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[Sterilization of phacoemulsification and vitrectomy instruments. Contamination and evaluation]
H Minõ de Kaspar1, T Grasbon, A Kampik
1Augenklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Summary
Contaminated surgical equipment can cause infections. An internal vacuum control manifold (VCM) in surgical systems showed severe bacterial contamination, while a modified external VCM remained sterile, preventing infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Surgical Technology
Context:
- Automated surgical equipment, particularly the vacuum control manifold (VCM), is a potential but often overlooked source of perioperative infections.
- Internal VCMs in common phaco- and vitrectomy systems are not routinely disinfected, creating a reservoir for bacterial growth.
Purpose:
- To investigate the contamination of aspiration fluid by the vacuum control manifold (VCM) in automated surgical equipment.
- To compare the bacterial contamination levels between a standard internal VCM and a modified, externally accessible VCM that allows for regular disinfection.
Summary:
- A study of 37 aspiration fluid specimens from intraocular surgeries revealed severe bacterial contamination (2-4+ growth) in all samples from systems with internal VCMs.
- Common bacteria identified included Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Comamonas acidovorans, and Agrobacterium radiobacter.
- Aspiration fluid from a system with a modified external VCM, regularly disinfected with 70% isopropanol, remained completely sterile.
- A statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001) in contamination frequency was observed between the internal and external VCM groups.
Impact:
- The findings highlight the critical need for improved hygiene protocols for automated surgical equipment to prevent perioperative infections.
- Modifying the VCM to an external, easily disinfected design effectively eliminates aspiration fluid contamination.
- This research provides a practical solution for enhancing patient safety in ophthalmic surgery by mitigating infection risks associated with contaminated equipment.