Julie,


I'm a consultant working with a hospital in Michigan that recently found a huge amount of TissueLink purchases that "snuck in the back door" without evaluation. I see that you posted your questions a while ago, but was wondering what you found out about this product and it's effectiveness. We are trying to evaluate whether the cost is justified.

Thanks

Dr. Lanzer our of Seattle Washington has figures. I wouldn't use it on every case. But, certainly, those with low Hg and hip revisions benefit from the product. Hope this helps. yvette

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Yvette Bunch

Is this a matter of conscience for Jehovah's Witnesses? Used primarily with total hips? Other indications?
Thanks ... Sue

There would be no reason why the TissueLink would not be acceptable to Jehovah's Witnesses. Their objections are only to the use of blood / blood products, or use of their own blood that has been stored.
We have used the TissueLink on hip and knee arthroplasty patients, and didn't find it to be cost effective for routine use, but would be indicated primarily for more high risk cases, bilat joints, obese, diabetics, revisions, Jehovah's Witnesses.
Our spinal surgeons have also tried it, and we got positive feedback from them. They found the TissueLink improved hemostasis and therefore improved visibility of the field. Again, it is not really cost-effective for minor back surgeries, but would definitely be an advantage to have for multi-level spines.