Harmonic Scalpel Ecodesign

Harmonic scalpels are popular electrosurgical instruments in the operating room due to their dissection & tissue sealing capabilities, but currently only exist as a product for single patient use. With legislation forcing product designers to reevaluate the environmental viability of the current product landscape, single patient use devices such as the harmonic scalpel may transition towards a more circular life cycle. Through analyzing the harmonic scalpel for design features that contribute to its disposal, a new design is proposed for a near-future version of this instrument that could be disinfected and reprocessed for multiple use.