Helen Brann, CMRP, Materials Manager, Duke University Heart Center, and Angela Capone, RN, BSN, Cardiovascular Specialist, WakeMed
Authors’ note: This article was collaboratively written by Duke University Medical Center and WakeMed to document their experiences with SUD reprocessing and share lessons learned with other EP labs. 
Single-use device (SUD) reprocessing in the electrophysiology lab is a strategic initiative for many leading U.S. hospitals to help maximize limited healthcare resources. For good reason: hospitals that are highly engaged in a vascular reprocessing program can save $300,000 or more per year. However, achieving this magnitude of savings is not a slam-dunk. Two similar-sized health systems can achieve very different results.
Case in point: WakeMed in Raleigh, North Carolina, has seen its SUD reprocessing savings in the EP lab grow 326 percent since 2011, reaching $750,000 in 2014. Whereas Duke University Heart Center in Durham, North Carolina, saw its savings drop 43 percent — by over $355,000 — from 2013 to 2014.
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