Surgical instruments are the tools surgeons use for surgery.
They are used to cut, probe, and remove tissue or provide access for viewing
them.
Depending on the surgical procedure, surgical instruments
can be made from various materials, including metals and plastics. However, the
best surgical tools are made of metal, which is durable and easy to clean. As a
result, they provide surgeons with the precision needed for delicate surgeries.
Surgical instruments are among the most hygienic tools used in medicine. They are designed to be sterilized, and their surfaces roughened or abraded to prevent bacteria from adhering.
The Types of Metals Used for Surgical Instruments and Their Benefits
1. Stainless steel: This is the most common metal used in
the medical field. Stainless steel offers the best corrosion resistance and is
ideal for surgical equipment, body piercing jewelry, and biomedical implants.
2. Dumoxel steel: Dumoxel steel has non-toxic and
non-corrosive components. This steel is specifically designed for medical
applications due to its exceptional corrosion resistance, durability, and
mechanical properties.
3. Dumostar steel: Dumostar steel is a high-quality
stainless steel used to manufacture surgical instruments. It is known for its
superior durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain sharp edges.
Additionally, Dumostar is the most cost-effective and suitable material for
laboratory tools.
4. Titanium: This is a metal that is used in surgical instruments. Titanium does not rust easily, making it ideal for long-term use in hospitals or clinics with high levels of moisture or humidity. The strength and durability of titanium are other key benefits of this material.
The Pros and Cons of Each Metal Type Used to Make Surgical Instruments
The Pros
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a material that has been used for
manufacturing surgical equipment for decades, and it has proven to be highly
reliable.
Stainless steel has a yield strength of 260-896 MPa and a
modulus of elasticity of around 200 GPa. It also possesses varying amounts of
chromium and nickel, constituting its corrosion resistance and durability.
Stainless steel is also compatible with living tissue because it possesses 10% chromium. Therefore, there would be no adverse reaction with other materials used in surgical procedures.
Dumoxel Steel
Dumoxel is a highly resistant metal used to make surgical
equipment. Dumoxel is 95% anti-magnetic and stain resistant. Additionally, it
has a temperature resistance of up to 400°C and can be autoclaved at 270°C.
The high molybdenum and chromium content makes it more flexible. In addition, it increases its corrosion resistance, thus promoting its durability, making it ideal for surgical instruments that need to withstand repeated use and mechanical stresses.
Dumostar Steel
Dumostar is 100% anti-magnetic and temperature-resistant up
to 500°C. This makes it more elastic and corrosion-resistant than other types
of stainless steel.
It is highly resistant to minerals, organic acids, and salt corrosion. In addition, because of its high resistance to metal fatigue, Dumostar steel has excellent elasticity and durability.
Titanium
Titanium is completely magnetic because of the absence of
iron (non-ferocity). As a result, it is robust, lightweight, and strong.
Titanium is fully resistant to corrosion caused by nitric
acid, chloride, salt water, industrial chemicals, and organic compounds, which
promotes its durability.
Titanium is also a biocompatible material that is not harmful or toxic to the human body. The human body accepts titanium as a natural material, making it ideal for surgical implants and instruments.
The Cons
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a good choice for surgical equipment
because it lasts longer than other metals. However, corrosion is a significant
issue with using stainless steel. As the metal loses its strength when exposed
to water, it will eventually rust and become brittle if not properly maintained
or cleaned.
Additionally, since many users of stainless steel are allergic to nickel or some other element in the metal, they might develop hypersensitivity reactions from constant usage.
Dumoxel Steel
Dumoxel steel is also relatively low-cost, which comes at
the expense of quality control. This steel contains only nickel and chromium.
It has no additional elements that could make it more corrosion-resistant or
provide better strength or durability.
Dumoxel steel is an alloy of nickel and chromium. However,
it is less widely available than other metals.
Additionally, exposure to dumoxel steel may cause hypersensitivity reactions such as skin irritation or swelling.
