Reusable vs. single use cystoscope: economic & environmental assessment.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Health Economics
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Single-use medical devices generate substantial waste and economic costs.
• Reusable medical devices offer a potential alternative but require effective sterilization methods.
• Low-temperature sterilization (LTS) presents a novel approach for processing reusable devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable methodology for evaluating the economic and environmental impacts of reusable versus single-use medical devices.
• To assess the specific benefits of using low-temperature sterilization (LTS) for reusable cystoscopes.
• To provide a framework for comparing the life cycle impacts of different medical device strategies.

Main Methods:

• Economic analysis employed micro-costing techniques.
• Carbon footprint was calculated using two distinct methods: the "UO Sté method" and ISO 14040/14044 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
• A case study of cystoscope procedures in 2023 was used, with uncertainty analysis via Monte Carlo simulation.

Main Results:

• The LCA indicated an annual reduction of 582.4 kg CO2 equivalent (-14.5%) favoring reusable devices.
• Economic analysis projected annual cost savings of €108,484 (-29%) for reusable cystoscopes.
• The study highlights potential environmental and economic benefits, acknowledging limitations such as the "in-house" LCA model and exclusion of logistical factors.

Conclusions:

• Low-temperature sterilization (LTS) of reusable cystoscopes demonstrates a significant reduction in environmental footprint.
• Reusable cystoscopes processed with LTS offer substantial economic advantages.
• The developed methodology provides a scalable approach for assessing medical device sustainability.