An evaluation of a partial-walled laminar-flow operating room

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Engineering
• Infection Control
• Operating Room Design

Background:

• Conventional operating rooms face challenges with airborne contamination.
• Laminar-flow systems aim to create sterile environments through controlled airflow.
• The efficacy of partially-walled laminar-flow systems requires detailed assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the physical performance of a permanently installed, partially-walled, down-flow laminar-flow operating room.
• To compare its effectiveness against free-issuing and fully-walled systems.
• To assess airborne bacterial and dust levels during surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Physical performance assessment of a partial-wall laminar-flow system.
• Comparison of air velocity and bacterial counts with free-issuing and fully-walled systems.
• Airborne bacterial and dust sampling during total hip replacement surgeries.

Main Results:

• The partial-walled system demonstrated a 20-25% loss in air velocity compared to fully-walled systems.
• Airborne bacterial counts were approximately 30 times lower than in conventional operating rooms (0.3 bacteria/ft³).
• Entrainment of contaminated air was observed but deemed low risk at the wound site.

Conclusions:

• The partial-walled laminar-flow system provides a highly sterile environment, significantly reducing airborne bacteria.
• Despite a slight reduction in efficiency compared to fully-walled systems, the enhanced mobility and communication for surgical teams may offer advantages.
• The system's low noise levels facilitate clear communication during procedures.