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Eye protection for the vascular surgeon
D C Berridge1, T A Lees, J Chamberlain
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Abstract:
Contamination occurring during vascular surgery was studied prospectively using a surgical mask incorporating a Splashguard visor. Over a 16-week period 78 vascular procedures were included; 44 were of < 2 h duration and 34 were of > or = 2 h. Contamination on both mask and visor from blood spots was recorded at the end of each procedure. Overall, 51 per cent of principal surgeons' visors were contaminated, with contamination of the mask itself in 32 per cent. When two surgeons were operating the contamination rate for the second was also high: 36 per cent for the visor and 42 per cent for the mask. Assistants had a contamination rate of 36 per cent for the visor and 13 per cent for the mask. The lowest rate of contamination occurred for the visor and mask of the scrub nurse, 10 and 4 per cent respectively. For emergency procedures the duration of operation had no influence on the frequency of contamination. However, for the principal surgeon elective operations of < 2 h duration were less likely to involve contamination than those of > or = 2 h (P < 0.035). Blood contamination of visors and masks is common in vascular surgery but rarely appreciated by the surgeon. Routine eye protection should be considered in vascular surgery, in particular for emergency and prolonged elective procedures.
Insights
Blood contamination of surgical masks and visors is frequent during vascular surgery. Routine eye protection is recommended, especially for prolonged or emergency procedures.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Safety
- Infection Control
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Surgical site contamination poses a risk in vascular procedures.
- The effectiveness of protective gear against blood splash is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess contamination rates on surgical masks and visors during vascular surgery.
- To evaluate the impact of procedure duration and surgical team role on contamination.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study over 16 weeks involving 78 vascular procedures.
- Utilized surgical masks with integrated Splashguard visors.
- Recorded blood spot contamination on masks and visors post-procedure.
Main Results:
- Principal surgeons' visors (51%) and masks (32%) showed significant contamination.
- High contamination rates were observed for the second surgeon (visor 36%, mask 42%).
- Scrub nurses had the lowest contamination rates (visor 10%, mask 4%).
Conclusions:
- Blood contamination of protective wear is common and often unnoticed in vascular surgery.
- Routine eye protection is advised, particularly for emergency and lengthy elective surgeries.
- Surgical team role influences contamination risk, with scrub nurses showing the lowest rates.