Title: Challenges in Reprocessing Reusable Robotic Instruments: getting a handle on time, technology and training

Biography:

Casey Czarnowski’s surgical instrument processing experience spans 13 years at Sanford and Essentia hospitals in Fargo, ND, and Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto CA. In addition, Casey has brought his experience to the classroom at Skyline and MedTek Colleges in San Bruno and Hayward, CA, and serves on the Board of Directors of the California Central Service Association. In the sterile processing department, Casey has held the positions of Clinics Coordinator, Endoscope Reprocessing Specialist, Supervisor, Preceptor, and Educator. Casey currently works on the Interventional Platform Education team for the Stanford Health Care enterprise. Casey’s role on the team is to support the doctors, nurses, and technicians of the Platform with education and training in the discipline of surgical instrument reprocessing. Casey feels fortunate to cover Stanford’s two in-patient facilities, and six ambulatory sites in his daily work.

Abstract

Since pioneering efforts in the mid-1980s, robotic procedures worldwide have become widespread around the world.¹  Millions of patients have benefitted from minimally invasive procedures in Gynecology, Urology, Neurology, Orthopedics, ENT, and many more.  More than a dozen companies produce robots for both general and specialized applications.  Between procedures, the reusable components of the robot are cleaned, decontaminated and sterilized in the Sterile Processing Department of the hospital.  In general, robotic instruments are difficult to clean, require specialized equipment to decontaminate.  However, successfully cleaning and sterilizing these instruments is of vital importance to our patients.  It is important for everyone involved in robotic surgery to have knowledge of this important facet of patient care.  Crucial to this effort are proper reprocessing equipment, adequate time for reprocessing, and excellent training of technical staff.