Key Considerations for Selecting Universal Casters for Surgical Instrument Trolleys

Time：Jan 20,2026

In high-standard medical environments such as operating rooms, surgical instrument trolleys play a crucial role in frequent movement and precise positioning. As a key component of these trolleys, universal casters directly affect the safety of use, the smoothness of operation, and the overall level of hygiene. Therefore, when selecting casters, it is essential to comprehensively consider multiple factors, including load-bearing capacity, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and noise performance.

I. Requirements for Caster Materials in Clean Medical Environments

The operating room is a highly clean environment with stringent requirements for the rust resistance, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning of equipment components. For caster wheels used on surgical instrument carts, the brackets should typically be made of medical-grade stainless steel or metal materials with excellent corrosion-resistant properties to withstand the chemical and moisture effects resulting from prolonged disinfection and cleaning procedures.

In terms of wheel surface materials, high-elasticity TPR and other quiet materials are more suitable for medical environments. These materials not only produce low rolling noise but also offer excellent shock-absorbing performance, reducing vibrations during operation and preventing interference with the surgical environment. Meanwhile, the sealed bearing design effectively prevents dust, moisture, and disinfectants from entering the internal components, helping to ensure long-term stable operation of the casters.

II. Comprehensive Consideration of Mobility Flexibility and Braking Performance

During use, surgical instrument carts must not only be able to move flexibly but also remain firmly stable in their designated positions. Therefore, universal casters should feature smooth 360-degree rotation capability to meet the precise adjustment requirements in confined spaces.

In terms of braking design, it is recommended to choose caster wheels equipped with a dual-braking function—simultaneously locking both the wheel’s rotation and its swivel direction. This design provides a more reliable hold when the cart comes to a stop, effectively preventing accidental sliding. The braking mechanism typically employs a foot-operated system, which is both convenient and quick while also eliminating hand contact, thus meeting the requirements for sterile operations.

The diameter of casters typically ranges from 3 to 5 inches. While ensuring sufficient load-bearing capacity, this size helps lower the center of gravity of the cart and enhance its overall stability. Additionally, casters equipped with an anti-entanglement design can effectively prevent cables, conduits, and other debris from getting tangled around the wheel axle, thereby improving both operational safety and work efficiency.

III. Daily Cleaning, Maintenance, and Service Life

Surgical instrument carts require frequent cleaning and disinfection, which places higher demands on the durability of their casters. High-quality casters should exhibit excellent chemical resistance and resistance to moisture and heat, and should remain free from rusting, aging, or deformation even after repeated wiping and disinfection.

Meanwhile, a well-designed load distribution can reduce the concentration of force on individual casters, thereby preventing abnormal wear caused by long-term uneven loading. Regularly inspecting the casters’ rotation and brake responsiveness can also help extend their overall service life and ensure the cart’s stable operation over the long term.

Conclusion

The selection of universal casters for surgical instrument carts is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of medical equipment. By choosing casters that are corrosion-resistant, low-noise, highly maneuverable, and equipped with reliable braking performance, we can not only enhance the user experience of the carts but also better meet the stringent cleanliness and safety standards required in surgical environments.

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