More than 150 surgical instruments belonging to the Nazi German concentration camp Auschwitz have been found in a nearby house in Oswiecim. The gynaecological instruments were found in a house that was located inside a strictly closed zone surrounding Auschwitz during the war.
The surgical instruments had probably been used by Carl Clauberg, a gynaecologist and member of the Nazi SS who experimented with methods for the mass sterilisation of women. This method of mass sterilisation was done under the guise of a gynaecological examination, and consisted of the introduction of …

There is something about buying a product with a Lifetime Guarantee that instils confidence in the consumer. However, when you take a closer look at the small print is it really that straight forward?
Although the term Lifetime Guarantee may offer a certain amount of peace of mind, there are usually limitations as to what is actually covered. In the case of surgical instruments this kind of warranty only covers any manufacturing defects; typically faulty materials or workmanship (it would not cover fair wear and tear or misuse). You would have …

Over the last few months we have received a number of calls from people to ask our advice on corrosion issues. The best advice we can give would be to ensure that any surgical instruments are only purchased via reputable companies. However, it is also useful to understand the processes which are involved in their manufacture. To protect surgical instruments from corrosion, it is essential that a documented passivation procedure is followed by the manufacturer. To find out more about how Platts & Nisbett surgical instruments are passivated, please read …

The BBC has discovered that poor quality surgical instruments which are not fit for purpose are being supplied to the NHS. Panorama has found that this imported substandard equipment can put patients at risk, by causing life threatening infections and injuries. Faults include rough edges, steel burrs, and corroded metals – any of which will have serious implications if used in an operating theatre. Poor quality surgical instruments have been identified as a likely cause of MRSA infections, as instruments with rough edges have caused microscopic holes in surgical gloves, …