Data Analysis of Vascular Surgery Instrument Trays Yields Large Cost and Efficiency Savings

Abstract

Surgical procedures account for 50% of hospital revenue and approximately 60% of operating costs. On average, <20% of surgical instruments are used during a case, with each instrument generally priced $0.77 to $3.01 for resterilization and assembly. Given the complexity of the surgical service supply chain, physician preferences, and variation of procedures, reduction of cost is extremely difficult and often nebulous. A data analytic approach to instrument trays has implications in efficiency within the operating room and cost savings in sterile processing including tray assembly time and instrument repurchase, repair, and depreciation.