Arthroscopic Sheaths

Arthroscopic Sheaths


Arthroscopic Sheaths are used to introduce Arthroscopes and irrigation fluid directly into a joint during Orthopedic procedures. It's crucial to ensure these devices are clean and in good working order to minimize any risk of patient injury or introduction of potential contaminants into a joint surface.

Some points to consider when performing borescope inspections of these sheaths:
Preparation:
  1. Ensure borescopes are sized appropriately to view inside of all components of the sheath to be inspected

Areas to inspect:
  1. Arthroscope attachment mechanism
  2. Suction/irrigation ports, including entire lumen if possible
  3. Suction/irrigation valves
  4. Main lumen of sheath
  5. Tip of sheath

What to look for:
  1. Damage
    1. Scope attachment mechanism loose, worn or broken
    2. Suction/irrigation valves loose, worn or broken
    3. Surfaces scratched or gouged
    4. Pitting from corrosion
  2. Debris
    1. Filaments from cleaning implements
    2. Cartilage fragments
    3. Bone fragments or marrow
    4. Blood clots
    5. Metal shavings
  3. Discoloration
    1. Dried blood
    2. Dried fatty liquid/synovial fluid
    3. Rust/corrosion
    4. Base metal showing through stainless steel layer
    5. Hard water/mineral deposits
  4. Droplets
    1. Blood
    2. Fatty liquid/synovial fluid
    3. Irrigation fluid
    4. Cleaning fluid, including simethicone
    5. Rinse water


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