Webinar | Avoiding Surgical Stapler Misuse - 2020’s #1 Health Technology Hazard

December 18, 2019

Overview

ECRI Institute identified surgical stapler misuse as the number one health technology hazard in its Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2020 report. The adverse event rate associated with their use is relatively low, but the severity of these events is high.

Based on years of investigating cases that involved serious injury or death, we’ve developed guidance that could help stapler users avoid many of the common errors that can lead to patient harm.

Research indicates that adverse surgical stapling consequences are often traced to stapler misuse. This includes inappropriately matching staple height with patient tissue thickness, firing over a contraindicated object, and using more force than anticipated to fire stapler.

Don’t miss ECRI’s informative webinar where we’ll discuss these common issues as well as our recommendations for:

  • Procurement
  • Model-specific training
  • What to do before, during and after use
  • How to proceed in case of an adverse event

We also will discuss the latest regulatory updates regarding FDA’s proposed reclassification of surgical staplers from a class 2 medical device to the more stringent class 1.

Learning Objectives

  1. Common issues with the use of staplers and how complications can occur.
  2. Who and what should be involved in appropriate surgical stapler training.
  3. Understand recent regulatory changes regarding surgical staplers.

Who Should Attend?

  • Risk Managers
  • Nurse Managers
  • OR Managers
  • Clinical Engineers
  • Materials Managers

Agenda & Speakers

Scott R. Lucas, PhD, PE

Director, Accident and Forensic Investigation, ECRI Institute

Julie Miller, MS

Senior Project Engineer, Health Devices, ECRI Institute