ENT surgical procedures have advanced significantly in the last decade thanks to innovative medical technologies and the introduction of microdebriders (also called debriders or shavers), one of the most successful innovations in ENT healthcare. Their use is now commonplace in procedures such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), turbinate reduction, and advanced sinus and skull base surgery
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. Despite the widespread use of microdebriders in ENT, advances in design are few and far between.
Combining patient safety and increased efficiency in the ENT OR
The challenge to improve OR safety and efficiency within ENT is constantly evolving. Healthcare staff are looking for new and innovative ways to decrease operating costs, enhance surgical times, improve patient safety and reduce stress for OR staff. Though ENT procedures have advanced steadily over time, making improvements to key areas can improve value and quality in the OR — and, of course, impact patient experience and satisfaction.
Several surgeons reported that one of the most common challenges during ENT endoscopic nasal procedures is the management of intraoperative bleeding, which can place unnecessary pressure on surgeons and nursing staff, increases OR time and cause the surgeon to be less focused on the surgical area
A study by Dr. Sindwani and Dr. Kumar
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demonstrates that intraoperative bleeding can interrupt procedure flow and increase complications. This is due to reduced visibility and the need to defocus from the surgical area when switching instruments to a cauterization device. With the DIEGO ELITE RF blades, the combination of suction, cutting and coagulation in the same device allows surgeons to remain constantly focused on the surgical area.
Dr. Sindwani and his team stated that, when using the Olympus DIEGO ELITE, ENT procedure times are reduced by 12 percent
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thanks to innovative monopolar and bipolar RF blades that enable surgeons to dissect and induce hemostasis more accurately.
Additionally, Dr. Mirza
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from Sheffield Teaching Hospital states that “The DIEGO ELITE bipolar microdebrider system is invaluable in endoscopic sinus surgery. It enables intraoperative hemostasis thereby reducing bleeding, which improves visualization. This makes surgery safer and allows more complete surgery in, for example, a sphenoethmoidectomy. Postoperative bleeding is also reduced, making patients more comfortable and more likely to be discharged the same day.”