Environmental impacts of reusable nanoscale silver-coated hospital gowns compared to single-use, disposable gowns

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 1124-1132 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Hicks ◽  
R. B. Reed ◽  
T. L. Theis ◽  
D. Hanigan ◽  
H. Huling ◽  
...  

Nanoscale silver has been incorporated into a variety of products where its antimicrobial properties enhance their functionality.

Author(s):  
Chantelle Rizan ◽  
Mahmood F. Bhutta

Abstract Background Hybrid surgical instruments contain both single-use and reusable components, potentially bringing together advantages from both approaches. The environmental and financial costs of such instruments have not previously been evaluated. Methods We used Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of hybrid laparoscopic clip appliers, scissors, and ports used for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, comparing these with single-use equivalents. We modelled this using SimaPro and ReCiPe midpoint and endpoint methods to determine 18 midpoint environmental impacts including the carbon footprint, and three aggregated endpoint impacts. We also conducted life cycle cost analysis of products, taking into account unit cost, decontamination, and disposal costs. Results The environmental impact of using hybrid instruments for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy was lower than single-use equivalents across 17 midpoint environmental impacts, with mean average reductions of 60%. The carbon footprint of using hybrid versions of all three instruments was around one-quarter of single-use equivalents (1756 g vs 7194 g CO2e per operation) and saved an estimated 1.13 e−5 DALYs (disability adjusted life years, 74% reduction), 2.37 e−8 species.year (loss of local species per year, 76% reduction), and US $ 0.6 in impact on resource depletion (78% reduction). Scenario modelling indicated that environmental performance of hybrid instruments was better even if there was low number of reuses of instruments, decontamination with separate packaging of certain instruments, decontamination using fossil-fuel-rich energy sources, or changing carbon intensity of instrument transportation. Total financial cost of using a combination of hybrid laparoscopic instruments was less than half that of single-use equivalents (GBP £131 vs £282). Conclusion Adoption of hybrid laparoscopic instruments could play an important role in meeting carbon reduction targets for surgery and also save money.


2020 ◽  
pp. 27-40
Author(s):  
Galina Nikolaevna Melnikova ◽  

The article discusses issues related to the creation and use of packaging materials for different types of products, including those specially designed for placing medical devices in them, before sterilization. The changes taking place related to the improvement of the barrier properties of packages to extend the preservation period of sterility of medical devices (both new types and complex in design) sterilized by different methods are noted. It is shown how over the course of several years new materials have been developed, technologies/methods of processing and reprocessing of raw materials and materials have changed, which make it possible to obtain packaging materials of different chemical nature and properties. Changes in existing packages from traditional materials (metal) to of single-use sterilization packages of a new generation with improved manufacturing technologies that provide mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties of packages differing in types, sizes, material properties are noted. The priority in the use of packaging materials for medical devices remains for materials that meet the requirements of GOST ISO 11607 "Packaging for medical devices subject to terminal sterilization", since the standard imposes more stringent requirements for the execution of packaging materials.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantelle Rizan ◽  
Mahmood F Bhutta

ABSTRACTBackgroundHybrid surgical instruments contain both single-use and reusable components, potentially bringing together advantages from both approaches.MethodsWe used Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate environmental impact of hybrid laparoscopic clip appliers, scissors and ports used for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, comparing these with single-use equivalents. We modelled this using SimaPro to determine 18 midpoint environmental impacts including the carbon footprint, and three aggregated endpoint impacts. We also conducted life cycle cost analysis, taking into account unit cost, decontamination, and disposal costs.FindingsThe environmental impact of using hybrid instruments for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy was lower than single-use equivalents across 17 midpoint environmental impacts, with mean average reductions of 60%, and costing less than half that of single-use equivalents (GBP £131 versus £282). The carbon footprint of using hybrid versions of all three instruments was around one-quarter of single-use equivalents (1,756 g versus 7,194 g CO2e per operation), and saved an estimated 1.13 e-5 DALYs (disability associated life years, 74% reduction), 2.37 e-8 species.year (loss of local species per year, 76% reduction), and US $ 0.6 in impact on resource depletion (78% reduction). Scenario modelling indicated environmental performance of hybrid instruments was better even given low number of reuses of instruments, decontamination with separate packaging of certain instruments, decontamination using fossil-fuel rich energy sources, or changing carbon intensity of instrument transportation.InterpretationAdoption of hybrid laparoscopic instruments could play an important role in meeting carbon reduction targets for surgery, whilst saving money.FundingThis work was funded by Surgical Innovations Ltd who manufacture hybrid laparoscopic instruments.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 218-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott R Unger ◽  
Troy A Hottle ◽  
Shakira R Hobbs ◽  
Cassandra L Thiel ◽  
Nicole Campion ◽  
...  

