Related Experiment Videos
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.
The British Journal of Surgery
|November 1, 1993
Summary
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.