Reprocessing works.
The proof is in the practice.
The proof is in the practice.
Decades of peer reviewed research and life cycle analyses show that regulated “single-use” device (SUD) reprocessing cuts costs, waste, and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from healthcare supply chains.
But hospital experience is the proof—and case studies tell their stories.
Case studies move beyond projections to show how successful reprocessing programs actually work and what they accomplish. They track the metrics that help hospitals make the case for starting or expanding reprocessing programs, and identify best practices to optimize them.
Reprocessing Case Studies
The following case studies from healthcare organizations around the world highlight the real operational, environmental, and financial benefits achieved through regulated SUD reprocessing:
Reprocessing: A Vital Component of a Greener Healthcare System
Denmark’s move toward single-use device reprocessing draws on findings from a working group and experience at Aarhus University Hospital, where reprocessing has demonstrated substantial environmental and economic benefits. Research cited in the report found cost reductions of 30–59% and approximately 56% lower life-cycle CO₂ emissions for reprocessed ultrasound catheters.
Transforming EP Lab Sustainability: How One Health System Saved Millions
A 49-hospital network generated $5.1 million in savings over four years through electrophysiology device reprocessing. The program also diverted approximately 19,000 pounds of waste and avoided roughly 11,000 pounds of CO₂ emissions.
Pioneering Hospital Sustainability Through Nursing Leadership
A nurse-led sustainability program at Anne Arundel Health System incorporated reprocessing and other waste-reduction strategies into hospital operations. Over time, regulated waste incineration fell from 100% to 16%, while the organization reported approximately $800,000 in annual savings.
The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change identifies reusable and reprocessed medical devices as important tools for reducing the environmental impact of surgical care. The report recommends extending product lifespans and incorporating circular procurement practices into healthcare supply chains.
Research at Aarhus University Hospital found that incorporating reprocessed ultrasound catheters could reduce life-cycle CO₂ emissions by 36%. The study also estimated potential savings of approximately 1.3 million DKK compared with purchasing only original devices—a 40% price gap.
MedTech Spotlight Report: Accelerating the adoption of the circular economy
The CE-Hub report highlights examples of NHS hospitals incorporating reprocessed medical devices into clinical care, including EP catheters and harmonic shears.
Hampshire NHS Trust: Reducing CO₂ Emissions in Operating Theatres Without Compromising Safety
Hampshire Hospitals combined reusable products with SUD reprocessing to reduce operating-theatre waste and emissions. Returning harmonic scalpels for reprocessing diverted 34.9 kg of waste and generated approximately £830 in rebates in one year.
Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust: Savings and Sustainability in the EP Lab
Royal Wolverhampton incorporated reprocessed EP catheters into its sustainability program, reducing device costs and medical waste. The hospital reports significant savings in costs, waste, and Scope 3 emissions annually through the program.
Stepping Hill NHS Trust: Reducing Waste and Costs Through Reprocessing
After introducing Vanguard’s EP reprocessing service in 2022, Stepping Hill Hospital saved approximately £33,000 during fiscal year 2022/23 while reducing medical waste and extending the useful life of cardiac devices.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: Cutting Waste and Emissions with Vanguard
Leeds Teaching Hospitals incorporated SUD reprocessing into its EP services to reduce waste and supply costs. The program demonstrates the importance of collaboration between clinical teams and reprocessing partners in supporting broader sustainability goals.
Barts Health NHS Trust: Reprocessing EP Catheters
Barts Health collects used EP catheters for reprocessing and purchases reprocessed devices at approximately half the cost of new ones. In 2022, the program prevented 120.1 kg of waste while generating collection and reuse savings and an estimated 50.4% reduction in CO₂ emissions.
Leeds General Infirmary: Reprocessing EP Catheters
In 2022, Leeds General Infirmary prevented 109.3 kg of waste and saved £85,310 through EP catheter reprocessing. The program also reduced approximately 575 kg of CO₂ emissions.
Royal Devon University Hospital: Reprocessing EP Catheters
Royal Devon’s EP reprocessing program prevented 67.8 kg of waste and saved £16,560 in 2022. The hospital also avoided an estimated 125.3 kg of CO₂ emissions while recovering valuable device materials like platinum and steel.
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust: Reprocessing Electrosurgical Instruments
Royal Surrey collects single-use electrosurgical instruments for reprocessing. In 2022, the program prevented 69.7 kg of waste and saved £11,040, while reprocessed instruments were estimated to cost approximately 50% less and generate 50% fewer emissions.
Growing A Single-Use Device Reprocessing Program at Allegheny Health Network: Focus on New Products and ServiceAllegheny Health Network (five hospitals, western PA) partnered Innovative Health to reprocess EP devices. The partnership drove program growth and support, leading to over $800,000 per year in savings from EP catheter reprocessing. The case credits active staff engagement and integrating reprocessed devices into purchasing practices as keys to this success.
Central Maine Medical CenterAfter expanding the range of EP devices eligible for reprocessing and improving collection, Central Maine Medical Center saved $50,000 in the program’s first two months. The expanded program projected annual savings of roughly $500,000.
Charlton Memorial Hospital benefits from switching to new reprocessing partner with more new FDA clearancesCharlton partnered with Innovative Health to expand its EP reprocessing. Innovative offered more device types and guaranteed +25% savings in year one. Within four months of starting the program, Charlton’s program generated >$200,000 in savings.
Growing El Camino Hospital’s Reprocessing Program
El Camino invigorated its cardiac reprocessing by partnering with Innovative Health. In the first 12 months under the new program, El Camino saved over $500,000 on cardiology device costs. This case emphasizes that expanding product scope and regular savings reviews (rather than relying on legacy vendors) can unlock major value.
IU Health Getting Strong Results from Dedicated EP Reprocessing Partner
Indiana University Health partnered with Innovative Health to expand its EP device reprocessing program, generating significant cost savings while reducing environmental impact.
ProHealth Care/Waukesha Memorial Hospital Implements Reprocessing Program That Saves Cardiology More Than $120,000 Per YearWaukesha (332 EP cases/yr) focused on collection compliance to maximize device buybacks, partnering with Innovative Health. Waukesha cut its cardiology supply costs by >$120,000 per year.
Advocate Health
Advocate Health expanded SUD reprocessing across its facilities to reduce supply costs and medical waste. This case demonstrates how reprocessing can be integrated across a large healthcare network as part of a broader decarbonization strategy.
Extract more value from SUD reprocessing: Lessons learned from the most successful health system programsDrawing on data from thousands of hospitals, this case study by Stryker’s Sustainability Solutions identifies strategies used by the most successful reprocessing programs to maximize financial and environmental benefits. It highlights best practices such as improving device collection, increasing buy-back rates, engaging leadership, and expanding reprocessing across clinical departments to achieve sustained program growth and greater cost savings.
Hospitals know it: regulated reprocessing delivers real results.
Health systems of different shapes and sizes are using reprocessing SUDs to reduce costs, waste, and Scope 3 emissions while making better use of healthcare resources.
The above list has some great examples—but we know they’re not the only ones. If your facility or reprocessing-partner has a case study that you would like to share, please contact AMDR.