Reprocessing ‘Single Use’ Video Laryngoscope Blades: A Proof-of Concept Study

Plastic video laryngoscope blades are essential tools that doctors use to help patients breathe during surgery. Like many other medical devices, these blades are made from strong plastics but are meant to be used only once and then thrown away to prevent contamination and protect patient safety. This research project will investigate whether single-use plastic video laryngoscope blades can be safely cleaned and reused rather than discarded after each use. The goal is to test how strong and durable these blades remain after several cycles of cleaning and sterilization. The project will help Trillium Health Partners explore safer, more sustainable ways to reduce plastic medical waste and lower operating costs. If proven successful, this approach could show that some single-use medical tools can be reused safely, benefiting both the hospital and the environment.

Faculty Supervisor:

Boxin Zhao;William Anderson

Student:

Partner:

Trillium Health Partners

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: