FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Products & Specifications
What suture sizes are compatible with Shira MedTech instruments?
Our instruments are designed for 8-0 through 12-0 sutures. Micro NH (8-0/9-0/10-0), Supermicro NH (10-0/11-0), Ultra NH (12-0). The 0.12 mm tip on the Ultra NH makes it India's finest needle holder for supermicrosurgery.
What is the tip precision of the Jewellers Forceps?
The Supermicro Plain and Platform Jewellers Forceps have a 0.1 mm tip diameter — sufficient for perforator-to-perforator and lymphatic anastomosis. A micro-grit surface provides superior grip on fine sutures over extended tying sessions without slippage.
What vessel sizes are the microvascular clamps designed for?
2VV/2AA — small vessels (digital arteries, small perforators); 3AA/3VV — medium vessels (common free flap pedicles); HDD — large vessels (radial artery scale). Refer to the specification sheet for closing pressure data per size.
What is the unique advantage of the 3-Jaw Microvascular Clamp?
The patented 3-Jaw mechanism holds the adventitia and everts the vessel lumen, giving the surgeon full lumen visibility. Clinical results: 0% backwalling vs 30.8% with Acland, no clamp flip required vs 38.5% with Acland, anastomosis time reduced by 35% (veins) and 50% (arteries) — all statistically significant (p<0.001 and p=0.007). Full clinical data.
What is the difference between Titanium, Stainless Steel, and Coated Stainless Steel instruments?
Titanium: 40–45% lighter than SS, non-magnetising, rust-free — best for supermicrosurgery and long reconstructions where fatigue matters. Standard SS: more reliable sharpness retention in scissors for high-volume adventectomy. Coated SS: black anti-reflective finish eliminates OT light glare in the microscope field — preferred by surgeons working under high magnification.
If there is no adventitia, can the 3-Jaw Clamp still be used?
Yes. The 3-Jaw Clamp works exactly like a 2-jaw Acland clamp when the vessel has minimal adventitia — no technique change required.
Which clamp size should I use for a specific vessel?
2VV/2AA for small vessels (digital arteries, small perforators); 3AA/3VV for medium vessels (standard free flap pedicles, e.g. DIEP, ALT); HDD for large vessels (radial artery, superficial temporal artery). Refer to the product specification sheet for vessel diameter ranges per size.
Sterilization & Maintenance
Are the instruments autoclavable?
Yes. All Shira MedTech instruments are autoclavable: pre-vacuum cycles at 134°C, 3 bar, 3-minute hold; gravity cycles at 121°C, 15 minutes. Always use the Shira Sterilization Case with instruments in their dedicated slots — this prevents tip-to-tip contact during the cycle, which is the most common cause of tip damage.
How should I protect the fine tips during sterilization?
Use the Shira Instrument Sterilization Case, which gives each instrument a dedicated, snug-fit slot. The instrument does not move even when the case is inverted or shaken during transport. Never bundle loose instruments — a single collision during autoclaving can permanently misalign a 0.1 mm forcep tip.
What is the expected lifespan of the instruments?
With proper care, Shira MedTech instruments maintain surgical precision for 3–5 years of regular use. Some surgeons (e.g. Dr. Aniket Dave, Ahmedabad) have used the 3-Jaw Clamp for 500+ surgeries. The 3-year warranty covers manufacturing defects; handling damage and routine wear are not covered. Contact us for tip realignment or assessment.
Instrument Care for CSSD & OT Staff
Microsurgery instruments are precision devices. Their longevity depends heavily on how they are handled by OT assistants, CSSD technicians, and scrub nurses — not just by the surgeon. This section is specifically written for OT staff.
Recommended training resource: The following section from Dr. Robert Acland's microsurgery practice series covers instrument care in detail and is recommended for CSSD staff orientation:
How should microsurgery instruments be cleaned immediately after use?
Rinse in distilled or deionised water immediately after the procedure — never let blood or saline dry on the tips. Use a soft non-metallic brush (lens cleaning brush or soft toothbrush) to clean the jaws. Never use steel wool or abrasive pads — they scratch the surface and damage tip alignment. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Can ultrasonic cleaners be used?
Ultrasonic cleaners can be used for the instrument shaft and body, but tips should not be submerged if possible. If the full instrument goes into the ultrasonic bath, use a soft rack or instrument holder so tips do not contact each other or the bath walls. Use enzymatic cleaning solution, not caustic detergents.
How should instruments be arranged in the sterilization case?
Each instrument has a dedicated slot in the Shira Instrument Sterilization Case — its shape and name are marked at each location. Place each instrument in its correct labelled slot before closing the case. Before sterilization, count all instruments against the case template. This takes less than 30 seconds and prevents loss. Instruments must lie flat, tips not touching the case walls.
What should CSSD staff never do with microsurgery instruments?
- Never drop instruments — even from 10 cm, a tip can be permanently bent
- Never place instruments loosely in a kidney tray with other instruments
- Never scrub tips with steel wool or metal brushes
- Never use autoclave pouches without the sterilization case — tip contact with the pouch material damages alignment
- Never use dry heat sterilization — extreme heat can affect the spring tension
- Never use instruments to pick up or hold non-surgical items (gauze, suture packets, etc.)
What should I do if an instrument tip appears bent or misaligned?
Do not attempt to re-bend the tip yourself. Set the instrument aside and inform the surgeon. Shira MedTech's product team can assess and, where possible, realign or repair the tip. Contact us at contact@shiramedtech.com or via the Request for Quote page with a photo of the damage.
How should instruments be transported between theatres or hospitals?
Always transport in the closed Shira Instrument Box. The modular design holds the full instrument set (including the clamp sterilization case) securely in one unit. Do not carry instruments loose in a bag — even padded bags do not prevent the tip-to-tip collisions that occur during normal handling.
Ordering & B2B Procurement
Do you accept institutional / hospital purchase orders?
Yes. We accept institutional POs from hospitals, medical colleges, and surgical training centers. A proforma invoice can be issued on request. Submit via the Request for Quote page or email contact@shiramedtech.com.
Can we get samples before placing a bulk order?
Yes. We offer a sample evaluation program for department heads and residency program directors. Submit a request via the Request for Quote page specifying the instruments you wish to evaluate — our team will follow up within 2 business days.
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes. Volume pricing is available for orders of 5 units or more, with additional tiers at 10 and 25 units. Custom instrument set configurations are also available for institutions. Contact us for a quote.
What is your typical lead time for international orders?
Standard orders ship within 5–7 business days of order confirmation. International shipments typically arrive within 7–14 business days depending on customs clearance. Expedited options are available on request.
Do you work with international distributors?
Yes. We are actively expanding our global distribution network. If you are a medical device distributor interested in representing Shira MedTech in your territory, please visit our Distributors page or contact us directly.
Regulatory & Compliance
Are Shira MedTech instruments CDSCO registered?
Yes. Shira MedTech instruments are CDSCO registered and manufactured under an ISO 13485:2016 certified quality management system. We are also registered with MDA Malaysia. CE marking and US FDA clearance are in progress.
Can you provide a Certificate of Conformity or sterilization documentation for procurement?
Yes. Documentation including conformity certificates, material safety data, and sterilization validation records is available on request for institutional buyers. Contact us via the Request for Quote page.