Background While petroleum-based plastics are extensively used in health care, recent developments in biopolymer manufacturing have created new opportunities for increased integration of biopolymers into medical products, devices and services. This study compared the environmental impacts of single-use disposable devices with increased biopolymer content versus typically manufactured devices in hysterectomy. Methods A comparative life cycle assessment of single-use disposable medical products containing plastic(s) versus the same single-use medical devices with biopolymers substituted for plastic(s) at Magee-Women’s Hospital (Magee) in Pittsburgh, PA and the products used in four types of hysterectomies that contained plastics potentially suitable for biopolymer substitution. Magee is a 360-bed teaching hospital, which performs approximately 1400 hysterectomies annually. Results There are life cycle environmental impact tradeoffs when substituting biopolymers for petroplastics in procedures such as hysterectomies. The substitution of biopolymers for petroleum-based plastics increased smog-related impacts by approximately 900% for laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies, and increased ozone depletion-related impacts by approximately 125% for laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies. Conversely, biopolymers reduced life cycle human health impacts, acidification and cumulative energy demand for the four hysterectomy procedures. The integration of biopolymers into medical products is correlated with reductions in carcinogenic impacts, non-carcinogenic impacts and respiratory effects. However, the significant agricultural inputs associated with manufacturing biopolymers exacerbate environmental impacts of products and devices made using biopolymers. Conclusions The integration of biopolymers into medical products is correlated with reductions in carcinogenic impacts, non-carcinogenic impacts and respiratory effects; however, the significant agricultural inputs associated with manufacturing biopolymers exacerbate environmental impacts.


Author(s):  
D. Hartanti ◽  
N.A. Septiyaningrum ◽  
A. Hamad

Background: Clove and lemon basil are widely used in Indonesian culinary and known for their antimicrobial properties. This study was designed to identify the chemical constituents of single clove and lemon basil Essential Oils (EOs) as well as determine the potential of the combinations of both EO for preserving chicken meats. Methods: The compositions of clove and lemon basil EOs were evaluated with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer. Three different concentration ratios of the combination of clove and lemon basil EOs (2:0.2, 1:1, and 0.1:2% v/v) were prepared along with single clove and lemon basil EOs in a concentration of 1% v/v. Their potential preservation effect was evaluated by observing the reduction of the microbial growth on the meats by evaluating Optical Density (OD) of cultured bacterial suspensions during 15 days of refrigerated storage. Statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS Statistics v. 20. Results: The major constituents of clove EO were eugenol, β-caryophyllene, and αhumulene, while those of lemon basil were estragol, linalool, E-citral, and Z-citral. Both treatment groups and storage time affected significantly on ODs of the samples. Combination of these two EOs, particularly at the optimum ratio of 1:1%, showed the best microbial inhibitory activity, and delayed the sensorial changes of the meats for 12 days. Conclusion: The combinations of cloves and lemon basil EOs showed a better microbial growth inhibitory activity and preservation potential than those of the single use. This meat preservation effects might be related to the presence of high fractions of oxygenated compounds, mainly eugenol, Z-citral, and E-citral in both clove and lemon basil EOs.


Author(s):  
William G. Whitford ◽  
Mark A. Petrich ◽  
William P. Flanagan

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