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Related Experiment Videos

Airborne particulates in the OR environment.

C E Edmiston1, S Sinski, G R Seabrook

  • 1Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.

AORN Journal
|June 22, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Airborne particulates, including bacteria and lint from surgical drapes, were detected during vascular surgery. This highlights potential risks for surgical site infections (SSIs) and pathogen spread in operating rooms.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infection Control
  • Surgical Safety

Background:

  • Intraoperative airborne contamination is often overlooked due to technical challenges and a belief in its low association with surgical site infections (SSIs).
  • Understanding airborne particulate presence is crucial for preventing nosocomial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and types of airborne particulates, both viable and non-viable, during intraoperative vascular surgery.
  • To assess the potential role of airborne particles in SSI development and pathogen dissemination within the operating room (OR).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a personal cascade impactor sampling device for intraoperative airborne particulate collection during vascular surgery.
  • Identified and characterized both non-viable (e.g., fibers) and viable (e.g., microorganisms) particulates recovered from the OR environment.

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Main Results:

  • Recovered significant amounts of non-viable particulates, primarily wood pulp fibers from disposable gowns and drapes.
  • Detected viable particulates, including nosocomial pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, near the surgical field.
  • Observed widespread presence of airborne particles during the surgical procedures.

Conclusions:

  • Airborne particulates are prevalent during intraoperative periods, challenging previous assumptions.
  • Disposable surgical materials contribute significantly to airborne contamination.
  • Further research is essential to determine the direct link between intraoperative airborne particles and SSIs or pathogen transmission.