Life cycle assessment of a disposable and a reusable surgery instrument set for spinal fusion surgeries

摘要: Abstract The worldwide increasing wealth and increased life expectancy of humans has led to an increase in the number medical procedures surgeries. Surgeries are complex which contribute a significant share total environmental impact healthcare system. Among other important sources impacts from surgeries, material consumption due required instrumentation accounts for up 65 % greenhouse gas emissions This study investigates how disposable reusable surgery instrument sets lumbar fusion surgeries system is more advantageous environment. For implant commercially available. Both capable support one level surgery. set comprehensive fully opened before surgery, while comes modular box system, boxes on demand during To compare these different configurations, comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed assess overall both alternatives. One key findings that selected cleaning sterilization process instruments responsible 90 decides perspective. Reducing be cleaned sterilized should focus future development