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Transmural surgical gown pressure measurements in the operating theater
K W Altman1, J H McElhaney, J A Moylan
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC.
Abstract:
Transmural gown pressures encountered when the surgeon comes into contact with a patient were measured in the operating theater. The surgical gown industry has assumed these pressures to be less than 5 psi in testing the efficacy of the gown and drape barrier material to impede bacterial transmission through its pores. In this study, pressure-sensitive contact film and resistive strain gauge recordings made from the surgeon's abdominal region and forearms indicated peak contact pressures in excess of 60 psi. This report indicates a need to reassess the basis of test utilization in evaluating barrier materials used in gowns and drapes.
Insights
Surgical gown pressure testing may be inaccurate. Peak intraoperative pressures exceed 60 psi, far surpassing the 5 psi industry standard, potentially compromising bacterial barrier efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Surgical sciences
- Biomedical engineering
- Infection control
Background:
- Surgical gowns and drapes are critical barriers against bacterial transmission.
- Current industry standards for testing barrier efficacy assume low contact pressures (<5 psi).
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure actual transmural gown pressures during surgical procedures.
- To evaluate the adequacy of current industry testing standards for surgical gowns and drapes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pressure-sensitive contact film and resistive strain gauges.
- Recorded pressures from the surgeon's abdominal region and forearms during operations.
Main Results:
- Peak contact pressures recorded exceeded 60 psi.
- Measured pressures were significantly higher than the assumed 5 psi industry standard.
Conclusions:
- Current testing methods for surgical gown and drape barrier materials may not accurately reflect real-world conditions.
- Reassessment of test utilization is needed to ensure effective bacterial barrier performance.
