Purifying air over the operating field with a new mobile laminar airflow device to reduce the possibility of airborne contamination

Abstract

To investigate the effectiveness of a mobile laminar airflow (LAF) device designed to reduce both airborne particles and lint fibers within the sterile field during cataract surgery.

Initial experiences of cataract & lens surgery in 1269 patients in outpatient clean rooms using a portable laminar air flow device

“…Similarly, the use of the device in a simulated setting for intravitreal injections showed a safer procedural environment with reduction in particulate matter in the ambient air [ 12 ] and a case series of 39 small joint arthroplasty surgeries showed no significant difference in the rate of infections, intraoperative or post-operative complications over a 12 month follow up [ 17 ]. More recently Osher et al used the Toul Meditech Operio Mobile to detect the number of particulate matter and lint fibres in the sterile surgical field and found a statistically significant reduction in these particles with 0% lint fibres falling onto the sterile field [ 18 ]. They report relative paucity of data of the use of the device in clinical practice for cataract surgery.…”

“…The Royal College of Ophthalmologists produces guidelines to ensure minimum standards in ventilation in operating theatres, however, ventilation systems used can vary in airflow patterns and cleaning efficiency may not be uniform. The filters used may become obstructed and need regular maintenance, or be blocked by surgical equipment [ 18 ]. The Toul Meditech Operio Mobile device creates a small uniform sterile field that we have shown to be safe.…”

Effectiveness and safety of cataract surgery in laminar air flow device versus traditional scrubs: A 1-year non-inferiority pilot study

“…A recent study (5) measured the level of microparticles at the surgical site with and without a laminar air flow device (LAF) during cataract operations, showing a significant reduction during its use. Parker et al (6) studied the feelings of patients operated with the Surgicube R through 789 corneal transplants.…”

Comment on: Purifying air over the operating field with a new mobile laminar airflow device to reduce the possibility of airborne contamination

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Comment on: Purifying air over the operating field with a new mobile laminar airflow device to reduce the possibility of airborne contamination We were interested to read the recent article by Osher et al 1 We had also previously reviewed the poster by Osher and Figueiredo, "A New Technology for Purifying the Surgical Field", at the 2019 ASCRS Annual Meeting in San Diego that had a nice picture of the Operio System located adjacent to the patient and the surgical field. Point 1, we wish that photograph had been included in this article and the reason for the orientation or of the machine discussed further in the article.Prior to the San Diego meeting, we became concerned with the plethora of lint-like fibers on the surgical field at our institution, both clear and blue, particularly after visualizing one in Bela Lugosi-like horror in the anterior chamber on the first postoperative day (Figure 1).

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“…We were interested to read the recent article by Osher et al 1 We had also previously reviewed the poster by Osher and Figueiredo, “A New Technology for Purifying the Surgical Field”, at the 2019 ASCRS Annual Meeting in San Diego that had a nice picture of the Operio System located adjacent to the patient and the surgical field. Point 1, we wish that photograph had been included in this article and the reason for the orientation or of the machine discussed further in the article.…”