How safe is outpatient surgery

Laminar Air Flow Device - Operio Mobil

Mobile device for outpatient and hybrid surgeries

Bacteria that are largely insensitive to antibiotics are increasingly becoming a problem not only in hospitals but also increasingly in doctor's offices and outpatient surgeries. Significant contamination with dangerous germs is not uncommon. A Swedish manufacturer is now ensuring more sterility in the operating room and making outpatient surgery safer.

A large part of outpatient surgical centers operate without any kind of ventilation systems that reduce germs in order to save costs. They use so-called window ventilation, which can lead to dangerous germ concentrations that can trigger infections. The number of germs in these operating rooms is often even higher than in any regular living room.

Reduced risk of postoperative wound infections

The instruments and implants lose their sterility, and even the smallest germ counts can cause infections in patients. During surgeries or open wounds, pathogens have an easy time and can enter the bloodstream directly without hindrance. If the patient becomes infected with a dangerous and resistant germ, it can have severe consequences. Even the operating room staff can potentially spread pathogenic agents despite following aseptic rules. The release of contaminated droplets from the nose and throat is reduced by the surgical mask but not completely prevented.

Mobile instrument tables with integrated TAV airflow through HEPA filters (H 14) now ensure maximum sterilization of instruments even during surgery in the operating room. These devices significantly reduce the risk of infection in the OR. Every surgery can be quickly and inexpensively retrofitted without costly renovations. Additionally, these measures are a cost-effective investment.

Air purification up to 95 percent

The Laminar Air Flow devices produce a consistent sterile airflow that cleans the instruments and the operating field from bacteria by 99.99%. Unlike conventional ventilation, the sterile airflow is not obstructed by the surgical light or the surgical team, allowing the ultra-clean air to reach the operating field directly.

These devices ensure sterilization of the instruments and the surgical field within seconds. They reduce germs in the operating room by up to 95%, significantly lowering the risk of postoperative wound infections.

The devices do not require connection to an existing air conditioning system and are ready for use within seconds. They filter 400 cubic meters of air per hour through a highly efficient filter that prevents bacteria from passing. Thus, they reduce microbial load not only in the operating area and on the instruments but throughout the entire operating room. Instruments and implants are protected and remain sterile even during very long surgeries.

Studies: A study conducted by the University of Greifswald demonstrated a reduction of particles in the operating field by a factor of 1000. Colony-forming units in the operating field were reduced by a factor of 250 during simulated surgeries. Many other studies (Journal of Hospital Infection, Hybeta, St. Marien Hospital Hamm, and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences) confirm the protective effect according to DIN 1946-4.