Relationship between surgical field contamination by patient's exhaled air and the state of the drapes during eye surgery.
Sci Rep
; 13(1): 5713, 2023 04 07.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2300389
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in facemask use. Consequently, it has been reported that exhaled airflow toward the eyes can cause the dispersal of bacteria into the eyes, potentially increasing the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis. In addition to wearing a facemask, gaps between the surgical drape and skin can also direct exhaled airflow toward the eyes. Here, we aimed to examine how the risk of contamination varies depending on the state of the drapes. We used a carbon dioxide imaging camera to visualize changes in exhaled airflow under different drape conditions and a particle counter to evaluate changes in the number of particles around the eye. The results revealed airflow present around the eye and a significant increase in the number of particles when the nasal side of the drape was detached from the skin. However, when a metal rod called "rihika" was used to create space above the body, the airflow and number of particles were significantly reduced. Thus, if drape coverage becomes incomplete during surgery, exhaled airflow toward the eye may contaminate the surgical field. On hanging up the drape, airflow can escape in the direction of the body, potentially preventing contamination.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Surgical Drapes
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Sci Rep
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S41598-023-31926-9
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