Surgical Instrument Materials:
Stainless Steel (metal of choice)
- Non-corrosive characteristics
- Maintains shape and cutting sharpness
- 400 Series Stainless steel – strongest
- 300 Series Stainless steel – more malleable
Titanium
- light weight (eye and micro instruments)
Silver/Copper
- malleable (rarely used)
Importance of Passivation Process
- Passivation – instruments are submerged in mild nitric acid bath.
- Cleanses and creates anti-corrosive coating that will protect the instrument.
- Damage to “passive layer” results in pitting and ruined instrument.
- Damage is caused by exposure to saline , chemicals, high or low pH solutions, bio-burden left on instrument, mixing with low-grade instruments.
