A Novel Approach to Identifying How Equipment Disrupts the Airflow Patterns in the Operating Room.

A decrease in the infection rates in the operating room (OR) is attributable to advances in sterile technique; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) filtration; and limiting the number of people entering and leaving the OR. However, some infection complications after open heart procedures have been linked to the discharge fans of surgical equipment, most notably from the LivaNova 3T. We believe that surgical infection within the OR may also be due to other devices with internal fans.

Improved Estimation of Total Blood Volume Can Provide a Reliable Prediction of Dilutional Hematocrit and Oxygen Delivery during Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Optimal oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for open heart surgery is crucial to protect organ function, improve outcomes, and reduce hospital stay. Effective preparation for optimal oxygen delivery during CPB is dependent on a reliable estimation of total blood volume (TBV) to accurately predict dilutional hematocrit (Hct) and calculate indexed oxygen delivery (iDO). Unreliable estimation of TBV is a major reason for inaccurate prediction of dilutional Hct and iDO.

An In-Vitro Study Comparing the GME Handling of Two Contemporary Oxygenators.

Gaseous microemboli (GME) are a potential complication of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Though it is difficult to prove that GME is the only major cause of neurological deficits, it may increase the chance of post-operative cognitive dysfunction if not removed. The objectives of this research were to compare LivaNova-Sorin Inspire (Inspire) oxygenator with a Medtronic arterial filter to the Medtronic Fusion (Fusion) oxygenator with and without a Medtronic arterial filter based on each system's ability to handle GME.