5. Preventative maintenance should be done on all micro instruments. Regular sharpening, realignment and
adjustment can save costly repairs of irreparable damage.

6. Microsurgical instruments should only be used for their intended purpose. The delicate construction can
be easily damaged if used in cases other than microsugery.

Sterilization
All surgical instruments must be sterilized prior to surgery to prevent infection.
But even sterilization can leave contaminants behind if instruments are not properly cleaned.
To prevent this, sterilize instruments with the ratchets open. This allows for better steam penetration.
Plus it prevents the box locks (hinge area) from cracking.

If using a pan or tray, we recommend perforated. This will also enable better steam penetration,
and aids in more effective drying as well. For efficiency, place heavy instruments at the bottom and lighter,
more delicate instruments on top.

If sterilizing in paper or plastic pouches, do not stack pouches on top of one another during sterilization.
When possible, use a spiral metal letter holder as a standing aid. This will permit proper steam flow.

Ultrasonic Cleaning
Tip : A heated tank does not significantly improve cleaning. Generally speaking, there is no measurable
improvement in cleaning-- or timing -- when heat is applied to the solution. So, a heater is not a
necessary feature in choosing an ultrasonic cleaner.

A method of cleaning that is growing in popularity is ultrasonic cleaning. This method is, by far, the most
efficient and effective available today. Its ease of use and superior efficiency is quickly making ultrasonic
cleaning the preferred choice for today's surgeons.

In fact, ultrasonic cleaning is 16 times more efficient than hand-cleaning. Place instruments in the ultrasonic
unit for 10-15 minutes and use a neutral pH solution. Here are a few more tips for ultrasonic cleaning:

Before placing into the ultrasonic unit, clean instruments of all visible debris by washing them in an approved
instrument cleaning solution.

Don't mix dissimilar metals (such as aluminum and stainless) in the same cycle. Make sure instruments have
plenty of room. Don't overload your ultrasonic cleaner.

As with all types of cleaning, open all instruments so ratchets & box locks are fully exposed to the cleaning process.

Upon completion of the cycle, remove instruments immediately, and rinse them. Dry thoroughly with a towel,
ensuring that no moisture is left on the instruments.

The use of water in an ultrasonic cleaner is not recommended. A neutral pH ultrasonic cleaner solution,
when properly mixed, effectively reduces the surface tension of the solution and increases the ultrasonic
cavitation process.

The solution should be changed at least daily, or sooner if the solution appears dirty or murky.