Controversy erupts over reuse of “single use” medical devices

In hospitals and clinics in the United States, some instruments (biopsy forceps, wires and balloons used for coronary or cardiac procedures, and tiny scissors for removing gastrointestinal tissue) are being used again after cleaning and sterilisation—despite their “single use” designation.

The practice is defended by the companies who process the instruments for reuse, but is criticised by the device manufacturers, who claim …