Application of ALD Thin Films on the Surface of the Surgical Scalpel Blade

Magdalena Szindler,Marek Szindler,Marcin Basiaga,Paulina Kaim,Wojciech Łoński

doi:10.3390/coatings11091096

Abstract

The article describes biomaterials and surgical instruments, in particular surgical cutting tools. In addition, the functions of coatings and the layer vapor deposition methods are described. In the experimental component of the study, zinc oxide thin film was deposited on the surgical knife blades by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method with a varying number of cycles. The structures of the deposited thin films were investigated using a Raman spectrometer and the surface topography of the samples was examined using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The adhesion of the thin films was tested using the micro-scratch method. The corrosion resistance was also tested. Surgical instruments coated with non-allergenic metal oxide coatings, containing metal structures that reduce the growth of bacteria, could significantly decrease the risk of undesirable reactions of the body during and after surgery.

Highlights

Surgical tools can be divided according to their function into cutting, stabbing, grasping, holding, and those used for special purposes
The histograms prepared on the basis of the AFM images allow a statistical analysis of the surface roughness (Figure 4)
When analyzing the histograms of the frequency of unevenness on the surface, the smallest differences occur in the thin film deposited after 500 cycles, which correlates with the analysis of surface topography images and the calculated roughness parameters

Summary

Introduction

Surgical tools can be divided according to their function into cutting, stabbing, grasping, holding, and those used for special purposes. The working part is an active element that has direct contact with tissues or auxiliary materials. It may be categorized as blunt or sharp [4]. The task of the blunt parts is the bloodless drawing, holding, and expansion of the operated tissues. The working parts of blunt instruments may be smooth (e.g., surgical hooks) or have incisions (e.g., forceps) to facilitate better tissue grasping. The sharp parts are used to perform bloody separation of the tissues during the procedure by means of cutting, drilling, scraping, or biting off

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Conclusion