RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: There has been little research on the performance of laminar airflow (LAF) and mixing ventilation (MV) systems regarding clean airflow distribution near a surgical patient in operating rooms (ORs). The objective of this study was to examine the performance of LAF and MV systems in ORs at St Olavs Hospital in Norway. METHODS: Experimental measurements were conducted in 2 ORs equipped with LAF and MV systems. RESULTS: Under real operating conditions, airflow distribution from the LAF system was disrupted, and airflow velocity became significantly lower than that of MV above the lying patient. Airflow pattern was observed as distributed vertically downward and horizontally with LAF and MV, respectively. Turbulence intensity of supply airflow from LAF was much lower than that of MV. CONCLUSIONS: The airflow distribution by LAF system in close proximity to a patient is greatly affected by thermal plumes generated above incisions by both patients and surgical facilities. The effect of surgical facilities on airflow distribution by using MV is not significant compared to LAF ventilation. New guidelines are needed for the design of clean airflow distribution systems in the vicinity of surgical patients in ORs.
Asunto(s)
Aire Acondicionado/métodos , Quirófanos/organización & administración , Ventilación/instrumentación , Aire Acondicionado/instrumentación , Diseño de Equipo , Guías como Asunto , Humanos , Seguridad del PacienteRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Airflow distribution in the operating room plays an important role in ensuring a clean operating microenvironment and preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by airborne contaminations. The objective of this study was to characterize the airflow distribution in proximity to a patient in an orthopedic operating room. METHODS: Experimental measurements were conducted in a real operating room at St. Olav's Hospital, Norway, with a laminar airflow system. Omnidirectional anemometers were used to investigate the air distribution in the operating zone, and 4 different cases were examined with a real person and a thermal manikin. RESULTS: This study showed that the downward airflow from the laminar airflow system varies in each case with different surgical arrangement, such as the position of the operating lamp. The results indicate that the interaction of thermal plumes from a patient and the downward laminar airflow may dominate the operating microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS: The airflow distribution in proximity to a patient is influenced by both the surgical facility and the presence of medical staff. A thermal manikin may be an economical and practical way to study the interaction of thermal plumes and downward laminar airflow. The provision of higher clean airflow rate in the operating microenvironment may be an effective way to prevent the development of SSIs caused by indoor airborne contamination.