Incidence of residual biologic debris and contamination of reused bipolar vessel sealing devices after ethylene oxide sterilization following splenectomy.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to quantify the amount of biologic debris present within disposable bipolar vessel sealing devices after each use for canine splenectomies and determine the aerobic bacterial load of the debris following instrument resterilization with ethylene oxide.

Study design: Prospective observational clinical study.

Study population: Client-owned dogs (n = 40) presenting to a single specialty hospital for open, routine, or emergency splenectomies.

Methods: A total of 16 bipolar vessel sealing devices were randomly assigned to undergo one, two, three, or four splenectomies, manual hand cleanings, and ethylene oxide sterilizations before being dismantled. After final use and sterilization, each handset was agitated in phosphate-buffered saline before disassembly, which was submitted for aerobic culture. Following aseptic disassembly, all biological residue was photo-documented, collected, quantified using a subjective scoring system, and submitted for culture.

Results: Biologic debris was present within the inner mechanics of all devices, specifically under the blade used for vessel transection. A linear increase in debris was not appreciated amongst devices used once versus devices used multiple times. None of the devices nor any of the biologic debris cultured positive following sterilization with ethylene oxide.

Conclusion: The presence of biologic debris was documented after the initial use of disposable bipolar vessel sealing devices, but no devices or debris yielded positive culture results following ethylene oxide sterilization after splenectomies.

Clinical significance: Increased risk of iatrogenic surgical site contamination from reused vessel sealing devices is unlikely when they have been cleaned and sterilized with ethylene oxide after up to four splenectomy surgeries.