Dumostar Steel
Dumostar possesses high strength and relatively good
corrosion resistance. However, it has low elasticity. As a result, Dumostar
steel can rust quickly, and should not be used in moist or damp places. This
can pose a risk of infection to the patient, and can also cause damage to the
equipment.
Also, because Dumostar steel is not commonly used in producing surgical instruments, finding specialized equipment made from this material can be difficult. In addition, some people may be allergic to Dumostar steel, which can cause skin irritation, blistering, or allergic reactions.
Titanium
Titanium is a metal that is often used for surgical
equipment. Its properties make it an excellent choice for many types of
surgery, including bone, joint, and dentistry.
Titanium is less widely available than other metals due to
its higher melting point and cost. In addition, a metal like titanium can
corrode when exposed to certain chemicals or conditions such as high
acidity.
Long-term exposure to high levels of metal compounds in titanium may cause health problems such as lung disease.
Durability of Metal Surgical Instruments
Metal surgical instruments are durable, but they aren't indestructible. That's because they are made from stainless steel and titanium, which can rust or corrode if not correctly maintained. Therefore, keeping your surgical instruments clean and dry and using only the recommended cleaners to prevent damage is essential to ensure durability.
Biological Impact of Metal Instruments
Metal instruments may have positive and negative biological
impacts depending on their usage. For example, metal scalpels and forceps can
help doctors perform precise and efficient surgical procedures. It can also
help dentists clean and prepare teeth for fillings and other treatments.
In contrast, metal instruments can also harm humans and the environment. For example, metals like lead and cadmium can be toxic when ingested or inhaled. In addition, metal instruments can cause physical damage to tissues and organs if used improperly or inappropriately, leading to infections, scarring, and other complications.
How to Find the Right Surgical Equipment Supplier
A medical equipment supplier is a business that provides
medical devices, tools, and instruments to healthcare facilities, medical
offices, and other healthcare institutions.
Selecting a suitable medical equipment supplier is essential
to guarantee a significant impact on your budget, foster partnerships, and
positively affect the end customer.
Here are some steps to follow to find the right surgical
equipment supplier:
- Research the market to find a perfect supplier: There are
numerous online surgical equipment suppliers, and it can be exhausting to find the right one. Begin by
researching online and reading reviews of different suppliers. Look for
references from colleagues who might have experience with surgical equipment
suppliers. This will help you create a shortlist of potential suppliers to
evaluate further.
- Evaluate the history of the supplier: Choose a supplier
with experience in the industry and operating for several years. This ensures
they have the knowledge and expertise to provide high-quality products and
services.
- Check the reputation of the supplier: The supplier should
have a dedicated customer service team that can handle any inquiries,
complaints, or issues that may arise promptly. The supplier should also provide
training and technical support to ensure that the equipment is used correctly
and safely.
- Check the guarantee of the quality of the equipment: The
quality of surgical equipment is critical for patient safety and the success of
surgeries. The equipment should meet industry standards and have high-quality
construction.
- Check the contract details with the supplier: Read through
the terms and conditions regarding payment, delivery, warranties, or any other
provisions that may be relevant.
- Check the customer satisfaction review: Read the customer reviews to see what others say about the supplier's products, customer service, and reliability.
Choosing the Right Metal: The Key to Safe and Effective Surgical Procedures
Each metal has advantages and disadvantages, including
strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. However, deciding which
metal to use depends on the surgical procedure and the surgeon's
preference.
Regular maintenance and checking for defects are also
essential for hygienic surgical instruments. Proper care and cleaning will
extend the instrument's lifespan and protect the patient and healthcare
provider from transmitting infections.
Overall, using metallic surgical instruments provides a reliable and efficient means of conducting safe and effective surgical procedures without compromising the health and welfare of patients.
Author:
Erin Gregory is a blogger in Toronto. She is currently working as a Community Manager for several small businesses. She has graduated with honors from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.
