Experimental Model to Test Electrostatic Precipitation Technology in the COVID-19 Era: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Infectious Disease Control
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Laparoscopic surgery poses a risk for bioaerosol release, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Understanding and mitigating airborne contaminants in operating rooms is crucial for patient and staff safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of electrostatic aerosol precipitation (EAP) and continuous aerosol evacuation (CAE) in reducing bioaerosols during simulated laparoscopic surgery.
• To assess the impact of different surgical energy devices on bioaerosol generation.

Main Methods:

• Simulated ex-vivo laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed using swine models in a Pelvitrainer.
• Bioaerosol release was induced using monopolar electrohook (40W and 60W) and ultrasonic cutting.
• Particle number concentrations (PNC) were measured with and without EAP and CAE using a condensation particle counter.

Main Results:

• Monopolar electrohook use generated significantly higher particle number concentrations than ultrasonic cutting.
• Electrostatic aerosol precipitation (EAP) demonstrated a significant reduction in median particle number concentrations across all tested energy devices.
• Continuous aerosol evacuation (CAE) did not prevent significant operating room contamination during simulated procedures.

Conclusions:

• Electrostatic aerosol precipitation (EAP) is an effective method for intraoperative bioaerosol elimination.
• EAP significantly reduces the risk of surgical staff exposure to infectious bioaerosols in the operating room.