Investigators searching for the source of an infection outbreak at Methodist found human tissue inside an arthroscopic cannula, a tool used to irrigate and suction a surgical site. 

In response to the Methodist outbreak, the FDA began a “safety review” of arthroscopic shavers, a tool doctors use to shave away bone and tissue during surgery, which were found to retain human tissue between patients.

In addition to dried human tissue, investigators at Methodist found bristles from a cleaning brush inside a “clean” arthroscopic shaver. 

Medical instruments are often cleaned and disinfected between patients in units housed in hospital basements, which are stocked with high-tech machines including automated device washers.

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that surgical suction tubes retain human tissue and other debris.

Medical device industry critics say poor design makes some tools impossible to clean. Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System cut this surgical suction in half, and found the device packed with debris.

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System examined the insides of 350 surgery-ready suction tips, a tool surgeons use to suction away blood and fluid. All of them contained blood, bone, tissue or rust.