmark educator, Cheron Rojo, who has authored a comprehensive study on cleaning and maintaining shaver handpieces. This study evaluates the effectiveness of cleaning and verification methods for arthroscopic shaver handpieces, focusing on issues such as retained debris and damage that could pose patient safety risks. The results highlight the importance of enhanced cleaning tools, proper inspection procedures, and targeted education to ensure these devices are adequately processed to avoid adverse patient outcomes. Read the full article here: Shaving Down Obstacles for Verification in Testing and Inspection of Shaver Handpieces: Case Study (2023-2024)


Your attention to detail directly contributes to the safety and well-being of patients. By following best practices for cleaning and inspection, as well as manufacturer IFUs, you can help ensure that shaver handpieces perform at their best, reducing the risk of infection and improving surgical outcomes. We encourage you to read through the full article and share it with your colleagues and team. Staying informed and adopting these practices will help you maintain the highest standards in sterile processing. 

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

Click below to request a complimentary sample of our ITB Brushes, which are great for cleaning lumened areas of shaver handpieces.

Click here

TOOLS USED TO CONDUCT THE STUDY

Shaver Leak Tester

FIS-007 (Borescope)

USB Microscope

TIP OF THE WEEK

Click here to learn more about our Specialty Cleaning Brushes from Healthmark Educator, Malinda Elammari.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.

- Robert Collier

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