Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment Flashcards

Which electrosurgical mode uses a continuous waveform to achieve tissue cutting with minimal hemostasis?

Answer: Cut mode

The cut mode delivers a continuous, unmodulated waveform that rapidly vaporizes tissue, producing a clean cut with minimal lateral thermal spread.

The CRNFA notes that a laparoscopic trocar is labeled '12 mm.' This measurement refers to the:

Answer: Outer diameter of the trocar cannula

Trocar sizes are designated by the outer diameter of the cannula, which determines the largest instrument that can be passed through it.

Which of the following describes the correct technique when passing a sharp instrument to the surgeon?

Answer: Use a neutral zone or hands-free technique to avoid percutaneous injuries

AORN and OSHA standards recommend a neutral zone (hands-free passing technique) for all sharps to reduce percutaneous injury risk in the OR.

A Harrington ('sweetheart') retractor is most commonly used to retract which structure?

Answer: The liver during upper abdominal surgery

The Harrington retractor, named for its heart-shaped blade, is designed to lift and retract the liver and spleen during upper abdominal procedures.

Which vessel-sealing device uses bipolar energy combined with pressure to create a permanent seal on vessels up to 7 mm in diameter?

Answer: LigaSure

LigaSure uses bipolar radiofrequency energy and mechanical pressure to denature collagen and elastin, creating a permanent seal on vessels up to 7 mm.

The Harmonic scalpel achieves hemostasis primarily through which mechanism?

Answer: Ultrasonic vibration causing protein coagulation at low temperatures

The Harmonic scalpel vibrates at 55,500 Hz, denaturing proteins through mechanical energy at temperatures of 50–100°C, well below those of conventional ESU.

When handling instruments that have been exposed to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) prions, standard sterilization with steam autoclave is:

Answer: Insufficient; prions require specialized decontamination protocols

Prions are not inactivated by standard steam sterilization or chemical disinfectants; WHO and CDC recommend instrument destruction or highly specialized alkaline/autoclaving protocols.