Abstract
Purpose :
Unused or rarely used instruments in standard surgical trays can unnecessarily increase costs. Prior studies have demonstrated the practicality and cost savings of reduced instrument tray sizes in various subspecialties. This study describes results and estimated cost savings from a reduced instrument tray used for vitrectomy surgery at a large, tertiary academic medical center.
Methods :
Common usage patterns of vitrectomy instruments by one retinal surgeon was reviewed and a reduced instrument vitrectomy tray was created and implemented for one retinal surgeon in successive vitrectomy surgeries. Need for opening the previously utilized larger tray during vitrectomy surgery was recorded. Estimated cost savings of the new trays were calculated based upon per instrument sterilization, processing costs and instrument replacement costs.
Results :
Reduced instrument vitrectomy trays including 7 instruments (89% reduction compared to standard larger trays) were created and implemented in 64 successive vitrectomy cases. Opening the standard instrument tray was not required for any of these cases. Estimated annual cost savings from saved sterilization and processing resources is approximately $9,740 per year. Additionally, we projected an annual cost avoidance of $7,886 and $15,772, assuming 5-year and 10-year lifespan per instrument, respectively. Other indirect benefits were also noted.
Conclusions :
A reduced instrument tray can be successfully implemented for vitrectomy surgery. Implementation results in significant direct cost savings from reduced sterilization costs. In addition, other indirect benefits can be realized as well.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.