How to Extend the Life of High-Value Surgical Equipment
Rigid and flexible scopes. Cameras and camera heads. Powered surgical equipment. Handpieces, shavers, drills and batteries. Healthcare facilities make significant investments in the specialized equipment required to support surgical care.
While these devices are designed for demanding clinical environments, they aren’t indestructible. Handling, reprocessing, transportation, storage and maintenance practices can all affect how long equipment remains in service.
The good news: some premature failures can be prevented by recognizing where damage occurs and addressing problems early.
Why Does High-Value Equipment Fail Early?
Equipment doesn’t always fail because it has reached the end of its useful life. Day-to-day practices can accelerate wear and damage.
Common causes include:
- Drops, impacts and improper handling
- Stacking or placing pressure on delicate components
- Pulling or sharply bending cords and cables
- Reprocessing practices that don’t follow manufacturer IFUs
- Improper transportation or storage
- Continuing to use equipment after performance begins to change
Many equipment problems also develop gradually. A damaged cable, loose connector or small change in performance may seem minor at first but can become a more significant repair if left unaddressed.
Three Ways to Protect High-Value Surgical Equipment
1. Improve Handling at Every Step
Consider the entire journey equipment makes—from the OR through decontamination, reprocessing, storage and back into use.
Protect optics and connectors, avoid unnecessary stacking, properly support cords and cables, use appropriate transport methods and follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning, handling and storage.
Small improvements in everyday handling can make a meaningful difference over the life of an asset.
2. Inspect Equipment Routinely
Routine inspection can help staff catch deterioration before a device fails.
Watch for:
- Damaged cables or insulation
- Loose or damaged connectors
- Changes in image quality
- Bent or damaged scope components
- Unusual noise or vibration
- Reduced or inconsistent performance
- Corrosion or signs of moisture
- Changes in battery performance
Staff members who use equipment regularly are often the first to notice when something looks, sounds or performs differently.
3. Address Problems Before They Become Failures
A device may still function even when a problem is developing.
Changes in performance, intermittent operation or visible damage shouldn’t be ignored simply because the equipment is still usable. Continued use can sometimes turn a manageable issue into a more extensive repair or premature replacement.
Early intervention helps protect both the equipment and the facility’s investment.
Bramstedt Can Help You Protect Your Surgical Assets
For more than 85 years, Bramstedt Surgical has helped hospitals, surgery centers and clinics keep surgical equipment performing through expert repair, preventative maintenance and staff education.
Just as importantly, our team can help you understand why equipment is being damaged. By identifying recurring repair trends and sharing actionable feedback with SPD and OR teams, we can help address problems at their source—not simply repair them again.
Have equipment that’s showing signs of wear or want to reduce recurring damage? Talk with Bramstedt about repair, preventative maintenance or staff education.