Dispersion Risk Associated With Surgical Debridement Devices

Area of Science:

• Surgical Instrumentation
• Wound Debridement Technologies
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Surgical debridement utilizes energy applications, with Versajet II (waterjet) and SonicVac (ultrasound) being primary options.
• Both devices have the potential for spray dispersion during tissue removal.
• Versajet II uses a high-powered water jet, while SonicVac employs low-frequency ultrasound and cavitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the spray dispersion patterns of Versajet II and SonicVac under ideal and challenging laboratory conditions.
• To compare the debridement efficacy and associated aerosolization of bacteria by the two devices.

Main Methods:

• Bacterial contamination (E. coli or S. epidermidis) was applied to beef steak specimens.
• Specimens were debrided for 60 seconds using either Versajet II or SonicVac at specific settings.
• Culture plates were positioned to capture potential bacterial spray, and tissue removal was measured.

Main Results:

• Both devices exhibited minimal spray in ideal settings.
• The Versajet II waterjet generated significant bacterial spray on culture plates when used on bony specimens.
• The SonicVac ultrasound device showed only minimal contamination in similar challenging conditions.

Conclusions:

• Both surgical debridement instruments can be used safely under appropriate conditions.
• Surgeons must be aware of the potential risks and limitations regarding spray dispersion, particularly with waterjet devices.
• The SonicVac demonstrated superior control over bacterial spray in challenging debridement scenarios.