A Mayo stand is a specialized, mobile, and height-adjustable instrument table used primarily in surgical settings to provide immediate access to necessary tools and supplies during a procedure. This equipment is a staple in operating rooms, dental offices, and other clinical environments where maintaining a sterile field and maximizing efficiency are necessary. Its function is to support the “working set” of instruments, meaning the most frequently used items are kept close to the surgical site. The stand’s design ensures instruments are within easy reach of the surgeon or scrub nurse, allowing the surgical team to perform procedures without delay.
Design and Core Function
The physical design of a Mayo stand is specialized to fit within the confined space of a surgical suite. Most stands are constructed from durable, easy-to-clean materials like stainless steel or chrome-plated steel to withstand frequent sterilization and the demanding conditions of the operating room. A distinguishing feature is the single-post, cantilevered base, meaning the support pole is positioned off-center from the tray. This allows the base to slide underneath or closely over the operating table, placing the tray directly above the surgical field without interfering with the surgeon’s or assistant’s feet.
The height of the stand is adjustable, often using a knob, thumb-control, or foot-operated mechanism, accommodating both sitting and standing procedures. At the top is a flat, removable tray, which holds the instruments during the procedure. This tray is usually detachable, which facilitates its separate cleaning and sterilization before surgery.
The primary function of the stand is to organize and hold the instruments required for immediate use. The scrub nurse or surgical technologist meticulously arranges the instruments on the tray in a specific, predictable order. This systematic organization ensures that the surgeon can quickly receive the correct instrument without needing to look away from the patient, minimizing the time the incision is open.
Placement and Integration into the Sterile Field
Before a procedure begins, the Mayo stand is prepared with a specialized, sterile drape known as a Mayo stand cover. This cover is typically folded with a cuff that allows the scrub nurse to place it over the stand without contaminating the sterile field. The stand is then strategically positioned after the patient is prepped and draped for surgery.
Its placement is directly over the patient, often spanning the surgical incision site, or situated as close as possible to the working area. This proximity maintains the shortest possible distance for instrument transfer between the scrub nurse and the surgeon. The height is adjusted to be just above the patient’s body, allowing the instruments to be presented in the most ergonomically convenient position for the surgeon.
The stand functions as an extension of the sterile field, keeping the most active instruments segregated from the larger back table where less frequently used supplies are stored. Maintaining the integrity of the sterile field is necessary to prevent surgical site infections, and the stand’s design facilitates this by keeping the working instruments elevated and contained. The orderly arrangement and close placement allow the scrub nurse to anticipate the surgeon’s needs and pass instruments quickly and safely.
Origin of the Name
The name “Mayo” is a direct reference to the physicians who were instrumental in its development and popularization in the early 20th century. These were Dr. William J. Mayo and Dr. Charles H. Mayo, the two brothers who co-founded the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The brothers were innovative surgeons who sought to improve the efficiency and organization of their operating rooms.
They recognized the need for a compact, mobile tray that could hold instruments close to the surgical site. The design was created to solve logistical issues in the operating theater, especially as they accommodated more observers and students. The stand became associated with their practice, and doctors who visited the institution often adopted the new equipment, leading to the name “Mayo stand” becoming the industry standard.