What was investigated?
The authors used an eco-audit methodology to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions generated by procedures performed in the operating theatre. A total of 30 ablations conducted over an eight-week period were analysed, including the use of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and energy consumption within the operating theatre environment, covering both the procedural area and the anaesthesia workstation.
Key findings: Materials account for the majority of emissions
On average, a catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation generated 76.9 kg of CO₂ equivalents emissions.
The distribution of these emissions is particularly significant. Approximately 75% of the overall carbon footprint originated from the procedural environment, while anaesthesia accounted for around 25%.
The greatest opportunity for improvement becomes even clearer when examining the different stages of the product life cycle. Material extraction and manufacturing emerged as the primary drivers of emissions, together accounting for almost 90% of the total footprint. By comparison, transportation and energy consumption during product use contributed only a relatively small proportion.
Which products contribute most significantly?
The study identified electrophysiology catheters as the largest single source of emissions. These devices were responsible for approximately 29.9 kg of CO₂ equivalents per procedure, representing around 38.8% of the total carbon footprint. Patches and other procedural components also made a notable contribution.
Why this matters for sustainable medical technology
The study reaches a clear conclusion: if the environmental footprint of electrophysiology procedures is to be reduced, the life cycle of single-use medical devices must be reconsidered. The focus should not be limited to end-of-life disposal but should instead address the stages where the greatest environmental impacts occur—namely material extraction and manufacturing.
In line with these findings, the authors propose a roadmap that includes strategies such as reducing, recycling, reprocessing and redesigning medical products.
The greatest opportunity lies before disposal
Circular approaches within medical technology can be particularly effective when they address the material and production stages of a product’s life cycle. Where single-use medical devices can be returned to a controlled and regulated circular system under clearly defined quality assurance requirements, a tangible opportunity exists to conserve resources and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.
Source: Ditac et al. (2023), Carbon footprint of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation, Europace.
