Implant Preparation

Guidelines:

• Aseptic technique
• Institutional policies and procedures
• Manufacturer’s instructions
• Sterilization confirmation

If an implantable device is sterilized within the sterile processing department of the facility, monitoring requirements include the use of a process challenge device containing a biologic indicator. The load should be quarantined until the result of the biologic indicator is determined.

Considerations:

• Surgical Aseptic Principles
  • Based on the premise that most infections are caused by organisms exogenous to the surgical patient’s body
  • Surgical procedures must be performed in a manner that minimizes or eliminates the patient’s exposure to exogenous pathogenic organisms

Nurse’s role:

• Aseptic technique
• Familiarity of varied types of implants
• Refer to the manufacturer’s information
• Ensure correct implant
• Team Communication: Confirmation of the implant
• Verify package integrity
• Verify sterilization indicator

Pitfalls:

• Immediate-use sterilization of implantable devices is not recommended
• Aseptic technique with minimal handling
  • Implant failure may be linked to bacterial contamination
• Safe Medical Device Act
  • Follow institutional policy to report incident of death or serious injury related to medical device

Examples:

• N/A

Linchpins (Key Points):

• Aseptic technique is a priority
• Follow manufacturer’s IFU
• Follow institutional policies/procedures
• Verify sterility
  • Do not open implants until ready to use