Robotics and Eschar: Keeping complex instruments clean, compliant and moving

The rapid expansion of surgical robotics has transformed minimally invasive care, but it has also introduced new challenges for medical device reprocessing departments (MDRDs) tasked with reprocessing increasingly complex, high-precision instruments. Robotic tools often accumulate stubborn bioburden—including eschar—that adheres to intricate joints, insulated surfaces, and articulating end effectors, making consistent and thorough cleaning more difficult than with traditional laparoscopic devices. As procedure volumes grow and robotic platforms become more prevalent in Canada, MDRDs must navigate evolving national guidelines and reprocessing regulations while maintaining high standards of instrument cleanliness and workflow efficiency. This session will focus on understanding the current landscape of surgical robotics in Canada, reviewing Canadian guidelines and regulatory expectations for reprocessing robotic instruments, and developing practical, evidence-based strategies that MDRDs can implement to reduce eschar-related challenges and strengthen overall reprocessing quality.

Meet the speaker:

Andrea Allen is a medical device product manager with 15 years of experience in product commercialization, lifecycle management, sales enablement, and cross-functional leadership. At STERIS, she supports the Point of Use and Surgical Supplies portfolio, translating clinical and Customer needs into practical strategies that advance safe, efficient workflows, and consistent reprocessing.
Her work includes developing education and commercialization strategies for complex surgical instruments, with a particular focus on robotic-assisted surgery, point-of-use care, and the challenges eschar presents throughout the cleaning process. Andrea collaborates with clinical, technical, regulatory, and commercial partners to make evidence-based reprocessing practices accessible and actionable for MDRD and operating room teams.
Through her work, Andrea is committed to helping healthcare professionals understand emerging robotic technologies, strengthen collaboration across departments, and implement practical approaches that support instrument performance, compliance, and quality of care.