A Comparison of the Defect Rate Between Original Equipment Manufacturer and Reprocessed Single Use Bipolar and Ultrasound Diathermy Devices

Abstract

Reprocessing has emerged as an attempt to control the cost of singleuse bipolar and ultrasound diathermy devices despite limited data on defect rates. This study compares the defect rates, as reported by surgical teams, between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) singleuse bipolar and ultrasound diathermy devices and reprocessed (RP) devices. Data were retrospectively collected on 3112 devices over a 7month period for two types of bipolar and ultrasound diathermy devices. There is a significant difference (p < 0.001) in reported bipolar and ultrasound diathermy device defects between OEM and RP. OEM singleuse bipolar and ultrasound diathermy devices were reported to be defective more frequently than RP devices based on reports from the surgical team.