Context: our hospital's operating area recently suffered from a tragic fire incident. Some of my instruments were left inside. Fortunately, the integrity of all of them were not compromised - all still had proper form and function. Unfortunately - they were all covered in rust.
I've attempted to restore some of them by soaking in vinegar, then vigorously rubbing a sponge - the results were more than satisfying. majority of the rust was removed. I'm just having a difficult time with the clamping ends and the hinges since they are small and the sponge can't induce enough friction due to the size difference (of the sponge and nooks and crannies). In short, I can remove most of the rust, but the tips, ends and small parts may have rust.
My questions are:
1. If I could remove all the rust, would it be safe to use them again for OR provided they have been sterilized? Sometimes I also don't know if the rust is rust or a stain that can't be removed, based on what I've already read.
2. More of my main concern is if there is a way to "dissolve" or "let the rust fall off" without the need for friction (Because of the size of instruments as mentioned). I've seen on YouTube that some have tried electrolysis to remove rust from surfaces but I think you still need to rub off some of the material.
3. If there is a better alternative than what I'm doing now (soaking in white vinegar for indefinite periods of time then rubbing the rust off)
Apologies if this is not the right platform for this kind of query - I just thought different disciplines may provide a well - thought answer to what may seem like a post for a hardware or DIY forum.
I'd really just want to be able to reuse my instruments without having to buy new ones again because the only problem with them now is rust and not integrity.
Cheers, thank you for taking the time to read this. Attached are photos of my instruments, some photos show some of the instruments already cleaned, and some show the tips and clamp ends I am worried about.
Thank you!
For a surgical instrument, the surface roughness (degree of polish) is important, since the higher the roughness, the greater the possibility of unwanted contamination. Unfortunately, acid treatment removes rust, but at the same time activates the surface of the steel making it rougher and more susceptible to re-corrosion. For this reason, you need to not only remove the rust, but also restore the polish. There are two possibilities to restore the polished surface of instruments: mechanical - tumbling and electrochemical - electropolishing. Both of these methods are widely used in technology and are offered as a service by many enterprises. If I were you, I would try both of these methods, and then choose the one that will give the best result.
It is also quite clear that a high-quality restoration of a tool includes not only polishing, but also disassembly and assembly, and professional sharpening. If the corrosion is too deep, it will not be possible to restore the surface in any way and then the tool will have to be thrown away.
Unfortunately, I cannot approve of your attempts "in the kitchen" to return the instrument to its original form with the help of vinegar and a rag. If we were talking not about a surgical, but about a locksmith's tool, then please, but this is not the case.
Dear Jan Alexeis Coronel Lacuata
Surgistain® is a safe, efficient and quick revitalizing solution for stainless steel surgical instruments, trays, basins and case carts. The product removes rust, stains, spotting, hard water scale and mineral deposits frequently encountered from sterilization. It also helps to loosen stiff joints and locks.
Kind Regards
Qamar Ul Islam
Perhaps you can consider something like this:
Thick Rust Removal using the 200W redENERGY Pulsed Fiber Laser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Tk5K74kCk&ab_channel=SPILasers
Refurbishment may be possible by some specialized cutlery manufacturers.
Maybe this link can help:
https://articles.abilogic.com/64980/advantages-buying-refurbished-surgical-instruments.html
Grateful for all your answers. Have found a service that does electropolishing. Should I also get them chrome plated? The manufacturer is asking. Or is electropolishing enough? The materials are made of stainless steel. Thank you again.
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