operating theatre

Airborne particles released from surgical team members are major sources of surgical site infections (SSIs). To reduce SSI risk, ultraclean-zoned ventilation (UZV) systems have been widely applied, supplementary to the main operating theatre (OT) ventilation. Usually, OT ventilation performance is determined without considering the influence of staff-member posture and movements. Whether the surgeon’s posture during surgery influences particle distribution within the surgical area is not well analysed and documented.

In the present study microclimate and airflow patterns in a real operating theatre (OT) under effective use conditions are investigated. Surgical staff movements and sliding door opening/closing effects on the air thermal distribution and velocity fields are considered. Experimental measurements and numerical simulations are carried out for the “at rest” and “operational” conditions of the OT. Two “operational” use conditions are considered: “correct” and “incorrect” during a simulated hip surgery.

Describes the microbioligic surveillance of the central air handling systems in a hospital, prompted by an increase in the rates of nosocomial infection caused by filamentous fungi in immunocompromised patients. Heavy contamination by Penicillium was found in ventilation ducts and terminal unit lined with fiberglass in the operating room air handling system, as well as Aspergillus species. The contamination was corrected using filter replacement and decontamination with aerosolized chlorine solution.

Due to infection risks, high demands are set for the air quality in operating theatres. This is normally realised through the use of a downflow plenum. In this article the application of a fluid flow simulation program (CFD), as a design tool for the evaluation of a new ventilation design for operating theatres, is discussed. In this case an alternative downflow plenum has been investigated, that differs from the currently common designs. The use of CFD allowed for the examination of important design criteria and the resulting adjustments to the design.

We try to compare an environment in different types of hospitals. The University Hospital iD. Prague is located in the centre of the town in historical buildings. Homolka Hospital in Prague is one of the newest monoblock hospitals, well equipped; smaller but specialised (e.g. Leksell Gamma.Knife). We compared tbe concentrations of anaesthetic gases and temperature in operating theatres with or without air-condition. The effect of ventilation systems was confirmed, when the systems were good operated.

In this study we evaluated the diffusion of nitrous oxide in a few operating rooms, using spatial data modelling techniques, in order to assess hospital staff exposure and to promote risk management. Indoor air sampling was carried out, during routine operating activity, by means of transportable infrared spectrometer, with geostatistical techniques. We detected high average concentrations of nitrous oxide (from 8 ppm to 445 ppm, with a peak of 1345 ppm).