The value of the equipment used in an operating theater is often underestimated. The same applies for the stresses and strains that surgical instruments, for example, are exposed to every day. Despite the use of high quality materials, frequent cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and use in the OR often lead to unnoticed but constant wear and tear and therefore to a gradual loss of value. Correct use, preparation and care of the equipment slows the process significantly. If this is supplemented by regular and correct inspections by the hospital staff as part of everyday clinical routine, the level of wear can be detected and counterbalanced by a specialist repair. ^[1] Gradual wear and tear without countermeasures can however lead to irreparable damage to the equipment. This leads to high reinvestment costs.

Initially, high quality materials are used, such as extremely corrosion-resistant steel selected especially for use in the OR, modern plastics that withstand constant stresses, or particularly robust and light metals, such as titanium, for our surgical motor systems. As a result, we produce top quality medical devices at B. Braun. The aim of our maintenance services is to counteract wear and tear and minimise the occurence of it. We have the same high requirements as our production sites. Simply making a product functional again is not good enough for us. Maintenance is always done in a way that protects the material, ensures model consistency and is proactive. Surface treatment is part of this process for us for hygienic reasons. At the ATS we are happy to see our products again regularly and be able to repair them. For us, longevity is a sign of our quality requirements in action and represents sustainable economies.