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Abstract

IntroductionUse of the Bair Hugger forced-air patient warming system during prolonged abdominal vascular surgery may lead to increased bacterial contamination of the surgical field by mobilization of the patient's skin flora.MethodsThis possibility was studied by analyzing bacterial content in air and wound specimens collected during surgery in 16 patients undergoing abdominal vascular prosthetic graft insertion procedure, using the Bair Hugger patient warming system. The bacterial colony counts from the beginning and the end of surgery were compared, and the data analyzed using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test.ResultsThe results showed not only that there was no increase in bacterial counts at the study sites, but also that there was a decrease (P < 0.01) in air bacterial content around the patient and in the operating theatre after prolonged use of the patient warmer. No wound or graft infections occurred.ConclusionThe use of this warming system does not lead to increased bacterial contamination of the operating theatre atmosphere, and it is unlikely to affect the surgical field adversely.

Forced-Air Warming and Resistive Heating Devices. Updated Perspectives on Safety and Surgical Site Infections

“…The effect of FAW on contaminant counts in the sterile OR environment ( 12 , 25 , 26 , 31 ) generated different opinions among different authors. Studies conducted by Albrecht et al found an increased bacterial load in OR room with ultra clean ventilation (UCV) when FAW is used, and attributed this effect to the floor level location of FAW blowers and their intake, where most of the contaminants originated ( 4 , 6 , 10 ).…”

“…Several studies used particle count in air samples to assess the air quality in OR and concluded that FAW does not worsen air quality in laminar flow operating room ( 2 , 14 , 25 , 26 , 31 ). Cristina et al found no statistically significant correlation between microbial loads and particle counts when assessing OR air quality ( 33 ).…”

The effect of adding a heated humidified breathing circuit on body temperature in healthy anesthetized dogs

“…Placement of these devices is often limited due to interference with the surgical field, and they pose a potential risk of thermal burns due to direct contact with patient skin. [16][17][18][19] Some studies [20][21][22][23][24][25] suggest that forced warm air blowers increase the risk of bacterial contamination of the surgical site; however, this remains controversial. In the present study, no surgical site infections were observed.…”

Eliminating sternal wound infections: Why every cardiac surgery program needs an I hate infections team

“…Convection patient warmers are commonly used on patients in operating rooms to prevent or mitigate hypothermia; however, there are concerns that these devices may not only harbor bacteria and dust but mobilize infectious particles that could potentially seed wounds. 17 , 18 Their internal fans can disturb air flow currents in an operating room, causing dust, debris, and/or bacteria to settle on the sterile field. 19 …”