The conventionally ventilated operating theatre and air contamination control during cardiac surgery – bacteriological and particulate matter control garment options for low level contamination

• Published in: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery 1998-08, Vol.14 (2), p.206-210
• Main Authors: Verkkala, Kalervo, Eklund, Anne, Ojajärvi, Juhani, Tiittanen, Leena, Hoborn, Jan, Mäkelä, Paavo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air Microbiology; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiac surgery; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Contamination; Humans; Infection Control - methods; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Operating Rooms; Protective Clothing; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the heart; Surgical Wound Infection - prevention & control; Ventilation
• ISSN: 1010-7940; 1873-734X
• DOI: 10.1016/S1010-7940(98)00150-X

Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the usefulness of a conventional bacteriological technique with that of particle counting under lower air contamination and better aseptic conditions achieved with special staff garments and covering for the patient. Contamination levels were estimated with continuous on line air particle counting measurement, volumetric intermittent short period aerobic bacteriological cultures and wound surface contact cultures. Methods: In a series of 66 consecutive coronary artery bypass operations performed by the same team and in the same theatre using different types of patient and staff clothing, the impact of a reduced bacteriological and particulate contamination were assessed. The volumetric air contamination of particles ≥5 μm and bacteria-carrying particles were monitored 30 cm above the sternal wound. The bacterial contamination and bacterial wound infections in the sternal and leg wounds were assessed as well. Results: With the alternative garment and textile system, the air counts fell from 25 colony-forming units (CFU)/m3 to 7 CFU/m3 (P90%. In order to give continuous contamination feedback during the whole operation to the theatre staff, particle counts ≥5 μm were monitored and visualized. Air particle counts decreased rapidly from 850 particles/m3 and stabilized to approximately 50 particles/m3 when the alternative clothing system was used (P