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Mycobacterium chimaera in heater-cooler units: new technical approach for treatment, cleaning and disinfection

Nicola Colangelo1, Ilaria Giambuzzi2, Matteo Moro3

  • 11 Extracorporeal Circulation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.

Perfusion
|December 14, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Peracetic acid (Puristeril) is used to disinfect heater-cooler units (HCUs) but can create harmful aerosols. A new closed-circuit technique minimizes staff exposure and environmental dispersion during HCU maintenance.

Area of Science:

  • Healthcare-associated infections
  • Infection control
  • Environmental hygiene

Background:

  • Mycobacterium chimaera infections are linked to contaminated heater-cooler units (HCUs) in operating rooms.
  • HCU contamination is associated with maintenance procedures.
  • Peracetic acid (Puristeril) is recommended for HCU cleaning but poses aerosol risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a novel technique for HCU cleaning using peracetic acid.
  • To minimize the impact of Puristeril aerosols on operating room staff.
  • To limit the environmental dispersion of Puristeril during HCU maintenance.

Main Methods:

  • Implementation of a closed-circuit system for HCU disinfection.
  • Utilizing peracetic acid (Puristeril) within the closed circuit.
  • Focus on reducing aerosol generation and staff exposure.

Main Results:

  • The closed-circuit method effectively contains Puristeril aerosols.
  • Reduced environmental dispersion of disinfectant aerosols.
  • Enhanced safety for operating room personnel during HCU maintenance.

Conclusions:

  • A closed-circuit cleaning technique is effective for HCU disinfection.
  • This method mitigates risks associated with peracetic acid aerosolization.
  • Improved infection control and occupational safety in operating rooms.
Keywords:
cardiac surgerycardiopulmonary bypassheater-cooler unitheater-exchanger

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