Improved function of prototype 4.3-mm Medtronic Quadcut microdebrider blade over standard 4.0-mm Medtronic Tricut microdebrider blade.

OBJECTIVE

Test performance of a new prototype microdebrider blade. The commercially-available, standard 4.0-mm Medtronic straight Tricut blade was tested against the new, prototype 4.3-mm Medtronic straight Quadcut blade in experimental surgical conditions utilizing both a nasal polyp (NP) analog (raw oysters) and an allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) analog (minced beef cat food).

METHODS

Both sides of 5 thawed, fresh-frozen cadaver heads were utilized for NP analog removal. AFS analog was removed out of specimen containers. A total of 10 paired data points were collected for time of surgical removal and number of clogs comparing the 2 blades.

RESULTS

For simulated AFS debris, the prototype clogged less than the standard blade (0 vs 4.5, p < 0.0001). There were no clogs noted for either blade with the NP analog. Time for debris eradication was significantly improved for both AFS analog (147.4 vs 262.0 seconds, p < 0.0001) and NP analog (43.7 vs 112.1 seconds, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The prototype blade offers faster debris and polyp removal and clogs less in the setting of allergic fungal debris. As the new blade is faster and more aggressive, introduction into a surgical setting should be guarded with an appropriate degree of caution.