Is a Refurbished ESU Right for Your Facility?

A professionally refurbished electrosurgical unit is a good investment for almost any medical facility, but finding a properly refurbished ESU from a reputable medical equipment provider can require some extra research and purchasing considerations. Use our refurbished ESU buying tips to learn more about how to get the best refurbished unit for your facility.

Benefits of Purchasing a Refurbished ESU

Cost-saving potential

As with purchasing any other piece of refurbished medical equipment, the most attractive advantage is the cost. A professionally refurbished ESU functions just as well as a new unit, at a fraction of the price compared to the latest model. And with proper care and maintenance, a refurbished ESU can last just as long as a unit that was purchased factory new.

Increased budget flexibility

Purchasing a professionally refurbished ESU creates more room in your facility’s budget, allowing you to plan for bigger expenses that will drive your practice’s growth. For example, choose a refurbished ESU and put the cost savings towards upgrading your imaging equipment.

Reduced training time

Opting for a ESU often allows you to select a model close to the one you’re already using, which helps to eliminate adjustment time and gets your staff back to business as usual. Instead of spending the time and resources to train your team on cutting-edge ESU technology, stick with a platform you already know.

Before you buy

Purchasing a refurbished ESU can benefit your facility in a variety of ways, but it’s important to understand that these benefits only apply to a professionally refurbished ESU from a reputable equipment refurbisher. Not all medical equipment refurbishment companies are comparable in experience and skill.

In order to avoid the pitfalls of paying for an improperly refurbished ESU, some research is required. Consider the following questions before choosing a professionally refurbished ESU provider:

Does the equipment provider have enough industry experience?

Don’t be afraid to quiz your prospective equipment company about its history and current market standing. Find out how long the company has been in business, and how long it has been an ESU refurbisher.

You should also go a little deeper and make sure the company has access to industry-standard, late model ESU models. In order for a refurbished ESU to be a good fit for your facility, it should be a later model unit that has been tested and approved by the market.

Does the equipment provider follow a set of refurbishment protocols?

A reputable ESU refurbisher should have a standard process that is both transparent and comprehensive. The process should be outlined from evaluation, through refurbishment, repairing, and testing.

Here is an example of a typical refurbishment protocol for an ESU:

A Typical Electrosurgical Unit Refurbishment Process

• Mount, fasteners, and fittings are inspected and replaced.
• AC plug, receptacles, and cords are replaced.
• Electrodes, transducers, and fuses are inspected and replaced.
• Display panels are inspected and cleaned, or replaced.
• All audible signals are tested, and the unit is recalibrated.
• Footswitch and/or handswitch is inspected and replaced.
• New grounding plate and grounding plate cord is included.
• New disposable pad and cautery pen included.
• Unit is tested to manufacturer specifications.
• Unit receives a new label and is shipped to the customer.