HSPA Ch. 11: Complex Surgical Instruments

powered surgical instruments (n)

instruments run by 3 main power sources (electric, pneumatic, & battery) that have revolutionized surgery, making procedures safer & faster

electric-powered instruments (n)

devices with a power cable (run by electricity) that are used when doctors need a lightweight instrument for procedures where access is limited (ex: maxiofacial, dental, & small bone procedures)

pneumatic-powered instruments (n)

instruments attached to an air hose (powered by compressed air/gas) that come in various sizes & allow surgeons to work on small, medium, & larger bones (ex: sternum saws, sagittal saws, & drills)

decontamination hose (n)

a hose attached to pneumatic-powered instruments during decontamination to protect their inner components from moisture (often marked with red tape for easy identification)

battery-powered instruments (n)

cord-free instruments (powered by batteries) that work well for procedures done on larger, denser bones (ex: total hip & knee replacements); batteries & chargers are specific to each system & not interchangeable

decontamination battery (n)

a battery attached to a battery-powered instrument during decontamination to protect its electrical components from moisture (often marked with a red "X" for easy identification)

endoscope (n)

an instrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or body cavity

light-emitting diode (LED) (n)

a semiconductor diode that emits light when voltage is applied (like a tiny light bulb)

operative endoscope (n)

an endoscope with a working channel (lumen) that instruments or accessories can pass through to perform surgical procedures

non-operative endoscope (n)

an endoscope that can view anatomy but cannot be used to perform surgical procedures

rigid endoscopes (n)

endoscopes ranging from 1.9-15 mm in size that are usually made of stainless steel & designed to allow for minimal flexing (not bending)

semi-rigid endoscopes (n)

endoscopes with a very thin stainless-steel shaft that can bend slightly more than rigid endoscopes

laparoscopic instruments (n)

very long, slender instruments (3-10 mm in width) that can be used with operative endoscopes to cut or cauterize during surgery

robotic instruments (n)

delicate instruments with complex mechanical & electrical components that allow surgeons to operate remotely (from any distance)

arthroscopic instruments (n)

instruments used for endoscopic procedures performed on joints (much smaller than other endoscopic instruments)

flexible endoscopes (n)

complex, bendable instruments used to visualize inside the body, perform diagnostic tests & surgical procedures, & obtain tissue specimens for biopsies

delayed processing (n)

the procedure for cleaning endoscopes that have not been processed within an hour after the completion of point-of-use treatment

leak testing (n)

a required test to ensure that an endoscope is watertight, required before submerging the device during cleaning & prior to HLD or sterilization

fixative (n)

a substance used to keep things in position or stick them together; a chemical substance used to preserve or stabilize biological material for examination

implantable devices (implants) (n)

instruments that are fully or partially introduced into the body (called explants once they're removed)

three-dimensional (3D) devices (n)

devices that are custom-made with different materials, created for specific sets or specific patients (one of the newest types of devices being used today)

loaner instrumentation (n)

instruments or sets borrowed from a vendor or other facility for emergency or scheduled surgical procedures (will be returned after use)