Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Abstract In response to a proposal from the ISVIR members forum, an expert committee was established to comprehend the practice and formulate guidelines for the reuse of medical devices designated for single use. This initiative arose from the widespread use of single-use devices (SUDs) coupled with the absence of established guidelines. A comprehensive literature review on the subject was conducted. Additionally, a survey was administered to interventional radiology practitioners to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The expert committee members have considered a holistic approach to the topic, which encompasses definitions, the rationale for reuse, existing guidelines from other countries, similar societies, processing methods, and the responsibilities of stakeholders. A life cycle analysis of SUDs has been created to enhance understanding. Ethical and legal considerations have also been examined. Furthermore, the impact on research and global trends has been assessed. Given the scarcity of robust evidence, most recommendations are graded as 1C, reflecting expert opinion with low evidence strength. Accordingly, these guidelines should be interpreted with caution, serving primarily as a framework to support clinical decision-making and patient safety. Supplementary Materials (1 2 3 4, available in the online version only) have been provided for additional information. The authors are confident that the insights gained from this endeavor will aid in clinical decision-making and enhance patient safety. We anticipate the emergence of more randomized controlled trials in the near future, which may strengthen future guidance.
Singhal et al. (Tue,) studied this question.