The catheters are reprocessed to be reused with full safety guarantees for both patients and professionals.
This initiative is an example of the transition towards a circular economy in the healthcare sector, reducing the environmental impact of these devices and enhancing the efficient management of resources.
The Bellvitge University Hospital (HUB) has launched the first circular reprocessing circuit for electrophysiology catheters in Catalonia. In this way, the HUB will collect part of the catheters it uses for reprocessing, while also acquiring reprocessed catheters for reuse.
The hospital consumes between 1,500 and 2,000 catheters annually in various electrophysiological procedures, such as ablations to treat arrhythmias. Up to 30% of these devices can enter the collection and reprocessed catheter acquisition circuit promoted by the HUB.
Although this is a pioneering experience in public hospitals in Catalonia, it is a common procedure in other European countries. In Germany, for example, between 20% and 25% of the catheters used are reprocessed. Thanks to a comprehensive cleaning and sterilization system, along with up to twenty mechanical, microbiological, and visual tests, among others, the final result is a catheter with the same guarantees, functionalities, and CE marking as a new one, thus returning to the hospital supply chain.
This initiative has been made possible through the HUB’s agreement with Arrhytnet-Vanguard, the only European company specialized in reprocessing single-use medical devices. The HUB collects its used catheters, and the company then handles the entire reprocessing procedure, incorporating all catheters that pass rigorous safety and functionality checks back into the distribution circuit. This circular economy initiative both begins and ends at the HUB, as reprocessed catheters are added to its regular supply. The project has successfully involved nurses and Nursing Auxiliary Care Technicians, who must prepare the catheters in a specific way for processing, as well as the procurement and waste management departments.
This initiative strengthens Bellvitge Hospital’s position as a leader in the transition towards a circular economy in the healthcare sector by integrating the entire cycle of purchasing and returning materials. As Dr. Ignasi Anguera, director of the Electrophysiology and Arrhythmias Unit of the HUB Cardiology Service and project promoter, explains: “It not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also promotes responsible and efficient resource management, aligned with global objectives for reducing waste and emissions.” The initiative helps reduce dependence on natural resources, lowering the carbon footprint by 50% and reducing raw material usage associated with catheters by 28%.
It is estimated that approximately 600,000 radio frequency catheter ablations are performed worldwide each year, which translates into 125 tons of CO2 emissions daily—the equivalent of driving 700,000 kilometres by car every day. This innovative catheter reprocessing project highlights the hospital’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, setting a precedent for the rest of the Catalan healthcare system.