Surgical Power Tools: Advancements towards an Effortless Surgical Practice

Let’s begin with some historical facts related to surgical power tools. Surgical tools date back to 6500 BC. Ancient skeletons found in France and Egypt display signs of surgery.

The ancient Greeks set broken bones, removed wounded appendages, and used lancets and heated cups to draw blood from boils.

There are evidences that teeth, fingers, and fingernails were used by the earliest doctors to perform surgery. It’s a surprising fact how this early use of teeth and fingers for surgery have influenced the shape and size of the advanced apparatuses of today. For example, the jobs done with teeth and fingernails have been replaced with cutting and dissecting tools such as surgical scissors. Stretching tools replaced the functions performed by fingers pulling and opening up slits and wounds.

The surgical tools witnessed a big leap in the late-19th and early-20th centuries with the invention of surgical tweezers, surgical scissors, surgical forceps, and surgical scalpels. These tools were developed for special purposes such as for delicate use in the brain, the inner thoracic cavity, and the abdomen.

Then it was the late 20th century – the promises of some of the most prominent innovations in surgical power tools such as electronic surgical tools, such as laparoscopic and endoscopic tools, ultrasound, arthroscopic shavers, electrocauteries, electric surgical scalpels, and other powered surgical equipment. Computer-guided endoscopic surgery tools have been developed recently for neurology, heart surgery, thoracic surgery, urology, and gynecology.  And then come the surgical power tools.

What is a Surgical Power Tool?

A surgical power tool is an equipment which is used to perform surgery on bone or bone fragments. These tools help in sawing, drilling, screwing, and reaming. Human or veterinary orthopedic surgery, neurology, ENT surgery, and traumatology are the main application areas of these tools. The invention of power tools has revolutionized the modern orthopedic surgery. These power equipment make surgeries perfectly efficient and flawless. In almost all aspects of orthopedic surgery, these power tools are indispensable. They are used in wound management through pulse lavage, drilling and reaming in long bone fractures using screws and intramedullary nails.

Traits of the Best Surgical Power Tools

1. Application: The best surgical power tools are those mainly used in microsurgery, particularly in ENT microsurgery and micro-neurology. These tools are also used in traumatology.
2. Ergonomics, primarily the weight of the instrument: One must be aware that a compact and light surgical power tool is the best choice as it is easier and more comfortable for a surgeon to use, especially during long operations.
3. The shape of the appliance: This is another important trait one must look for while choosing the best tool. Gun-shaped surgical power tools are perfect for long bones surgery or traumatology. The pen-shaped ones are more appropriate for microsurgery or small bones.

Surgical Power Tools Market Insights during COVID-19

The increasing older population and simultaneously rising orthopedic surgeries are impacting the growth of the surgical tools market in recent years. Because of longer life, enhanced reliability, and better performance, the demand of these tools is very high.

Frequent incidents of fragile fractures in the spine, wrist, and hip are expected to increase the demand for power tools which will ultimately drive the global market during the forecast period and during the pandemic. The lockdown has led to a slight decline in business and industrial operational processes of the market. As stated by Royal National Orthopedic Hospital, Britain, the use of power tools, hammers, and other equipment may contribute to the transmission of coronavirus during surgeries. However, as the restrictions are being lifted, the market players are emphasizing in research, development, product launches, and collaborations with other players.

Conclusion

Surgical power tools are the best solution for orthopedic surgeries till now. With leading market players researching and developing newer and more advanced tools, the market will definitely garner a huge sum of revenue in the years to come.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.