Reusable tubing tends to be made from more compliant materials, which may manifest increased surge and a decrease in chamber stability. When surgeons consider reuse, they often focus on acquisition price and not on other additional associated costs. The loss of efficiency during the case, reprocessing costs including labor, compliance with both state and federal regulations, and finally the costs associated with maintaining appropriate validation records all need to be analyzed. Also, flushing and cleaning of tubing prior to resterilization is cumbersome and exposes personnel to both tissue and body fluids, which obviously has associated risks and costs. In today s environment of concerns with reimbursement, product performance, and the risks and costs associated with reuse, we are able to be competitive with disposable tubing and phaco tips, while providing the quality and consistency customers want, Eister said.
Most surgeons prefer disposable cassettes and tips.
By focusing on the procedural cost, Alcon can provide desirable performance and consistency that is affordable in the majority of situations. At Staar Surgical, Smith said, it s extremely important that surgeons comply with labeling instructions, including the maximum number of times a product may be reused. In certain reusable products there may be connectors, filters, or one-way valves that appear functional on visual inspection, Smith said. If these products are used in excess of their intended usage these parts may fail, placing patients at risk for injury. She said different reusable products are thoroughly tested and validated by the manufacturers to withstand heat and pressure.